An upgraded, new ATM being constructed at 217 Maunganui Rd will replace the existing BNZ ATM machine located at 165 Maunganui Rd, which is set to be retired in the next few months.

The Weekend Sun has investigated rumours swirling about the existing Maunganui Rd ATM shutting down after business owners and Mount Maunganui shoppers raised concern, particularly the need to withdraw cash for local weekend markets.

The concerns come after the Mount Maunganui BNZ bank was shut down in late-2020.

Responding to The Sun's enquiry BNZ's manager of external communications Micheal Burgess has confirmed the ATM will be replaced, and additional upgrades will done to the new ATM after construction.

'We are constructing a 24x7 Smart ATM lobby with additional features – such as coin deposit, $10 notes – in the same neighbourhood, at 217 Maunganui Rd,” says Micheal.

'The existing ATM will not be removed until the new one is up and running, which should be in the next few months.”

Mount Business Association operations manager Malika Ganley says that the ATM is a good service for nearby businesses that operate with a cash float, and the bank closure made it 'a chore” to go to Bayfair or Tauranga to bank cash and get floats.

'Businesses will benefit with this feature on the ATMs, although some are now run with no cash as majority of sales are through Eftpos,” says Malika.