ANZ

Office address: Ground Floor, ANZ Centre, 23-29 Albert Street, Auckland
Website: www.anz.co.nz
Year established: 1840
Company type: banking
Employees: 8,000+
Expertise: credit and debit cards, home and personal loans, insurance products, mortgage advice, investment advice, private banking, institutional banking, foreign exchange services, banking business, KiwiSaver and investments, digital services
Parent company: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
Key people: Antonia Watson (CEO), David Bricklebank (general counsel), Michael Bullock (CIO), Astrud Burgess (GM), Tim Horgan (GM), Ben Kelleher (CRO), Grant Knuckey (MD), Amanda Owen (CFO)
Financing status: N/A

ANZ, headquartered in Auckland, is New Zealand's largest banking group with 8,000 employees, offering comprehensive financial services and home loan management tools. With over 180 years of heritage, the company aims to shape a sustainable economy where communities thrive. It ranks among the top 50 banks globally, helping customers buy homes, manage loans, and access practical financial tools and guides.

History of ANZ

ANZ, Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest bank, was established in 1840 to support settlers' financial needs. Initially operating as the Union Bank of Australia, it merged with the Bank of Australasia in 1951 to become ANZ Bank. In 1970, it merged with the English, Scottish, and Australian Bank to form ANZ Banking Group.

The bank moved its headquarters to Melbourne in 1976, incorporating its New Zealand branches as ANZ Banking Group (New Zealand) Limited in 1979. The acquisition of The National Bank in 2003 strengthened its market presence, and in 2012, both brands unified under the ANZ name. Today, the company offers extensive banking services and serves nearly half of New Zealanders.

Products and Services of ANZ

The company offers a variety of mortgage products and services tailored to meet different customer needs. Key offerings include:

  • first home buyer: provides tailored loans and resources to assist first-time homebuyers in navigating the purchase process
  • next home buyer: offers support and financing options for customers purchasing their next home
  • buying an investment property: specialised loans designed for customers looking to invest in property
  • ANZ Good Energy Home Loan: loans for energy-efficient home improvements, promoting sustainable living
  • pay off your home loan faster: tools and strategies to help customers accelerate their home loan repayments
  • refinance: options to refinance existing home loans for better rates or terms
  • home loan check in: regular assessments to ensure home loans remain the best fit for customers’ needs
  • calculators: tools to estimate borrowing capacity, repayment schedules, and renovation costs

Culture at ANZ

ANZ fosters a culture focused on improving the financial wellbeing and sustainability of millions of Kiwis. The bank encourages employees to pursue career opportunities within a supportive environment, prioritising the wellbeing and belonging of its people. It offers a range of benefits to ensure employees' overall wellness is looked after, such as:

  • flexible working: hybrid working models and part-time hours for some roles and locations
  • staff healthcare plan: comprehensive health benefits for employees
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): support services for personal and professional issues
  • leave benefits: parental leave, loyalty leave, extra annual leave, career breaks, carer's leave, community service leave, compassionate leave, and study leave
  • inclusive culture: a vibrant environment where employees can bring their authentic selves to work
  • discounts: special discounts on selected products and services
  • charity support: assistance and support for selected charities and non-profit organisations

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core values at the company, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. These principles are important for making better decisions and driving innovation. The company's initiatives towards EDI include several key strategies:

  • their vision: a diverse workforce and inclusive culture enhance decision-making and innovation
  • their strategy: ‘Bringing EDI’ to Life is a three-year plan outlining commitments, stakeholder roles, and success measures
  • affinity network groups: executive-sponsored groups fostering community and connection within the organisation
  • closing the pay gaps: ongoing efforts to achieve pay equity between genders, and also to address the Māori and Pasifika pay gap
  • Tākiri-ā-Rangi Te Ao Māori strategy: a commitment to reflecting and responding to the cultural diversity of the workforce and customers

The company is committed to managing its environmental impact, aiming to shape a world where people and communities thrive. The bank is a signatory to the Climate Leaders Coalition and its 2022 Statement of Ambition, with targets to reduce climate risk. They support New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy through various initiatives:

  • customer support: helping customers reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience
  • lending transition: shifting lending practices to support a low-emissions economy
  • stakeholder engagement: engaging transparently with stakeholders
  • operational emissions: reducing emissions from its operations
  • ESG approach: focusing on financial wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and housing

The bank prioritises corporate responsibility to positively impact staff, customers, communities, and the environment. The company sets annual goals and programs addressing industry, customer, and community needs. It focuses on responsible products, a diverse workforce, and enhancing financial literacy.

About ANZ CEO Antonia Watson and Key People

Antonia Watson serves as the CEO of ANZ New Zealand. With 30 years in finance, Watson has served as MD and CFO of the bank’s retail and business banking and held roles at Morgan Stanley and KPMG. She holds a BCom (Hons) in accounting from the University of Otago.

Key people assisting the CEO to lead the company’s operations and success include:

  • David Bricklebank, serving as general counsel and company secretary, oversees the legal and governance functions
  • Michael Bullock, acting as chief information officer, manages the bank's information technology systems and digital strategy
  • Astrud Burgess, as a general manager data, marketing and customer experience, leads data analytics, marketing initiatives, and customer experience improvements
  • Tim Horgan, general manager, talent and culture, is responsible for human resources, employee development, and organisational culture
  • Ben Kelleher, serving as chief risk officer, oversees risk management and compliance across the bank
  • Grant Knuckey, as a managing director, personal banking, heads the personal banking division and ensures customer satisfaction and growth
  • Amanda Owen, acting as a chief financial officer, manages financial planning, reporting, and analysis

The Future at ANZ

ANZ’s consistent performance in challenging economic conditions underscores its resilience and stability. The bank has managed to maintain solid profits and a strong market position despite challenges. This reflects the bank's strategic focus, effective risk management, and ability to navigate economic headwinds successfully.

Recently, the bank extended support to Northland customers affected by power outagesa, demonstrating its commitment to community resilience. This includes financial assistance to those impacted, ensuring ongoing customer support. Moving forward, it aims to strengthen community ties and enhance service offerings, maintaining its leadership in New Zealand’s banking sector.

ANZ: NZ recovery on the horizon, but speed uncertain

NZ economy set for recovery in 2025 – but how fast?

ANZ, BNZ open to moves for enhanced competition in New Zealand

Big banks receptive to government push for greater competition

Half of ANZ consumers struggle with rising living costs

Cost-of-living pressures force ANZ consumers to cut spending on non-essentials

Business confidence lifts as inflation expectations drop

ANZ's latest survey signals brighter economic prospects for New Zealand's economy

Retail spending shows signs of stabilisation in Q3

Lower interest rates and tax relief offer hope for a gradual recovery

FAMNZ urges mortgage advisers to act against long wait times

FAMNZ calls for adviser unity to address bank practices

RBNZ likely to cut OCR by 50bp in November – ASB

Move would push OCR closer to neutral levels, economist says

Mortgage applications taking longer to process

Banks respond to concerns about turnaround times

New Zealand inflation drops as RBNZ prepares for further OCR cuts

Inflation returns to the RBNZ's target range, signaling economic stabilisation

ANZ predicts RBNZ rate cut

ANZ economists anticipate 50-basis-point rate cut next week