Thank you once again for your support, we’ve now met with Kiwibank’s general manager (distribution) and regional manager to hand over your 1000+ signatures PHOTO [from left Dr Melanie Coker, Lee Sampson, Clr. Phil Clearwater, with Brent Hefford and Geoff Waller of Kiwibank] at the petition handover. 

The bank are taking the petition and strong community views seriously. Here’s the latest we can confirm at this time:

-At this stage there will be no closure of the branch until late 2020 or early 2021; (it can take New Zealand Post some time to find the right business partner), but their data does show that too few customers are actually entering the Barrington site to use Kiwibank services and make its sustainable;

- New Zealand Post will remain in the area ( so postal and billpay services will be available locally);

-Kiwibank is committed to doing everything it can to help bridge the digital divide (especially for the elderly and most vulnerable members of our community). Its partnered with Stepping UP to deliver digital training, this will happen through Checkmate (Previously Addington Net) locally; and 

- The Kiwibank Barrington Mall branch is acknowledged as part of the history of the founding of the bank, alongside the legacy of the late Rt Hon Jim Anderton who championed Kiwibank into creation and this was his local branch. A fitting tribute is under consideration.

I will update further if there’s any more news to share, thanks again.

Kind regards 

Lee Sampson