Westpac NZ is standing by to help business and consumer customers who are financially impacted by Cyclone Vaianu over the coming days.
Support options may include:
Business and Agri customers
- Suspension of principal payments on loans for up to three months;
- Deferred payment on credit cards for up to three months;
- A temporary overdraft facility;
- Access to term deposit funds for customers in financial hardship.
Consumer customers
- Suspension of home loan payments for up to three months for customers ahead on their repayments and who have a sufficient undrawn balance;
- Financial hardship assistance, which may include a reduction in loan repayment amounts for a period of time, access to term deposit funds or other support.
Westpac NZ Chief Operating Officer for Consumer Banking and Wealth, Nick Grieve, says the bank's top priority is the safety of customers and staff.
"We're closely watching developments as the cyclone approaches the North Island and are here to help in any way we can," Mr Grieve says.
"We encourage people to make all necessary preparations to help keep themselves safe, and to stay in touch with friends and family where possible.
"We're standing by to help customers who may be facing financial difficulty as a result of the cyclone's impacts. They can call us on 0800 738 691 to see what support they may be eligible for.
"We're also contacting more than 60,000 general insurance customers in regions that are likely to be affected, to make sure they have support and the right information should they need to make a claim."
