A trade union's taking ANZ to task over its proposal to shut the doors at five branches.
Tali Williams from the Fist Union disputes the bank's claim the closures in Palmerston North, Milton, Ngaruawahia, Otorohanga and Te Aroha are as a result of not enough transactions.
"When you crunch the numbers it's actually a very slight amount of reduction when it comes to over-the-counter transactions - 4 percent a year on average. It's not very high, it's not unsustainable for them to keep the branch open."
ANZ says the branches are no longer viable.
"[It's a] situation that is unlikely to improve as the number of customers using branches continues to drop steadily."
Ms Williams says communities will suffer if the branches close up, particularly the elderly.
"It's going to be difficult for people who don't have the resources or transportation to get to other towns to do their banking."
Westpac is also considering shutting down branches, mostly in rural areas.
Newshub.
