Bank closures have struck a double blow in Kawerau, at a time when the Eastern Bay town couldn't be stronger.

Newstalk ZB exclusively revealed yesterday that the Kawerau BNZ branch will close.

BNZ is set to close its branch "as early as November", which follows news that ANZ will also close in Kawerau on the 12th of October, leaving multiple people without jobs and a large number of elderly folk confused about how to do their banking.

BNZ says they will be leaving a smart machine in the town, which allows residents to deposit money, while Credit Union have also "come to the party" to help people with their banking needs.

Mayor Malcolm Campbell said it was particularly important to make sure the elderly who didn't use ATM's had enough facilities.

"We're covering those bases with the Credit Central Union here, and they can all go in there and do their day to day banking. Hopefully we're going to get over it and move on."

Campbell said initially they were angry and disappointed but they are now being proactive.

He said the closures are concerning, especially to the council, as they are coming at a time when the economy is picking up and the population is growing in Kawerau for the first time in 30 years.

He said the closures are playing against the trend in the town but BNZ have said people just aren't using the facilities anymore.