By James Murray
ANZ New Zealand has announced it will donate $1m to support Canterbury residents and business rebuild from the earthquake.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Steven Fyfe said in addition to the $1 million donation to the proposed Mayoral Relief Fund, the ANZ and National Banks will also offer a special package of assistance for personal and business customers impacted by the earthquake.
An appeal account for people to donate to the proposed relief fund will be set up once details of the fund are finalised by the Christchurch City Council.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with our staff, customers and their families in Christchurch and the Canterbury region who have been affected by today’s earthquake. We are keen to offer our support and assistance as the clean-up begins,” Mr Fyfe said.
ANZ and National bank also proposed a raft of measures designed to assist the region.
The banks will:
- suspend repayments on all loans for three months
- waive fees associated with restructuring business loans considered necessary due to earthquake impacts
- waive early withdrawal costs for term deposits
- consider temporary adjustments to customer lending limits including credit cards to assist them to cope financially with unexpected costs arising from the earthquake
Mr Fyfe said most ANZ and The National Bank ATMs were operating. Internet and phone banking is operating as usual.
“We are currently assessing the status of our branches to establish which will be open on Monday, in line with Civil Defence recommendations.”
Customers with concerns can also phone the banks’ contact centres:
ANZ Contact Centre: 0800 269 296
The National Bank Contact Centre: 0800 18 18 18
3 News