History

Wine Country Credit Union began amongst the Catholic parishioners in July 1965.  It was the first Credit Union to pay a 4% dividend in its first year of operation.

In 1969 the annual report noted: " Our greatest joy this year arises from the fact that by example and encouragement we have fostered into being four new credit unions in Hawke's Bay: East Coast Fertilizer Works, Hawke's Bay Electric Power Board, and the Heretaunga and Napier Catholic Parishes."

In 1987, the name was changed to Hastings and District Credit Union when the common bond was expanded to embrace the full community.  The group moved into the transitional stage in 1995 when it absorbed the employees'credit union from the Tomoana Freezing Works, which closed almost ten years after the demise of Whakatu, and also the New Era (H.B.) Credit Union.

In 1997 the group changed its name to Credit Union Hawke's Bay.  It expanded its common bond to cover "the land district of Hawke's Bay"and was joined by the Napier Community Credit Union, which had grown from the Napier Catholic Credit Union, which began in 1969 and became community based in 1993.

In 2002, it became the Wine Country Credit Union which better reflects the spirit and motivations of the Hawke's Bay Region.

In 2007, Wine Country Credit Union expanded its membership base to residents living in the North Island of New Zealand,  to Incorporated Societies registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908, and their members and Charitable entities as defined by the Charities Act 2005 and their members.

1st April 2008, Auckland Districts Manchester Unity Credit Union merged with Wine Country Credit Union. The current branch at Royal Oak continues to be used.

In October 2008, Wine Country Credit Union expanded its membership base to all residents living in New Zealand.