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The Hibernians The Hibernians were first established in New Zealand, in Greymouth by Australians invited from Ballarat in 1869. The Society is registered as a friendly society under the Societies and Credit Unions Act 1982. The Hibernians are a friendly society for the mutual assistance of members in life and in death. Befitting its working class origins the dues payable by members are small to moderate with corresponding benefit levels to guard against hardship rather than amass wealth. The Society operates through local branches and quarterly notices advise members of their meeting details and their dues. Members dues are paid into their chosen benefit fund and for small amounts for the local branch's administration, social and benevolent funds, and the local medical fund. Each fund of the Society and its branches has its rules regulating contributions, dues and benefits. Each fund receives a pro-rata share of investment income and pays a fair share of overhead expenses as determined by the Society's Board from time to time. Branches foster the fraternal spirit of the Society and many are in effect social clubs with the Church or assist the parish as a kind of Catholc service club. Typical activities that are the concern of branches are local medical funds, co-operative pharmacies (UFS) and the branch benevolent fund for hardship grants. Membership The Hibernian Society is open to Catholics and non-Catholic spouses of Catholics. Membership is currently 2,800 and there are 21 branches throughout New Zealand. Prospective members apply to join a branch of the Society and every applicant should be nominated. Those interested in being nominated should in the first instance contact the local branch secretary, or the Society's office direct on 0800 658 282 or by using the attached "contact" form. Assets The Hibernian Society has total assets of $10.2M (Assurance Fund $7.0M; Funeral Fund $2.9M) and the Hibernian Credit Union $1.0M. Benefits and Services - a summary Life Assurance - Whole of Life and Endowment Assurance up to a value of $60,000. Funeral Benefit - this is the Society's oldest Fund. It pays a benefit to help pay its member's funeral expenses. Mortgage and Loan Finance - the Society offers a range of loans to its members at interest rates and fees that are often below those of banks and finance companies. Tertiary Bursary - allows a member to save towards a child's full-time tertiary education. Retraining Benefit - to assist redundant members to become reskilled. Credit Union - to assist members with loans on reasonable terms and good rates for savings. Holiday Accommodation - holiday homes and timeshare available to members at modest rates. Medical Insuarance - the Society has a group medial scheme with one of the large medical insurers. Household Insurance - a group scheme with a large insurer allows members to insure home, contents, car, boat and caravan at competitive rates. UFS Dispensary - members are able to access the benefits through carrying the UFS card.
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Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society |
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