Suburban branches close doors

ANZ Cherrywood will be closing its doors and will not be in operation from Monday, July 4. Photo / Ruth Keber

ANZ Cherrywood is closing its doors next month leaving customers upset that they will have to travel across town to do their banking.

On June 17, the bank mailed a letter to customers explaining it was "on the move" and the Cherrywood branch would be moved to their 11th Ave branch on the corner of 11th Ave and John St from July 4.

Joy Khairnar, 71, said having the bank located in Cherrywood was convenient. She had been doing her banking there for about 10 years and was sad the bank was moving away, she said.

Peter Watkins, a resident for 27 years, said: "It's been so convenient to walk down and not have to get the car out every time."

Mr Watkins said he was still able to drive, so would continue to use other branches of ANZ.

A spokesman for ANZ said there were five branches in the Tauranga area within a short distance of each other.

"Like all banks, we're seeing increasing numbers of people doing their day-to-day banking online or on their smartphones, and coming into branches mostly for specialist advice. As a result fewer people are using branches, and we have decided to bring the team from Cherrywood in to our nearby Tauranga, Bethlehem and 11th Ave branches."

The ANZ would continue to maintain the ATM in Cherrywood.

ANZ Greerton was also moving to Tauriko, with the last day August 31.