Five more regional bank branches could close

For immediate release: 14 September 2016

Five more heartland bank branches could close, this time at ANZ

ANZ is consulting on a proposal to close five branches across the country, said the union representing working people in the country’s major banks.

“ANZ is consulting on a proposal that could see five communities lose their bank branch,” said FIRST Union national organiser Tali Williams.

The branches are Massey University in Palmerston North, Milton (50 kilometres south of Dunedin), Ngaruawahia, Otorohanga and Te Aroha.

“Our members are doing exactly what ANZ is asking them to do. They’re giving world-class service and meeting sales targets. But now ANZ is turning around and using a different measure – transaction volume in branches – as a reason to close branches.”

“Banking is an essential service and every community that needs one should get one. Does ANZ expect farmers in Te Aroha to make major financial decisions with a call centre? Does ANZ expect elderly residents in Ngaruawahia to buy the new iPhone 7 and install the bank’s app instead of making their transactions at the branch?”

“We’re encouraging communities and customers to let ANZ know that these closures will hurt communities. Banking isn’t a one-way relationship,” said Williams.

ANZ’s proposal comes as Westpac prepares to announce a decision next week on whether to shut nineteen bank branches. The Westpac branches in Te Aroha and Otorohanga are among those that could be closed.

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