World Credit Union body recognises NZ director

New Zealand Association of Credit Unions (NZACU) director, Rob Nicholls, has been honoured with a prestigious international award from the World Council of Credit Unions, the international body representing more than 208 million people in 103 countries across the globe.

Last night, Rob Nicholls was presented with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at the 2014 World Council of Credit Unions’ annual Conference held this year on the Gold Coast. Mr Nicholls was one of only two recipients to receive the award this year by the global organisation.

Mr Nicholls has been involved with the credit union movement within New Zealand and Australia for over 30 years and the award recognised his long standing service, dedication and contribution to the development of credit unions in this region, and internationally.

More than 1,800 international delegates from around the world were at the conference, and Mr Nicholls received the accolade from World Council President and Chief Executive Officer, Brian Branch, and World Council Chair, Grzegorz Bierecki, at the closing ceremony on Wednesday 30th July 2014.

NZACU represents 22 cooperatively owned credit unions and building societies in New Zealand, who in turn provide a wide range of financial services, like savings accounts, loans and insurance.

Any profits made stay within New Zealand, and are returned to the members in a combination of ways, such as fairer fees and interest rates with community involvement.