Kiwibank Kaitaia going it alone
Kiwibank, which currently shares the Post Office with NZ Post, is to establish a standalone branch in Kaitaia.
“Having confirmed the new branch model with our staff, we’re now working towards creating the environment for specialised banking services, an innovative customer experience and a strong brand presence locally,” general manager retail distribution Geoff Waller said.
“To ensure our presence in Kaitaia is sustainable we will be looking to introduce a new operating model. We’re considering all our options, but this may include different trading hours.”
There would be no change to the current Kaitaia branch and services until NZ Post found a local business to help deliver postal and bill payment services. The community would be informed when dates and locations are known.
“Since introducing the standalone branch model in mid-2016 we’ve received fantastic customer feedback, and we’re excited to bring the model to Kaitaia,” Mr Waller added.
Meanwhile, NZ Post remained committed to providing postal services in Kaitaia, in locations that customers could easily access, head of retail Mark Yagmich said, and was looking for a local business to help it deliver existing postal and bill payment services.
“Working with local businesses and agencies in this way helps us meet our obligations to operate a network of 880 postal outlets,” Mr Yagmich said.
“We already successfully deliver postal services through around 800 local businesses and agencies as a way of operating as a commercially sustainable business,” Mr Yagmich said.
“This model works well for us, and for the businesses we work with, which generally benefit from increased foot traffic as people come in to buy stamps and drop off their parcels. It’s also good news for our customers, who often enjoy longer opening hours and more convenient locations.”
There would be no change to current services, including access to the PO box lobby.
“We will work alongside Kiwibank in keeping our staff, customers and local community informed,” he added.
“While we acknowledge this will be a change, we’d like to reassure our customers that postal services will continue to be provided to the Kaitaia community.”