Bank launches its Queen Street branch with 'reverse buskers'

Media Release
17 November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Co-op Bank launches its new Queen Street branch with “reverse buskers”

The Co-operative Bank has taken a unique approach to promote the opening of its newest branch at 109 Queen St.

Throughout the day commuters will be entertained by musical “reverse buskers”, who will play music and give away $50 vouchers that can be deposited into new accounts set up at the 109 Queen St branch.

The Co-operative Bank’s Chief Executive Bruce McLachlan said that having a central Auckland branch was important both for existing Auckland customers, and to raise awareness of the bank in the region.

“We needed to find a location that was both accessible and highly visible to people working in Auckland’s CBD. We want more Aucklanders to see us and understand why we’re different to other banks.”

Mr McLachlan said the bank’s 130,000 customers know that they’re part of a totally different kind of bank, there that there was a still a lot of work to be done to get the message out to non- customers.

He said that their promotion was a unique way to demonstrate what the bank is about.

“The only reason we exist as a bank is for the benefit of our customers and future customers, and we wanted to find a way to show people how great it feels to be part of that.”

The buskers will be in Auckland CBD from Monday morning. People can present the voucher (limited to one per customer) at the branch, join the bank and open a new transaction or savings account and on 15 December, $50 will be deposited into their Co-operative Bank account. The buskers and ZM’s Black Thunder will be handing out the vouchers at various CBD locations on Monday and throughout the week.

A special home loan rate of 5.25% p.a. fixed for 12 months* will also be made available to Queen Street branch customers.

Branch Manager Frans Kruger is excited about opening the new relocated premises on the iconic street and welcoming new and long-standing customers.

“It’s exciting to be part of the expansion of the bank and the new Queen St branch will be a great asset to our Auckland central customers,” said Mr Kruger.

“I am very pleased to be able to offer our great services to the residents of Auckland city, and I look forward to meeting all of customers – those who have been with us for years, and our newest members – at our new premises.”

ENDS

MORE INFORMATION

About the $50 vouchers:

• Can be redeemed by opening a Co-operative Bank savings or transaction account at the Queen Street branch. Vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash.

• The vouchers expire on 12 December 2014.

About the bank:

• The Co-operative Bank is the only bank in New Zealand to share its profits with its customers.

• The bank has 34 branches throughout New Zealand including 109 Queen St.

• In 2014, it shared $1.3 million with its customers.

• The bank has nine branches in Auckland and plans to grow.

For more detailed information or to arrange an interview with Chief Executive of the Co-operative Bank, Bruce McLachlan, please contact Anna Aitchison, Marketing Strategy & Communications Manager.

www.co-operativebank.co.nz

*Offer available through The Co-operative Bank’s Queen Street branch, where new lending is over $100,000 and the home loan is less than 80% of the property’s value. This offer is not available with other special offers or banking package discounts, Fresh Start Home Loans or Welcome Home Loans. Interest rates are subject to change. For all lending products, The Co-operative Bank’s lending criteria, terms and conditions and fees apply.

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