Big banks pledge no more regional branch closures for a year

The big banks have promised not to close any more regional branches for the next 12 months. It's part of a deal the Government has struck a deal with Kiwibank, BNZ, TSB, ANZ, ASB and Westpac, which also involves setting up four trial regional banking hubs in Martinborough, Opunake, Stoke and Twizel -- all towns that no longer have a bank. The hubs will feature a Smart ATM - able to do cash deposits and withdrawals - accompanied by support staff to help people using them. South Wairarapa district councillor Pip Maynard says she's delighted some kind of banking service will return to Martinborough.