BNZ feels New Zealand doesn't have is a strong enough focus in the curriculum on financial literacy.

Chief executive Anthony Healy says banks can play a huge role in lifting financial literacy in the community.

He told the Trans-Tasman Business Circle that BNZ already runs a whole lot of workshops with youth around the country.

Mr Healy says banks should partner with community organisations, particularly in more financially disadvantaged areas, to deliver literacy programmes they already have.

He says often community groups and church groups are the window into those communities.