Jobs could go in restructure

The wider Manawatu¯ region may lose 17 jobs and a bank as four of the region’s Bank of New Zealand branches come under review in what a union has described as an ‘‘unnecessary’’ move.

BNZ has this week proposed a reduction in roles and hours for tellers in more than 30 BNZ branches nationwide.

First Union spokeswoman Tali Williams said more than 100 jobs may be at risk in the restructure but Manawatu¯ could be the worstaffected region.

Marton’s BNZ branch, which has three full-time employees, may potentially be closed down, Williams said.

Two full-time and two part-time positions at the Palmerston North branch in The Plaza were under review.

Seven part-time jobs were on the line at the Terrace End branch, with another two part-time roles under review at the Levin BNZ.

The Marton branch review was a ‘‘cut above’’ what was happening in the rest of the country, Williams said.

‘‘It’s the only one where closure is on the cards - that we know of at this time.’’

Williams said the restructure was ‘‘unnecessary.’’

‘‘BNZ is saying the introduction of smart ATMS is making people obsolete.

‘‘[But] many customers still want face-to-face service.

‘‘You only need to go into any branch to see there are lines out the door so there’s still a customer need.’’

BNZ spokeswoman Katherine Cornish said she could not go into detail about the proposal.

‘‘In some of our branches ... we are looking at the mix of staff and skills they have,’’ she said.

‘‘We need to let the proper consultation process take place with our people in the first instance.’’

Rangitı¯kei mayor Andy Watson said bank management would usually consult with the local mayor when considering such a closure but he had not heard from BNZ when he spoke to the Standard on Thursday.

Watson said he believed losing the branch was far from a done deal.

‘‘BNZ have also recently done an extensive renovation of the Marton branch.

‘‘Hopefully that’s an indicator they have a long-term commitment to Marton - and I will certainly remind them of that when the talk does happen.’’