It's in a region where the bank has been operating for 150 years
ANZ Bank New Zealand has inaugurated its newly refurbished branch in Gisborne, where the major bank has been operating for the past 150 years.
The branch has been relocated to a new site, enabling a design that better caters to the evolving needs of both customers and staff.
The revamped branch, named Tūrangānui-a-Kiwa l Gisborne, pays homage to both Te Reo and English place names, reflecting ANZ's dedication to its Te Ao Māori strategy.
The design of the new branch, located at 182 Gladstone Road, Gisborne, incorporates unique elements such as tukutuku panel decals, creating a Wharenui-like structure, and Pacific-influenced plywood ceilings.
Ben Kelleher, ANZ NZ managing director for personal banking, views the opening of the refurbished branch as the start of a new chapter, especially after such a tough year for the Gisborne community.
“It’s particularly exciting to take the opportunity to refresh our branch design and incorporate cultural elements that reflect ANZ’s commitment to Te Ao Māori,” Kelleher said in a media release.
“We know that many of the region’s agriculture and tourism businesses were hard hit by flooding events earlier this year and many are still finding it tough. This investment in the region is one way we can show how committed we are to supporting the local community as they build back stronger.”
Karleen Everitt, ANZ head of Te Ao Māori strategy, said the incorporation of Māori design elements is part of the broader Tākiri-ā-Rangi initiative into the bank’s physical network.
“Integrating unique design aspects such as the tukutuku panel decals is a first for ANZ. We wanted to come up with a design that would work across all the communities we operate in,” Everitt said. “This is just the start of an exciting journey for us, and we’ll continue to review how our branch network can better integrate Te Ao Māori across our network.”
The Gisborne branch is open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
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