Fears that ANZ would be closing two of its ATMs in Waipu and Wellsford appear to have been allayed, for the time being at least.
Swift and vocal lobbying by MPs, business leaders and residents in Waipu last week has resulted in ANZ saying it will keep its ATM at its present site at 45 The Centre, though an alternative venue needs to be found.
The town’s only cash machine was moved to The Centre site after a fire destroyed its previous home, Waipu Pharmacy, in September, 2018. Waipu Business & Community secretary Graham Boult said there had since been an issue with ANZ sometimes being unable to access the back of the ATM to refill it, due to the opening hours of the premises where it is sited, something that was confirmed by ANZ.
“In order to provide ongoing service, including the ability to maintain cash levels in the machine, we require regular access to the ATM,” a spokesperson said. “ANZ is committed to working with the community to keep the ATM, if we can find a suitable location where the machine continues to be well used.”
Boult was confident this would not be an issue and said that thanks to local politicians and the community’s efforts, there were several alternative locations where the ATM could be sited.
“I think communication got a bit lost, but this is a good result. There is no problem with it staying on an ongoing basis,” he said.
Meanwhile, rumours that the ANZ ATM in Rodney Street, Welllsford was also due to be closed down were denied by ANZ last week.
“There are no plans to remove the ANZ ATM in Wellsford,” the spokesperson said.
When asked to respond to speculation that banks were trying to do away with cash altogether, ANZ said only that it was committed to providing banking services across the country to support its customers.
“ANZ also continues to invest in our digital offerings so customers can do more of their banking whenever and wherever suits them, including via our website or app, or by telephone banking.”
