EASY BANKING FOR NAVUA CUSTOMERS
Westpac Fiji partners with Harvest Supermarket to provide in-store banking services for the first time in Navua.
As banks all over the world continuously work on improving their services through better and innovative technologies, for one of Fiji’s prestigious banks, they are ensuring that no one gets left behind.
Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management permanent secretary Meleti Bainimara officiated the launching of Westpac Banking Corporation’s first in-store merchant. The Harvest Supermarket in Navua is Westpac’s in-store merchant. Mr Bainimarama said he is glad that ordinary Fijians outside the main urban centers will now have more access to financial services that they deserve.
“I must note that this is also in line with the Fijian Government’s greater vision to ensure that no one gets left behind,” said Mr Bainimarama.
Being the first bank in Fiji and the Pacific to provide in-store banking, Westpac Fiji general manager Brett Hooker said the device will allow people in the rural and remote areas to have access to banking without visiting a branch.
“This innovation demonstrates Westpac’s preparedness to continuously look for ways to make banking easier and help Fijians join the banking system.”
The Harvest Supermarket in Navua is Westpac’s 59th in-store merchant.
“This in-store machine saves time and money by eliminating the need to travel into a branch and allows customers to bank where they shop,” said Mr Hooker.
The Bank’s presence in Navua dates back to the 1980’s whereby the Bank operated as an Agency in the town, serving the people and the business community.
“As a customer-centered organization, we have a responsibility to help make a difference in the communities we operate in,” said Mr Hooker during a ceremony held at the Namosi Provincial Council in Navua. Global Harvest Limited chairman and World Christian Mission Fellowship International director Laisiasa Joji said: “Today marks another milestone for our supermarket business where we are in partnership with Westpac and bringing the people of Navua the first of its kind in Fiji.
“We are excited because this partnership will provide our shoppers a wider shopping experience inclusive of banking facilities outside of normal banking hours. It will also help to promote savings for individuals and increase the economic growth in the local community. Bringing an affordable shopping experience to people’s homes is one of the Supermarket’s goals, emphasized by Mr Joji.
The company has supermarkets in Kinoya, Toorak, Nausori, Suva and Navua.
Plans of opening supermarkets in other parts of the country are currently in the pipeline.
“We are thankful to Westpac for choosing us to roll out its services to the people in Navua,” said Mr Joji.