Raetihi Trial Begins Of The New Convenience ATMs

MEDIA RELEASE

3rd April 2008

Raetihi Trial Begins Of The New Convenience ATMs

A new revolution in banking is underway - the money machine comes to you instead of you heading out, searching the streets for an ATM.

“It’s all about convenience, kiwis have embraced mobile phones, pizza delivery, twist top wine and this is just an extension of that, we’re making it safer and more convenient to withdraw cash”, said NZ ATM Chief Executive, Wendy Anderson.

Raetihi lost its banking services several years ago and locals have had to travel to Ohakune, Taumarunui or Wanganui to find a bank or use an ATM.

“Instead of jumping in the car and travelling up to an hour and a half, they can now walk down to their local Caltex”.

Added convenience is never free; there will be a small cost to withdraw cash from an NZ ATM. Before cash is withdrawn an on-screen prompt asks if you want to continue with the transaction or not – similar to dialling an 0900 number.

Banks regularly impose a disloyalty fee on top of the transaction fee when their customers use a competing bank’s ATM.

“This will not happen in this case, the fee for using an NZ ATM is upfront, transparent and capped, we have an undertaking from the banks that they won’t impose any additional fees on NZ ATM withdrawals”.

Customers of Westpac, BNZ and TSB banks are able to use the new ATMs and Kiwibank customers will be able to within weeks.

The NZ ATM trial will run through April at Caltex Raetihi, Caltex Karaka, Caltex Mangere, Caltex Otara and the Four Square in Eketahuna.

Aside from the convenience, NZ ATMs offer an element of safety, “one of the great benefits of this service is that customers don’t need to leave the premises, I’m sure many people would prefer not to venture out onto a public street at night to withdraw cash from a hole-in-the-wall”.

NZ ATM machines also take the cash handling responsibility off retail staff, “7 day a week businesses right around NZ have ended up becoming de-facto banks”.

“The in-store ATM is completely separate to the business, very secure and unable to be tampered with”.

The machine uses the latest software and encrypted wireless technology to ensure the highest security for customers.

“This little ATM is smart, secure and easy to use. We are delighted to be proceeding with the trial and plan to be installing NZ ATMs nationwide later this year.”

Ends

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