(File photo).

Westpac confirms closure of 19 branches

Author: Sam Thompson, Wairarapa-Times Age,
Publish Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2016, 5:51PM

UPDATED 7.16pm Westpac today confirmed it will close 19 branches in various locations in both metro and rural areas.

LISTEN ABOVE: Tali Williams, First Union national organiser spoke to Larry Williams

First Union spokeswoman Tali Williams told Larry Williams workers were informed this afternoon.

"It looks like there'd be about 50 to 60 job losses. Some have been proposed to be transferred to other branches. But there are many where we know there are other branches people can go to but at this stage Westpac isn't proposing to redeploy them."

Ms Williams said the Union intends to fight that.

"They are saying people are using apps, people are using online and we agree with that. It is happening increasingly customers are choosing those options as well as going into the branch."

Westpac said customers are rapidly changing the way they bank and expect 24/7 access to their banking.

It said currently more than 85 per cent of service transactions take place outside of a branch online.

Over the last five years, online transactions increased by 61 per cent and in the last year online logins via a mobile device have increased by 33 per cent.

The Carterton branch is one of the 19 to close and mayor John Booth wants the banking giant to put its money where its mouth is.

“I’m gutted,” Mr Booth said.

“It’s another rung kicked off the ladder for rural towns.

“This affects business people who do their banking there, it affects farmers, it affects everyone and worst of all for me it affects the elderly, many of whom are not comfortable with internet banking.

“They like the physical presence of a bank in their town. We tried to halt this at the highest level.”

He said given the profits taken by banks it may be time for them to reassess some of their attitudes and how to best contribute to rural economies.

Mr Booth said ANZ may also be reviewing banks at a number of rural centres.

More information was expected on that next month.

“It’s a frightening time with banks doing this sort of thing.”

Westpac says alongside banking solutions, including digital devices for community use and upgraded ATM and deposit facilities, it will be introducing 'Digital Educators'.

Mr Booth said Westpac was considering putting a smart ATM at Carterton which would allow people to do banking, and a secure iPad which would allow online banking as well.

He said the bank was meeting with him in a few weeks to discuss this idea.

“That’s fine, but I’d like then to commit to a couple of workshops here at Carterton for the elderly in particular to help them come to grips with the technology.

“I think our elderly folk would enjoy getting together at the events centre to learn how to do that.

“Westpac banked a billion dollars in profits in the last financial year.

“Let them put their money where their mouth is and do something for our people here.”

The bank continues to invest in regions across New Zealand, evidenced by several major refurbishments of branches currently underway in Wanganui, South Dunedin, Sylvia Park, Upper Riccarton and Timaru. By the end of the year Westpac also intends to have a new site in Auckland.

It is anticipated branches impacted will close in early November, however supporting customers through the change is a priority.

Impacted branches are: