Westpac looks to close Auckland bank branches

File photo / NZ Herald

Westpac is considering closing four Auckland bank branches as a result of declining customer numbers.

The branches are Panmure, Parnell, Glen Eden and Mairangi Bay.

"This is a proposal only and we are consulting with our employees," a Westpac spokeswoman said. "There has been a steady decline in the number of customers using these branches and we are assessing our options as a result."

The spokeswoman declined to disclose how many staff were employed at the four branches.

"As I mentioned, we're in consultation so we have nothing further to add," she said.

The rapid rise of online banking has resulted in fewer customers using physical bank branches.

In May Westpac New Zealand reported a record half-year cash profit of $432 million, a 17 per cent increase on the same period a year earlier.