Government Invests in Rural Community Resilience
The Government is investing in a range of initiatives designed to strengthen the resilience of rural communities and improve preparedness for future adverse events.
The bank says the expansion of the fleet continues its work to make face-to-face banking services more accesssible.
The new vehicle joins three vans already in service in Southland, Canterbury and Northland, operating across 15 regional locations.
Specially trained bankers travel with the vans to provide customers with non-cash services including opening accounts, loan applications, support with using online channels and assisting with a range of other enquiries.
The new van will be a roaming service, travelling throughout the country to wherever it’s needed.
Fieldays Launch Highlights Rural Focus
Reuben Tucker, Westpac NZ managing director institutional and business banking, says Fieldays was the obvious place to launch the new van.
“The innovation and enthusiasm on display at Fieldays inspires tens of thousands of New Zealanders every year," Tucker says.
"We’re excited to be showcasing our community banking offering at Mystery Creek and hope visitors to the Westpac stand enjoy checking out the van as well as chatting with our people about their banking needs."
The banking van is parked at the Westpac stand at site D130 at Fieldays.
Supporting Seasonal Workers and Rural Industries
“Going forward, we’re also keen to get the van out to do things like support our horticulture customers with their Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers," Tucker says. "Harvest season is always a busy time, so it will be great to have the van available to help open accounts for RSE workers in relevant regions."
“We also hope to send the van to visit schools and universities, plus there will be opportunities to attend a range of other community events," he adds.
Complementing Regional Branch Services
“The vans complement our extensive regional branch network, which is the joint-largest of the four major banks. We also offer community banking services in several shared community locations throughout the country."
“We’re committed to serving our customers in the way that best suits them and are really pleased to be introducing this fourth van to help bring face-to-face services to more New Zealanders.
“We’ll work with our customers as well as the broad network of community organisations we have relationships with to determine the van’s best itinerary, but if you have an idea for where we should be heading, please get in touch," Tucker says.
To get in touch about Westpac’s community banking service email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and for full details of Westpac’s community banking services, visit westpac.co.nz/community-banking.
