Australian banking major Westpac is set to close 19 of its branches across New Zealand as more people adopt online banking.
Affected branches are Kamo, Raglan, Otorohanga, Putaruru, Te Aroha, Cherrywood, Whangamata, Broadway Ave, Wainuiomata, Waikanae, Carterton, Takaka, Stoke, Fendalton Mall, Bishopdale, Gardens, Fairlie, Ranfurly and Te Anau.
The branch closures are likely to affect more than 60 jobs.
"It is anticipated branches impacted will close in early November, however supporting customers through the change is a priority," the bank said.
The bank said that it would upgrade ATM and deposit facilities in the affected areas, as well as employ ‘digital educators’ to offer personal assistance to customers.
Westpac noted that over the last five years, online transactions increased by 61% while in the last year online logins through a mobile device surged by 33%. The bank also stated that over 85% of service transactions currently take place outside of their branches.