Media

Here you’ll find our media releases and opinions about banking in New Zealand, along with our media appearances.

Media Appearances Media Releases Opinions

Interest.co.nz - Most banks set-up to receive mortgage repayment deferral applications online; Customers urged not to swarm call centres

March 27, 2020 - “It’s important to know that interest on these loans will still accrue, and deferred interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan.”

Media Appearances

Stuff - Requests for mortgage holidays pour in as Kiwis feel coronavirus strain

March 27, 2020 - “Anyone opting into a mortgage deferral needs to be clear about what this means for them. While there are obvious advantages for people in need, repayment deferrals may extend the time it takes to repay the loan and will add interest cost. So it may not be for everyone.”

Media Appearances

NZ Herald - Six-month home loan holiday: banks now ready but borrowers urged to be cautious

March 27, 2020 - “We know that some customers are already being financially impacted by Covid-19 and have an immediate need. That’s why the banking industry as a whole is stepping up with this further package.”

Media Appearances

RNZ - Mortgage holiday scheme begins today

March 27, 2020 - Bankers Association chief executive Roger Beaumont said the banks can now offer to defer mortgage payments of principal and interest for up to six months.

Media Releases

Banking services open during level 4 lockdown

March 24, 2020 - All key banking services will remain available to customers during the alert level 4 lockdown the New Zealand Bankers’ Association confirmed today. “During the lockdown banks will balance managing public health requirements with the need to keep essential banking services available,” says New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Roger Beaumont. “Cash will be available at... Read more »

Media Appearances

Stuff - Coronavirus: Banking system essential but many branches will close

March 24, 2020 - From Thursday, banks will keep some branches open for limited hours one day a week for customers who could not use ATMs, phone or online banking, said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Roger Beaumont.

Media Appearances

NZ Herald - Auckland first-home buyers at greatest risk from coronavirus pain: experts

March 23, 2020 - The Bankers’ Association urged customers to speak to banks early and said support options included reducing or suspending repayments of home loan debt and instead only repaying the interest on the loan.

Media Appearances

Stuff - Banks strong enough to absorb surge in bad debts

March 18, 2020 - Roger Beaumont, chief executive of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, which speaks for member banks including ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, and Westpac, said: “The sooner you talk to your bank, the better placed they are to help you.”

Media Appearances

NZ Herald - Coronavirus: Reserve Bank talks up how much banks should be able to lend

March 17, 2020 - “I think it was a really well considered and pragmatic decision by the Reserve Bank which will mean that banks have greater capacity to support their customers, who are financially impacted by Covid-19, and work through those issues.”

Media Appearances

Politik - Robertson’s one two economic punch

March 10, 2020 - New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Roger Beaumont said customers financially affected by a coronavirus, particularly small to medium-sized businesses, were encouraged to contact their bank.