Co-op Money NZ to celebrate International Credit Union (ICU) Day in October
This ICU Day’s theme of ‘People Helping People’ pays tribute to the driving philosophy of credit unions around the
world, and especially in New Zealand.
AUCKLAND, 14 OCTOBER 2015: Co-op Money NZ, the industry voice representing co-operatively owned credit unions and building societies in New Zealand, will be
celebrating this year’s International Credit Union (ICU) Day on 15 October 2015.
“Since 1948, ICU Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. Each year, the international event
affords the opportunity to reflect upon the credit union movement's history and to promote its achievements. It is a day
to honour those who have dedicated their lives to the movement, recognise the hard work of those working in the credit
union industry and show our appreciation,” said Henry Lynch, CEO of Co-op Money NZ.
“This ICU Day’s theme of ‘People Helping People’ pays tribute to the driving philosophy of credit unions all around the
world, and especially in New Zealand. It is not only the ideological foundation of customer-owned banking institutions
in the country, but also a matter of daily practice for them. Our Members focus on making life easier for mum-and-dad
Kiwis, and offer them a personalised level of service that many other financial institutions find difficult to equal.”
“We believe that the theme resonates well with people of all ages, especially in the light of growing interest in
public-spirited organisations with a strong social conscience,” added Lynch.
ICU Day will be honoured and celebrated by Co-op Money NZ’s Member credit unions around the country in various ways.
“Credit unions and mutual building societies have long been a crucial part of the New Zealand economy and they are
constantly reviewing and improving their market offerings in order to remain relevant to the changing needs of new-age
Kiwis.”
“Through our Member organisations, and along with our partners, we facilitate ongoing innovation by providing multiple
banking and insurance services, including payment mechanisms and IT facilities that are supported by interactive banking
services across phone, text, internet, and mobile devices.”
“Crucially, profits made by credit unions and mutual building societies are returned back to Kiwi communities in various
ways, so it stays in the country to enrich the population as a whole” added Lynch.
ENDS