We, the undersigned, would like the New Zealand Bankers Association to establish a Regional Banking Hub in Taradale, Hawke's Bay.

The Taradale banks are disappearing and we believe that our elderly and disabled community, and others, are paying the price.

Most or many of our elderly residents have raised their children and grandchildren in Taradale, and are very valued by us. Twenty-six percent of the Taradale ward's residents are aged over 65.

Kiwibank has gone, ASB lobby is next, and now BNZ has announced that its Taradale branch is closing. Taradale customers of these banks who want face-to-face services will have to travel to Napier, where disabled people have reported a shortage of mobility parks. Alternatively, customers are expected to manage their finances by phone or internet.

We believe this is ageist (discriminatory against elderly people) and ableist (discriminatory against disabled people). 

As the mother of a disabled son said "Unfortunately for some people with disabilities, and even elderly, talking on the phone and explaining themselves is hard".

Citizens Advice Bureau recently presented their petition to Parliament addressing community concerns that sectors of the community are being disadvantaged by the closure of face-to-face services. This petition was "Leave no-one behind: Campaign to address digital exclusion".

"Final Report, Petition of Citizens Advice Bureau NZ" (2022) pages 7 - 10, gives detailed evidence of the status of disabled and elderly people and the internet. CABNZ believes that digital exclusion breaches New Zealand's human rights obligations, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 9.

We the undersigned would like New Zealand Bankers Association to establish a Regional Banking Hub in Taradale, Hawke's Bay.

Banking hubs "provide basic banking services and feature a Smart ATM, support staff and online technology support. The Smart ATM provides for cash deposits and withdrawals and other basic transactions are available on tablets and by phone, with staff to assist " (nzba.org.nz)