Some bank branches could reopen Wednesday for “critical” banking operations

Westpac says some bank branches could be open for “critical” banking as early as Wednesday.

“After government approval, we plan to open branches with reduced hours on Wednesday to help only with critical banking issues,” he told clients.

“We will provide an update on Monday,” he said.

Branches of all banks had to close during the nationwide lockdown, but banks have requested permission to open a limited number of branches in the coming days.

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Until that happens, people should be doing home banking or using ATMs as appropriate, Westpac said.

But for some, branch access would be necessary during lockdown.

Critical banking needs included people needing new eftpos cards and PINs, people signing up for online banking services, and people needing to perform “essential” cash transactions, the site said. Westpac Web.

Branch openings are possible following a Covid-19 public health response notice issued by Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director General of the Department of Health reporting banks and non-bank depository institutions such as corporations. construction and credit unions could provide critical financial information. services despite confinement.

This included storing cash in ATMs and providing necessary banking assistance to customers who could not use remote banking services.

“You should do your banking remotely whenever possible at Alert Level 4,” Westpac said.

Westpac’s website warned that anyone wishing to bank over the phone may find call volumes to be higher than normal.

Bank of New Zealand said: “All of our branches and partner centers are temporarily closed due to the country’s Alert Level 4. We will notify you of locations and hours of operation as soon as possible.”

ASB said the best way for their clients to speak with a banker is to send a message through their Fastnet Classic online banking system.

It is not yet clear how long the lockdown will last, but banks have urged those facing financial difficulties to contact them for help.

New Zealand Bankers Association chief executive Roger Beaumont said: “In addition to the support measures already announced by the government, we encourage anyone experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the lockdown to contact their bank.”

During the national lockdown in 2020, ATM use fell, but households filled up with cash, racking up hundreds of millions of dollars, despite the decline in cash use by households. people, fearing that banknotes would expose them to Covid infection.