ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

RBNZ trialling community cash depot for rural Kiwis

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Nov 2025, 6:15pm
Photo / 123RF
Photo / 123RF

RBNZ trialling community cash depot for rural Kiwis

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Nov 2025, 6:15pm

The Reserve Bank is addressing concerns cash is becoming inaccessible by bringing money to rural communities.  

It has opened a 12-month trial of a cash depot in Hawke's Bays' Waipukurau - offering a closer site to make withdrawals.

Local banks have recently closed, meaning the nearest ATM for locals is 50 kilometres away.

Reserve Bank Money and Cash Director, Ian Woolford, says, currently, only businesses can use the depot for cash.

"It's quite surprising, about a third of where people get their money from is actually from a retailer...but people might be noticing retailers are increasingly saying - well, we don't really want to accept cash."

LISTEN ABOVE

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you