Bank customers lose out again

Building woes continue to affect local ANZ Group banking operations, this time in Waimate.

Earlier this year, the National Bank, then operating under its own branding, closed its branch in Kurow, leaving bank users facing a 50-minute trip each way to Oamaru to carry out their banking.

Now, in Waimate a seismic survey of the ANZ's building has revealed some matters to be addressed.

ANZ National Banking Group Dunedin and North regional manager Vaughan Keenan said the ANZ branch in Waimate was moving to temporary quarters across the road from the Waimate District Council.

"Temporary cabins are currently being fitted out and the staff of five will move once this work is completed," he said.

"We expect them to be at their new location before Christmas."

Mr Keenan said the bank was working with the landlord to address the issues relating to the structure.

Waimate Mayor John Coles said he was "mystified and appalled at the way bank customers are being treated".

"I think Waimate and bank customers deserve a lot better than the cabins which are being set up to serve as a bank," he said.

"It is a bit of a joke and certainly won't do the image of the bank any good."

Mayor Coles said council officers offered assistance regarding alternative sites but this was not progressed.

"With summer approaching, they [the buildings] are certainly going to be hot ... " he said.

Meanwhile, the National Bank at Kurow, which was closed this year after it failed to make the grade in a seismic survey, remains empty.

"We have been working with a community group, but negotiations have not yet progressed beyond initial discussions," Mr Coles said.

But there is some good news on the horizon for those people who previously used the ANZ money machine in Thames St.

Although he wouldn't confirm an exact location, Mr Keenan said mid-January was the target opening date for a second ANZ ATM money machine in Oamaru.

It will join one in Thames St, which was recently refurbished with ANZ branding after the phasing out of the National Bank signage.

The ANZ money teller closed in August when staff were relocated from the Oamaru ANZ building to the National Bank in Upper Thames St after the premises failed to meet its earthquake-risk grading.