Rabobank opens afresh in central Christchurch
Continued strong growth in New Zealand has seen specialist agribusiness lender Rabobank relocate to state-of-the-art
premises in the new ‘Rabobank Building’ in central Christchurch.
The Christchurch branch of the world’s leading specialist agribusiness bank and the third largest lender to rural New
Zealand reopened on Monday 14 April at Level 2, 12 Papanui Rabobank northern south island regional manager David Clarke
said the new premises catered for expanding staff numbers and would enable the branch to better service rural farmers
and agribusinesses in the Canterbury region.
“We’ve almost doubled in staff numbers in the last decade so we’re excited to move to modern, newer premises with
improved technology and more space, which will allow us to grow into the future,” he said.
Rabobank’s Christchurch branch offers the full spectrum of services to agricultural industries with a local rural
banking division (‘on-farm’), a food and agribusiness banking operation (‘beyond the farm gate’), a credit approvals
division as well as members of the Bank’s renowned Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory team.
“Rabobank clients benefit from our leading local and global agribusiness expertise and
knowledge,” Mr Clarke said. “We meet with our clients where it’s convenient for them – at the kitchen table for some or
at the boardroom table for others – and provide access to personal service and agriculturally-focused finance products.”
The relocation of a global brand towards the centre of Christchurch, which was
significantly affected by the earthquake, demonstrates optimism in the future of the city.
“We’re one of the first major banks to move towards central Christchurch after the earthquake and we’re in reach of the
vibrant Victoria street precinct where many professionals are starting to relocate, which will assist us in working
together in support of our clients,” Mr Clarke said.
The purpose-built Rabobank branch is easy to locate with improved parking facilities for clients, larger boardrooms and
green-rated services.
Mr Clarke said the branch is well positioned to capitalise on a bright outlook for the “It’s an exciting time for
agriculture in this country with a growing world population increasingly looking to New Zealand to supply quality food
products,” he said.
“And we’ve got plenty of talented food producers in this region, who are optimistic about the future.
“Dairy farmers have had a stellar year on the back of strong prices and improved production, while sheep and beef
farmers and viticulture growers are expecting a better year compared to the last.
“The region is strong, the city is on the rebound and we’ve got a great team of people in place supporting the future of
agriculture.”