Stuff
Countdown to stop taking cheques in May
16/04/2021
“Some banks have individually made their own commercial decisions to phase out cheques. Some have announced dates for this, while at least one already does not accept or issue them. We’re not aware that any previously announced dates have changed.”
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RNZ
Banks promise no further regional branch closures this year
12/04/2021
ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, TSB and Westpac announced today they would honour an earlier commitment not to shut any regional offices until a pilot of four small-town banking hubs wraps up.
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Interest.co.nz
As mortgage deferral scheme ends banks may offer still struggling borrowers a further temporary payment deferral, extend the term of the loan to reduce repayments, or move borrowers to interest-only repayments
30/03/2021
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association says borrowers whose repayments were deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are still struggling, may get an additional temporary payment deferral, have the term of the loan extended to reduce repayments, or be moved to interest-only repayments for a period.
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Stuff
Covid-19 mortgage ‘holiday’ scheme ends, with 3700 mortgages still in repayment deferral
30/03/2021
New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Roger Beaumont said: “Banks are working closely with the few affected customers who still need help to get back on track.”
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Newsroom
Small apartment crisis: The fight back begins
16/03/2021
“Banks make their own individual risk-based assessments on all lending applications on a case-by-case basis. This will take into account the risk and security of the asset.”
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Stuff
Banks’ pledge $5 million to support budget mentors
10/03/2021
Beaumont said the money provided by banks would provide support and skills to financial mentors working with families.
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Interest.co.nz
Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden says new whistle-blowing service offers bank staff ‘a safe and independent channel to sing out and raise concerns’
03/03/2021
The banks themselves support the dashboard and whistle-blowing service, with both projects having the backing of bank lobby group the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, the Financial Markets Authority and the Reserve Bank.
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RNZ
Bank closures: Mayors deliver plea for more bank branches to Beehive
03/03/2021
“During the Covid-19 lockdowns, banks helped thousands of New Zealanders get better at using online and mobile banking. Those customers aren’t looking back. However, we know that some customers still prefer face-to-face banking, and that’s what this banking hub trial is designed to test.”
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TVNZ
Communities demand Government inquiry into rural bank closures
02/03/2021
New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Roger Beaumont said: “Branches are closing in some regional communities due to lack of demand. These changes are occurring because customers are banking differently – they can go online, call their bank or use an app.”
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NZ Adviser
Government compels RBNZ to “consider housing” when setting rates
26/02/2021
“There’s no single solution to our current housing affordability issues, which is a complex challenge,” said Beaumont. “Potential responses include addressing both supply and demand issues. Today’s announcement is more about managing the demand side, and what mechanisms the Reserve Bank has available to do that.
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