Kiwibank has announced plans to create a standalone Kiwibank branch in Tauranga, ending their partnership with New Zealand Post in the process.

General Manager Retail Distribution Geoff Waller says they first introduced the standalone branch model in June 2016, and have had great customer feedback from the branches opened so far.

'Our customer needs are changing and it's important we have the right environment for conversations and our unique customer experience. We're looking forward to bringing this model to Tauranga.

'Having confirmed the proposed new branch model with our staff, we're now working towards creating the environment for a more specialised banking service, an innovative customer experience and a strong brand presence.”

These changes affect both the Tauranga and Greerton branches, with the new standalone Kiwibank branch planned for Tauranga.

'There is no change to the current branches and services right now, and we will keep our customers and the community informed when dates and locations are known.”

New Zealand Post will look for local businesses to help with options to deliver postal services for each area.

New Zealand Post Head of Retail Mark Yagmich says their focus is to find suitable local Tauranga businesses to partner with.

'We already successfully deliver postal services through local businesses in many communities as a way of operating as a commercially sustainable business.

'This model works well for us, and also for the businesses we work with, which generally benefit from increased foot traffic as people come in to buy stamps, and drop off their parcels. It's also good news for our customers, who often enjoy longer opening hours, and more convenient locations.

'Whilst we carry out this search we'd like to reassure our customers that there will be no change to our services for customers who use both the Tauranga NZ Post & Kiwibank and Greerton NZ Post & Kiwibank. They can still access postal services, such as buying postage and sending parcels, and access the box lobbies.”

Postal services are also available from:

Tauranga Grey Street NZ Post & Kiwibank, 17 Grey St, Tauranga - 1.9kms from Tauranga (Cameron Rd) NZ Post & Kiwibank

Pyes Pa Pharmacy, 83 Pyes Pa Road, Pyes Pa, Tauranga – 2.7 kms from Greerton NZ Post & Kiwibank

Unichem Brookfield Pharmacy, 81 Bellevue Road, Brookfield, Tauranga – 3.3 kms from Tauranga (Cameron Rd) NZ Post & Kiwibank

Maungatapu Stationers, 291 Maungatapu Road, Maungatapu, Tauranga – 6 kms from Tauranga (Cameron Rd) NZ Post & Kiwibank