Marton residents unhappy after BNZ closes its local branch

The BNZ branch in Marton closed two weeks ago. Photo / Lin Ferguson

BNZ has closed its Marton branch two weeks ago and locals are not happy.

Peter Scott. the managing director of McGruers (Marton) Ltd, was moved to write a letter to the bank expressing his sincere and "utter disappointment at the decision to close the Marton BNZ branch".

As one of the oldest businesses still trading in Marton, McGruers had built up a loyal customer base which includes many current BNZ customers, he said.

"Many of our customers are mature and do not like or [cannot]understand modern internet banking. They pay with cheque and prefer the personal side of their banking through the local branch of the bank.''

McGruers had been with in Marton for more than 100 years and was probably one of the branch's oldest business customers, he said.

"The bank has been such an important part of this business and of the Rangitikei community for many years.

"Many of our customers have talked of their disappointment and even sadness as the bank that has been part of their everyday lives and the local community has been closed.

"Some of our customers are farm-based and don't have internet coverage at their properties.

"Now they have to travel to Feilding to do their banking."

Mr Scott said the closure was also a great shame for the business community and the town which had lost another business and added another vacant shop in the CBD.

"This community has been a strong supporter of the BNZ in Marton and many people feel very badly let down by this decision."

Mr Scott recalled the official opening of the new updated branch, where the area manager had said that they were "committed" to the Rangitikei and were there for the long haul

"This was greeted with rapturous applause ... oh how things have changed."

While he realises modern banking has changed,Mr Scott said he still thinks there is an important place for a BNZ branch in the town of Marton.