BNZ Whanganui expands with new local business manager

New local BNZ business manager Cindy Hoskin with BNZ senior partner Blair Ross. Photo/ Bevan Conley

The Whanganui BNZ branch is expanding taking on the bank's first ever Whanganui business manager.

Prior to making the move, Whanganui business clients dealt with a manager in Palmerston North.

Cindy Hoskin joined the team late January and brings to the job 20 years of banking experience based in Whanganui.

BNZ senior partner Blair Ross said it was his vision that every client who walked into the building could be dealt with face to face.

"We have experienced a substantial amount of growth in the last few years which justified our decision to take Cindy on. Currently she has about 80 business clients," Mr Ross said.

Ms Hoskin said she will be dealing with all business clients in the region stretching from Bulls to Ohakune to Patea.

"Basically my role is to keep customers happy and to seek out more clients. I can visit all my clients out of the office which is a huge convenience for them. I'm out of the office probably about half of the time," she said.

BNZ Partners, located on the floor above the BNZ customer service bank, has 11 staff with a business section and agricultural unit.

Mr Ross said Cindy is one of five in business - two of the employees were for commercial and the other two were for support staff.

"We are not looking to take on anymore staff at the moment...I think we are right sized for now," he said.

He said Whanganui business is ticking along well.

"Normally there is a particular industry that is struggling but it all seems pretty steady at the moment.

"Mainstreet retail is one area where there are a lot of challenges from internet sales from newer shinier stores capturing the market," Mr Ross said.

The Whanganui bank has a history dating back to the 1800s and was one of the first branches in BNZ.

Ms Hoskin said she is pleased to be a part of a team that has good representation in Whanganui.