They will not close any branches or ATMs for the remainder of the 12-month trial
A trial of regional banking hubs will launch in November to test the demand for basic banking services in regional communities.
Major banks in New Zealand – such as ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB, and Westpac – will run in four regional centres as part of the year-long trial: Twizel, Martinborough, Stoke, and Opunake.
The hubs will be based around a Smart ATM that provides for deposits and withdrawals, with three sites including community partners who will host the hub and provide staff services.
Other basic transactions will be available on tablets and phones, with staff to assist. However, the staff cannot provide financial advice or assist with individual bank products but can help direct customers to phone or internet banking.
“I am delighted to see that this unique partnership of six banks looking at innovative ways to support smaller communities is ready to go,” said Roger Beaumont, the chief executive of the New Zealand Bankers' Association.
“During the COVID-19 lockdowns, banks helped thousands of New Zealanders get better at using online and mobile banking. Those customers aren't looking back. However, we know that some customers still prefer face-to-face banking, and that's what this banking hub trial is designed to test.”
Read more: Westpac to phase out cheques
The ANZ branch in Market Place will be converted to Twizel Banking Hub for a year and will open on November 17.
Martinborough Banking Hub, which will open on November 27, will be hosted in the Waihinga Community Centre in partnership with Destination Wairarapa. Meanwhile, Stoke Banking Hub will partner with Hardy St Pharmacy (John's Stoke Pharmacy) in Putaitai Street and will open on December 03.
Lastly, Opunake Banking Hub, which will open on December 07, will be hosted in the Opunake Library Plus in partnership with South Taranaki District Council.
From January 01, 2021, the participating banks will not close any branches or ATMs within the boundaries of the district councils hosting the hubs for the remainder of the 12-month trial.
