BNZ is the latest bank to follow the disturbing trend of branches closing down around the country.

Newstalk ZB understands the BNZ branch in the Eastern Bay of Plenty town of Kawerau is set to shut as early as November, with at least three people being made redundant.

The next closest BNZ bank is a half an hour drive away in Whakatane.

The BNZ branch follows multiple Westpac branch closures around the country in rural and provincial areas.

FIRST Union national organiser Tali Williams said it is a concern to see banks pulling out of provincial and rural communities.

Ms Williams said all communities should stand up and challenge this so it doesn't become the norm.

"They've been contributing to these banks for years and years - farmers, local businesses, local people, and now they're just being thrown aside. That's not fair, it's not right."

Ms Williams said it seems to be a strategy by the banks to not present their closure proposals to their communities, meaning the union has to inform customers they could be losing their bank.

"I mean these are stakeholders. They're customers within those communities, and they're being left out in the dark about these proposals, which is really off, and it's just inappropriate."