Media Releases

Media Releases

Budget 2014: Sound economic management pays dividends

- The government’s sound economic management has begun to pay dividends said the New Zealand Bankers’ Association today in response to Budget 2014. “The Budget shows that the New Zealand economy is on the right track with a return to a small surplus in 2014/15 and then with surpluses forecast to increase moderately in future years,”... Read more »
Media Releases

Reserve Bank finds banks in good shape

- The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Financial Stability Report released today has found that the financial system remains sound and is well placed to support economic expansion. “The New Zealand banking industry is in good shape, remains strong, and is well capitalised and regulated,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope. “Recently reported... Read more »
Media Releases

Banks supporting economic growth

- KPMG’s Financial Institutions Performance Survey analysis for the quarter to December 2013 released today has found that New Zealand’s economic development and the banking industry’s strength go hand-in-hand. “Our strong and stable banking system provides a great platform for economic growth. That growth is possible because banks are providing funding to businesses across a range... Read more »
Media Releases

ASB to chair New Zealand Bankers’ Association

- ASB Bank chief executive Barbara Chapman has been elected chair of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association for 2014/15 and takes on the role today. BNZ chief executive Andrew Thorburn was elected deputy chair. “The association plays an important role representing the banking industry on a range of issues with a range of stakeholders,” said Barbara... Read more »
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Drought-affected farmers encouraged to talk to their banks

- Drought-affected farmers should talk to their banks said the New Zealand Bankers’ Association in response to increasingly dry conditions in parts of Northland and Waikato. “We encourage any farmers facing hardship as a result of the lack of rain to contact their bank to discuss options for assistance and how they can work through these... Read more »
Media Releases

OCR rise well signalled

- The 25 basis points rise in the Official Cash Rate to 2.75% announced by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand today was widely expected said the New Zealand Bankers’ Association. “The OCR rise has been clearly signalled by the Reserve Bank Governor for some time, and comes as no surprise,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association... Read more »
Media Releases

Sound banks support economic growth

- New Zealand banks continue to be strong and stable according to KPMG’s Financial Institutions Performance Survey for the 2013 financial year. “Our banks are among the best funded and regulated in the world, and highly competitive. That’s good for New Zealand households, businesses and our economy,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope.... Read more »
Media Releases

Get set for rising interest rates

- Now is a good time to prepare for rising mortgage interest rates said the New Zealand Bankers’ Association in response to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Official Cash Rate statement today. While the OCR has been left unchanged at 2.5%, the Reserve Bank has recently projected the cash rate could rise by 2.25% over... Read more »
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New build LVR exemption welcomed

- The New Zealand Bankers’ Association has today welcomed the Reserve Bank’s move to exempt new residential construction loans from the loan-to-value (LVR) restrictions it introduced on 1 October. “We’ve said all along that supply has always been the issue in parts of the housing market, not the availability of cheap credit,” said New Zealand Banker’s... Read more »
Media Releases

Foil the fraudsters this festive season

- As the festive season approaches the New Zealand Bankers’ Association has reminded people how to avoid fraud and scams over the holidays. “Don’t let fraudsters spoil this special time of the year. Whether we’re shopping or away on holiday, it pays to take care,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope. If you’re... Read more »