24 November 2006
ANZ open for business again in Tonga
ANZ Tonga is open for business following last Thursday’s unrest in the capital, Nuku’alofa when ANZ’s branch in Salote
Drive, was burnt to the ground. While the ANZ branch was not targeted, the fire started in adjacent buildings and then
spread to the ANZ premises.
ANZ is now operating from a temporary location on Bypass Road, Mau’fanga. The temporary branch is offering deposit,
withdrawal, treasury and telegraphic transfer services from the temporary branch. Loan enquiries are also being taken at
this branch. The ATM located in the OSB store is also operational.
ANZ Managing Director, Pacific, Mr Mike Guerin, said: “ATM services were restored on Sunday, just three days after fire
destroyed the branch and all communication systems into and out of Tonga. General banking services were made available
on Monday when the temporary branch on Bypass Road opened.
“Staff in both Tonga and Melbourne worked throughout the weekend to bring services back up in Tonga. New systems are
being restored daily and we expect to have full service available to customers within the next few weeks.
“This is quite an achievement given the state of the branch and our communications, as well as the situation in Tonga.
I would like to commend our staff for their dedication to restoring services for our customers in Tonga and getting us
back in business in less than a week,” Mr Guerin said.
ANZ Tonga, General Manager, Mr Paul Pelzer, is making daily radio announcements to customers regarding services. This
will continue until ANZ is fully operational. ANZ’s temporary branch is located at Bypass Road, Mau’fanga, Nuku’alofa.
The ANZ branch on Vava’u is fully operational.
ENDS