The National Bank announces rural support

The National Bank announces support for rural customers

The National Bank has introduced a package of support for rural customers affected by the earthquake in Canterbury, Managing Director, Rural, Charlie Graham said today.

“Twenty-six Canterbury rural managers are out and about checking on farmers in the quake areas and offering our support as the clean-up and re-build begins,” Mr Graham said.

“While bank staff are proactively calling on affected clients now, any farmers who are concerned about their financial situation should contact the bank as soon as possible. We are keen to help our rural customers get through the aftermath of the quake and we’re committed to supporting them for the long haul.

“We can offer affected customers access to fast-tracked loans, emergency short-term lending, interest-free overdraft limits, and ready access to credit where they need it, to get their operations up and running.

“From what our team on the ground has seen, farmers have suffered damage to buildings, but probably the biggest impact will be on water bores and irrigation systems.

“The National Bank is also part of the Regional Rural Recovery Group that has been set up by the Civil Defence, The group is meeting regularly to make sure the farming community has the help it needs.”

Mr Graham said ANZ New Zealand, of which The National Bank is a part, donated $1 million to the Canterbury earthquake relief fund on Saturday, and had also announced support packages for affected personal and business customers from the ANZ and The National Bank.

Rural support package for affected rural customers

Farm loans: three month repayment holidays.

Shortened loan approval process to allow rapid local decisions.

Increased overdraft limits to help people re-establish themselves after the quake

No break fees on term deposits for customers needing emergency funds.

Credit cards: suspension of minimum repayments for 3 months, no additional interest or fees.

Access to emergency short-term lending

Application fees will be waived.

Donations to Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal can be made at ANZ: 01-1839-0188939-00 or The National Bank: 06-0869-0548507-00

ENDS