Six-bank hub to run in Stoke for year-long trial

Tuesday, 1 October 2019

Nelson MP Nick Smith and Greypower's Christine Tuffnell fought against the closure of Stoke's Kiwibank branch.

A new non-branded bank hub in Stoke is a 'good win' for Nelson's older community.

The hub, one of four deployed around the country, will combine services from six participating banks, and is expected to open in March.

Nelson MP Nick Smith, who supported local Greypower president Christine Tuffnell in the fight to prevent the closure of the Stoke Kiwibank branch, said he was 'stoked' with the result, and there was 'no question' that locals' efforts were behind the selection of Stoke for the pilot, as well as support from Nelson mayor Rachel Reese.

'The strong petition, the public meeting, the difficulty Kiwibank had at the select committee and the potent leadership from Christine Tuffnell, who was just superb at the select committee, has helped deliver this result for Stoke,' Smith said.

The pushback against the closure of Stoke's Kiwibank branch helped secure the pilot in the area, Nick Smith said.

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'This is a good win for Nelson's older community … A personalised banking service is a good outcome.

'It's a bonus that we're going to have a service from all six of the major banks, Kiwibank, Westpac, BNZ, ANZ, ASB and TSB.'

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese supported Greypower's calls to keep the Stoke branch open, and welcomed the new six-bank hub pilot.

It is not yet settled what the business hours of the hub will be, or where it will be, but options being considered include in the Stoke library, in the Greenmeadows centre, or in a local business.

'My only disappointment is that if Kiwibank and NZ Post had properly consulted with the community last November, this is the sort of solution that we could have come up with, without the uncertainty of the last 12 months and the gap in services that's going to occur between November and March while this new service is configured. But overall I'm delighted by the outcome,' Smith said.

Mayor Reese said the new hub would be 'hugely beneficial' for Stoke.

'We are absolutely delighted to be selected as one of the pilot regional banking hubs,' Reese said in a statement

'We really appreciate the support of the Government to help us fill the gap in face to face banking services, in the fastest growing suburb in Nelson.

'I know the people of Stoke will embrace this new concept, and having staff to directly help will be welcomed by our diverse community.'

The program will be a 12-month trial, with hubs also installed in Opunake, Martinborough, and Twizel. Each hub will trial different options, but all will include a Smart ATM and a support person, and online support.