This following the declaration of a National State of Emergency
ANZ NZ has announced that financial support is available for customers impacted by the severe weather events that lashed across the North Island.
The announcement comes following the declaration of a National State of Emergency.
“With the effects of this likely to be felt for some time, we want to reassure our business and personal customers we are here to help and there is a range of support options available to them,” said Lorraine Mapu, ANZ managing director of business. “We’ve also been working closely with our insurance partners to ensure our customers are clear on how they can submit a claim.”
There is also targeted assistance for business customers.
“This includes temporary overdraft facilities and the ability to defer loan repayments, to take some of the financial pressure off so people can focus on the bigger issues they are dealing with right now,” Mapu said.
The bank said it would continue to contact its business customers to find out what further support was needed.
“We also encourage personal and home loan customers to talk to us if they need to relieve pressure on their financial situation,” Mapu said. “There are a range of ways we could help, such as restructuring their home loan repayments, or providing access to additional credit.”
Last week, ANZ said it has simplified processes for things like temporary overdrafts for customers with pending insurance claims, and for those applying for a KiwiSaver significant hardship withdrawal for amounts up to $5000.
“There are also a number of fee waivers in place, as well as the ability for customers in hardship to break term deposits,” Mapu said.
Customers experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to get in touch. But as the bank’s call centre was experiencing a larger-than-usual volume of calls, they were also urged to remain patient.
“We’ve closed a number of branches across the Upper North Island for the safety of our customers and staff,” Mapu said. “This includes all Auckland, Northland, Coromandel, and Gisborne branches. However, this is putting pressure on the call centre, so we ask that people to be patient and our team will get to you as soon as possible.”
Information about branch closures, and the financial support available, can be found on the ANZ website.
ANZ customers who are insured can contact Vero on 0800 269 252, or for non-urgent claims, can fill out a Vero online claims form. They can also find out more about Vero flood support.
For business and farm insurance, they can call Crombie Lockwood on 0800 252 461, or for non-urgent claims, can complete a Crombie Lockwood online claims form.
How are you or your organisation helping those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle? Share it with us in the comments section below.
