Media Releases

Money Week: What does debt do for you?

August 14, 2017 - Debt can finance personal, household and business needs and aspirations. That’s the New Zealand Bankers’ Association’s response to Money Week’s big question: what does debt do for you? “We often need to borrow money to buy our own home or get a business off the ground. That’s the kind of debt our banks are here to... Read more »

Banking Ombudsman making banking better for 25 years

July 31, 2017 - The Banking Ombudsman Scheme has been providing a free and independent disputes resolution service for 25 years. That’s an important milestone for banks customers, and something worth celebrating, says the New Zealand Bankers’ Association. “The Banking Ombudsman has made an incredibly valuable contribution to banking in New Zealand since 1992,” says New Zealand Bankers’ Association... Read more »

Banks required to share customer information under new tax law

June 30, 2017 - New tax law that comes into force on 1 July will require banks to provide Inland Revenue with tax information for certain customers. The new law, aimed at reducing global tax evasion, means that banks and other financial institutions will need to identify accounts held by foreign tax residents. They will then have to report... Read more »

Look out for financial elder abuse

June 15, 2017 - The New Zealand Bankers’ Association is encouraging people to look for the signs of financial elder abuse as part of Elder Abuse Awareness Week. “Financial elder abuse is the illegal or improper use of older people’s money, property and other assets. This kind of abuse is a very real risk for older New Zealanders. It’s... Read more »

Code of Banking Practice Review: call for public submissions

June 14, 2017 - The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today called for public submissions on its review of the Code of Banking Practice. “We’re proposing a new-look, principles-based Code,” says New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Karen Scott-Howman. “The current Code is quite prescriptive, and has largely come to duplicate bank terms and conditions. A principles-based approach is meant... Read more »

Prudent Budget supports growing economy

May 25, 2017 - The government’s prudent financial management provides a solid grounding for the New Zealand economy, households and businesses, says the New Zealand Bankers’ Association today in response to Budget 2017. “There were no major surprises in today’s Budget. It builds on the government’s prudent approach to managing its finances and meeting our needs in a growing... Read more »

Fraud Week: Take care online

May 16, 2017 - The recent global randsomware attack provides a grim reminder to protect yourself online, says the New Zealand Bankers’ Association in Fraud Week 2017. “The convenience of banking and shopping online means we sometimes forget that fraudsters are always looking for new ways to steal our money. The recent ransomware attacks around the world reminds us... Read more »

Privacy Week: How to keep your banking secure

May 9, 2017 - As part of Privacy Week the New Zealand Bankers’ Association is reminding people how to keep their banking safe from financial crime. “Banks take their customers’ privacy and confidentiality very seriously by protecting their systems and customer information. We all have a role to play in keeping our money safe from fraudsters,” says New Zealand... Read more »

Westpac to chair New Zealand Bankers’ Association

April 3, 2017 - Westpac chief executive David McLean has been elected chair of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association for 2017/18 and took on the role on 1 April. Kiwibank chief executive Paul Brock was elected deputy chair. David McLean says it’s a privilege to be elected chair and he is confident NZBA will continue to promote outcomes that... Read more »

Strong banking sector highly competitive – FIPS

February 16, 2017 - KPMG’s Financial Institutions Performance Survey for the 2016 financial year has found that the strength of the New Zealand banking sector continues to underpin its performance. “The strength of New Zealand’s banks continues to provide a solid platform for our economic growth. Our banks are well capitalised and regulated, and highly competitive. That means they’re... Read more »