Banking Partners Announced

General News | 06/18/2010

The banking partners for the new Auckland Council and associated Council-Controlled Organisations have been announced.

Bank of New Zealand will provide the Auckland Council with comprehensive transactional services and over-the counter services.

The New Zealand Post PostShop network will also provide some over-the-counter bill payment services such as rates and water payments.

The Auckland Transition Agency (ATA) is charged with planning and managing the amalgamation of eight councils into a new Auckland Council from 1 November 2010. 

Engaging a transactional banking services provider is an important component of this transition process. 

In announcing the banking agreements the Executive Chairman of the ATA, Mark Ford, said a key objective of the move to a new Council is faster and easier customer access.

Anthony Healy, Director – BNZ Partners said:  “The new Auckland Super City is the biggest and most complex corporate merger in this country’s history and the win is an outstanding result for BNZ. The key to success here is a willingness to work in a true partnership with the Auckland Council with a strategy based on innovation and efficiency.”

The arrangement ensures greater over-the-counter access to a range of Council services through 178 Bank of New Zealand branches nationwide as well as the New Zealand Post PostShop network of outlets.

“The public will have more choices and improved service when interacting through more efficient and effective delivery channels,” Mr Ford said.

“Being able to interact with the Council at any BNZ or PostShop branch in the region, and indeed throughout the country, brings a whole new level of convenience and customer service for the new organisation.”

The Transition Agency has also previously announced that there will be more than 20 “service centres” throughout the region where the public will be able to interact with the Council face to face. Mr Ford adds that the new Council’s banking partners were selected after a comprehensive tender, evaluation and selection process.