Two banks to merge at new Central Mall site

Julie Taylor | 15th March 2010

The BNZ is starting work on a new store in Amohau St that will in May replace its two existing central city premises.

Both the current banks will close, with all business moving to the new store at Pukeroa Oruawhata House in the Central Mall on Amohau St, which is expected to open to customers in late May.

Store manager Owein Greaves said the bank was following the trend of retailers and businesses moving towards the southern end of town.

"After undertaking a review of customer needs in the Rotorua area, we believe the new site will be more accessible, closer to the main shopping centre and have more convenient parking available."

No job losses are expected in the move, with all staff from the Rotorua North bank in Tutanekai St and the Rotorua branch in Fenton St being transferred to the new site.

"The team is excited that building works have started and is looking forward to opening the doors to customers in May. Our priority now is to ensure the transfer of staff and customers goes smoothly and that customers are aware of the move," Mr Greaves said.

 The new premises will include circular teller desks in the middle of the premises and digital signage instead of traditional window poster displays.

There will be free internet access for customers and video conferencing facilities to link small business customers with specialists. New security features are also being incorporated into the design, including a system that sprays offenders with an identifiable solution that stays on clothing for up to six months and skin for two weeks.

BNZ follows a number of businesses that have shifted from central locations into the Rotorua Central Mall since the first major development, with the arrival of The Warehouse in 1993. These include Hallensteins, Harcourts, Farmers, Mitre 10, Briscoes, Batchelors and Dick Smith.