A new Westpac NZ community banking van is taking to the roads of Canterbury today, joining a van already in service in Southland to help improve in-person banking services in New Zealand's regions.
The new van will make regular visits to Darfield, Lyttelton, Kaiapoi, New Brighton and Lincoln. Specially trained bankers will provide customers with non-cash services including opening accounts, loan applications, support with using online channels and assisting with a range of other enquiries.
Westpac NZ Managing Director Consumer Banking & Wealth Helen Ryder says the bank is working hard to connect with customers in different places that are convenient for them.
"While digital banking continues to grow in popularity, there will always be a place for face-to-face services. The community banking vans are a practical way for us to deliver that support to smaller communities and we're excited to be bringing the new van to Canterbury.
"Westpac already has the joint-largest regional branch footprint of the country's four largest banks and we see the community banking vans as complementing that network.
"We also have a number of community banking services operating throughout the country in public spaces such as libraries and community centres."
Ms Ryder says the Southland van service, which launched in May 2025, has been welcomed by the community there.
"We've had really strong uptake and lots of positive feedback. Our bankers have helped customers with everything from opening accounts through to mortgage applications and advice on avoiding fraud and scams.
"People really like the fact that our van parks in locations they're familiar with and that are easy to access. We've also formed good relationships with community organisations. For instance in Te Anau, we work with Fiordland Community House to help vulnerable and older customers manage their money better, including educating them about online banking."
Another Westpac community banking van is scheduled to launch in Northland in March, with a fourth to follow later in the year.
"We want to help customers to connect with us in the way that best suits them, whether that's online, in one of our branches or by visiting a van or other community banking service," Ms Ryder says.
For full details of locations and schedules for all Westpac community banking services, visit www.westpac.co.nz/personal/ways-to-bank/community-banking
