14 November 2006

ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY

 

During 2005/06, Army Central Welfare (ACWF), through its holiday home network, sponsored group discount schemes, welfare grants and loans, continued to provide real value for Regular Force and civilian employees.

 

Army leave centres

The Army leave centres provided 8,635 nights of accommodation during 2005/06. Hanmer was occupied 85 percent of the time; Napier 84 percent; Wanaka 79 percent; Acacia Bay 74 percent; Waikanae and Mount Maunganui 73 percent; Akaroa 71 percent; Rotorua 68 percent; Wanganui 61 percent; Nelson 60 percent; and Turangi 58 percent.

 

Current upgrades

Two major projects began this year, and are well underway. The Acacia Bay units at Taupo are being fully refurnished, and 2 Engr Regt apprentices are building an additional unit off-site for the Waikanae Leave Centre. The improved facilities are expected to be in operation for the 2006/07 Christmas holidays/summer season.

 

The exteriors of the Mt Maunganui and Rotorua leave centres were repainted.

 

Next

During 2007 the main focus of the refurbishment programme will be on the South Island, with Akaroa a priority for a complete internal refit. Works are also planned for Hanmer, Nelson and Wanaka. Options for meeting the demand for a leave centre in the Auckland region will continue to be explored.

 

Group benefits

The ACWF-sponsored Army Group Life Insurance Plan, the NZDF Health Insurance Plan and the NZDF Banking and Home Loan Package are available to all members. These arrangements assist Army employees and their families to manage their life insurance risk with Sovereign, their health insurance risks with Southern Cross and obtain concessionary home loan interest rates and other banking facilities from the National Bank.

 

Army Non-Public Funds

Army Non-Public Funds provides a collective banking service for the variety of Army non-public fund organisations. These funds are invested in fixed-interest investments and loans to qualifying Army employees. Interest earned is paid monthly to the Army NPF organisations. With an end-of-year bonus payment, the return to members was 6.25 percent for 2005/06.

 

NPF Personal Loan Scheme

This scheme provides Army personnel with access to personal loans at lower interest rates than those charged by banks and other lenders. During 2005/06, 49 percent of borrowers used their loans to refinance credit card or other high interest rate debts and another 32 percent to purchase or repair motor vehicles.

 

With the number of refinance applications it is evident that many people need advice on personal financial matters. A series of “Money Coach” articles featured in the Army News over recent issues; these have been developed into a booklet which can be accessed on the Army Central Welfare Intranet site.

 

Future directions

The Army NPF will continue to promote the Personnel Loan Scheme as a worthwhile borrowing option for Army personnel. In addition to the ongoing leave centre refurbishment programme, the ACWF will focus on supporting worthwhile camp projects that benefit as many Army people as possible.

 

Work will continue on updating the online Army Welfare Resource Book and developing other useful money and life skills resource material.

 

Image gallery - Issue 367