Kiwibank refutes claims

Kiwibank has refuted Wairarapa mayor Alex Beijen’s claim that it was closing service centres by forcing NZ Post to be separated from Kiwibank systems, at the expense of the retailer (Big banks silent on closures, May 11).

Alexandra and Cromwell had just announced they would close in four weeks, he said, with a “flood” more on their way.

Kiwibank’s external communications manager Kara Tait said seven of 109 was not a “flood”, but in fact Kiwibank was not closing services.

“Kiwibank is unique in that it is the only bank in New Zealand that has agencies delivering limited banking services where it doesn’t have branches. Since Covid, the number of customer visits and transactions at some locations have reduced, impacting viability for some agencies. Kiwibank has also invested in a new teller system that will ensure a better customer experience, but could mean a different set-up for host businesses.

“While the vast majority [more than 100] of host businesses will continue to offer Kiwibank services, a handful have taken the opportunity to review their agreements and have decided to exit.”

In the same statement Beijen said 33 rural and provincial mayors (including the Far North’s John Carter) had written to the Government (which owns

Kiwibank) in March, expressing concern at the “free-fall” closure of bank branches around the country.

As of last week there had been no response.

“In the absence of a reply, we can only assume no progress or action.”