ANZ closes Ngaruawahia branch… proposes two more closures

For immediate release: 20 September 2016

ANZ closes Ngaruawahia branch… then proposes two more branch closures

The union representing working people at the country’s major banks says ANZ has confirmed it will close the Ngaruawahia branch while proposing closures at a further two branches.

This comes only a week after the bank proposed closures at the Massey University branch in Palmerston North, Milton, Otorohanga and Te Aroha branches.

“ANZ is consulting on another proposal to close branches in the heartland, this time in Hokitika and Waitara,” said FIRST Union national organiser Tali Williams.

“Working people in bank branches are taking a battering. The Ngaruawahia branch will close, a further six will learn their fate soon and we’re preparing for further closure proposals.”

“The dispiriting news at ANZ comes after Westpac announced last month that it was consulting on plan to close nineteen branches across the country,” said Williams.

“Communities that need a bank branch deserve to have one. Over the counter transactions have only decreased 6 per cent over the last two years – that’s not substantial. Branch workers continue to help the community take out loans and other services. Apps and so-called ‘Smart ATMs’ can’t do everything.”

“There just isn’t a compelling reason to shut branches in communities. Working people in the branches, many of whom have spent years serving their community, are entitled to work.”

“We’re calling on ANZ to offer realistic redeployment options. In Hokitika the bank is offering redeployment to Christchurch – three hours’ drive away. That’s not good enough,” said Williams.

ENDS

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