Changes for Taradale/Stortford Lodge NZ Post and Kiwibank branches

NZ Post and Kiwibank are assuring Taradale residents that they will not be losing these services, but a new business partner is being sought to provide them. Photo / Warren Buckland

NZ Post and Kiwibank are making changes to their Stortford Lodge and Taradale branches, seeking franchise business partners to take over services on their behalf.

Some Taradale residents had been concerned the Gloucester St outlet was going to close, but Kiwibank general manager retail distribution Geoff Waller said it would be business as usual until a business partner was found.

He said a franchise partner was being sought to deliver postal services and transactional banking services, including deposits and withdrawals, funds transfers and foreign currency orders.

People would also still be able to pay their bills at the outlet.

At Stortford Lodge, a partner would be brought in to offer postal services.

"We're working with our people in the PostShops as we explore options. We are committed to supporting our people through the change."

Mr Waller said customers and the community would be kept informed as dates and changes were confirmed.

"There is no change to current services while this work takes place."

The impact on staff was still unknown until there were more details about the change and when it would take place.

Last year, Kiwibank also announced plans for two Kiwibank standalone branches in Napier and Hastings, and NZ Post was still in the process of working with local businesses to partner with for postal services.

A Kiwibank spokesperson said standalone Kiwibank branches allowed customers to have more detailed conversations about their banking, with specialised advice and service.

"We currently have four standalone branches, in Hamilton, Auckland CBD, Christchurch CBD and New Plymouth, and customers are giving us great feedback on this new model."

A NZ Post spokesperson said that for several years it had worked with local businesses to supply services, and cited Flaxmere Pharmacy as an example of where a business had become an outlet for sending parcels, buying postage, and buying stamps.

"We think it works well for communities and also businesses who get additional foot traffic."

Taradale Marketing Association co-ordinator Linda Walsh said the move was a positive one.

"This is an opportunity for an existing Taradale business or someone wanting to take on a franchising opportunity - a number of places have taken this on and it has been quite successful."