Media Release

For Immediate Release

16 April 2009
 
Sandringham Community backs keeping local post office and kiwi bank

Over 50 members of the local Sandringham Community filled the Sandringham Community Centre at a meeting tonight to give their unanimous support to keeping the local post office and Kiwibank.

Said Sandringham Community Centre Chairman Dr Lingappa Kalburgi “There was much anger that NZ Post has directed that our local Post Shop and Kiwibank is to be closed.  The community and local businesses have rallied in behind the owners who have invested around $250,000 into making a success of their business.”

Says local Auckland City Councillor Glenda Fryer “NZ Post and  Kiwibank have always had an excellent reputation in our community and we wonder why they would put that reputation in jeopardy when the NZ Post and Kiwi Bank business in Sandringham is doing so well.   Kiwibank customers have doubled in size in the last two years, and by the NZ Post and Kiwibanks own admission this is one of the better performing franchises in New Zealand .  The meeting has requested that NZ Post reverse its decision and keep the services open.”

Says Dr Kalburgi  “There are over 10,000 people in Sandringham and 33% are without access to a computer.  This community isn’t one of those that are switching to internet banking.   There are many elderly people and parents with young children who are dependant on the services.  Kiwi Bank is the only bank in Sandringham and its services are vital to this community.   If the Post Shop and Kiwibank closes it will affect all local businesses, as their service is a magnet for other shops and businesses.”

One local resident Philip Rock proudly showed the meeting his certificate signed by Sam Knowles CEO of Kiwibank dated 24 April 2002 saying he was a foundation customer of the Sandringham Kiwbank.   He said he also received a badge and he has kept it with pride.  “I will change banks if the Sandringham Kiwibank goes he told the meeting.”

Concludes Councillor Glenda Fryer “The meeting asked that NZ Post remember its nationalistic creed that the community has all bought into…that New Zealand needed a better banking alternative – a bank that would provide real value for money and that has kiwi values at heart, and that would keep your money where it belongs –right here in New Zealand.  If Kiwibank portrays itself as anti Australian it has to be pro NZ communities, and Sandringham is an important New Zealand community.”

ends

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