South Island farmers facing continued drought conditions are encouraged to talk with their bank said the New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA).
“Banks recognise how important the agri-sector is to our economy. We encourage any farmers facing hardship due to ongoing dry conditions to contact their bank to discuss options for assistance and how they can work together through these challenging circumstances,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope.
The NZBA has produced an information sheet on how banks can support and advise farmers facing financial challenges
“Banks work in partnership with farmers to support their businesses. Rural bank managers work closely with their farming clients to understand individual situations and needs. Farmers who find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the drought should speak with their bank as early as possible,” Hope added.
In addition to talking with their banks, farmers can also seek advice about managing through drought conditions from Rural Support Trusts, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Financial Markets Authority
Financial Markets Authority
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association is urging people to be vigilant as we head into the holiday season.
More about Tis the season to be careful
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association is urging people to be vigilant as we head into the holiday season.
“It’s that time of the year when people have a lot on their plate preparing for summer’s festivities. At this busy time it pays to be extra vigilant with your cards and be weary of phishing and other online scams,” says New Zealand Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope.
“Fraudsters know we are often distracted at this time of year and will look for any opportunity to take advantage of people’s busy lives and increase in social activities.”
So whether you’re using an EFTPOS terminal to buy gifts, shopping online, or buying a round at your local pub, here are some tips on how to keep yourself safe this festive season:
- Guard your card. Treat it like cash. Don’t leave it lying around. Make sure you know where your card is at all times.
- Shop with trusted retailers. Before you provide personal information make sure they will protect that information
- Check you have a secure connection, which is shown by a padlock symbol somewhere on the page, and that the website address starts with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.
- Don’t reply to, click on any links, or open any files in spam emails or text messages.
- Check your statements. Advise your bank immediately of any unauthorised transactions.
“It’s important to remember that your bank will reimburse any losses if you’re the genuine victim of fraud. However, that promise doesn’t override your responsibility to protect access to your accounts.”
“Banks will be working hard this holiday season to protect you from financial crime. But we all have to play our part. By following these simple steps you too can help.” reminds Hope.
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today welcomed Bell Gully as its latest affiliate member.
“We are very pleased to have Bell Gully, one of New Zealand’s oldest established law firms, join us as an affiliate member,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope.
“Their support demonstrates just how deeply embedded in New Zealand business Bell Gully is, particularly in the banking sector.”
Bell Gully partner David Craig said, “We are pleased to join as an affiliate member, and look forward to working with the NZBA as it continues its great work fostering a strong and stable banking system in New Zealand.”
“Over the years, Bell Gully has worked closely with the NZBA and its members, and we look forward to strengthening this relationship through formal affiliation.”
Established in 1891, the New Zealand Bankers’ Association provides a forum for members to work together on non-competitive industry issues. The Association now has 15 member banks and seven affiliate members.
NZBA recently introduced an affiliate membership category to allow the Association to formalise relationships it has with a range of complementary organisations involved with the New Zealand banking industry.
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Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Financial Markets Authority
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today welcomed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report Preparing New Zealand for rising seas: Certainty and Uncertainty.
“I commend Dr Wright in her collaborative approach to this serious issue,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope.
“We look forward to having a role to play should the Government accept the Commissioner’s recommendation to establish a Working Group to assess and prepare for the economic and fiscal implications of sea level rise.”
“Rising sea levels are an important issue confronting many New Zealand communities, and the issue deserves a collaborative and engaged response.” said Mr Hope.
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For further information please contact Richard Bicknell on 04 802 3350 or 027 342 2536.
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today encouraged people to be increasingly vigilant of banking scams as part of Fraud Awareness Week 2015.
The New Zealand Bankers’ Association today encouraged people to be increasingly vigilant of banking scams as part of Fraud Awareness Week 2015.
“As more and more Kiwis are using multiple mobile devices, scammers too are adapting to trick people into handing over personal information,” said New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Kirk Hope.
“The theme of this year’s Fraud Awareness week is small business and small businesses need to be particularly vigilant when migrating to mobile solutions.”
“Everyone has a role to play in fighting fraud and reporting scams.“
“Only ever use your bank’s official application downloaded from trusted sources such as iTunes or Google Play. If you are accessing your bank’s website make sure it is via a secure connection.”
“If you are ever in any doubt contact your bank.”
Reporting scams raises public awareness and helps stop scammers in their tracks. Contact your bank as soon as possible if you think you’ve been taken in by a scam.
Safety tips to help protect yourself against online banking and shopping scams include:
- Logon to internet banking by typing in your bank’s full web address. Do not use links that appear to take you to your bank’s website.
- Check you have a secure connection, which is shown by a padlock symbol somewhere on the page, and that the website address starts with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.
- Avoid public computers and public Wi-Fi for internet banking, e.g. internet cafes, libraries or hotels.
- Protect your identity information and only provide it to trusted people and organisations. This includes your date of birth, address, driver’s licence number and passport details.
- Shop with trusted retailers. Before you provide personal information make sure they will protect that information.
- Keep your anti-virus and firewall software up to date.
- If you suspect you’ve been taken in by a scam, contact your bank immediately.
If you use your mobile devices for banking:
- Only download apps from trusted sources
- Keep device operating systems up to date, and update apps when prompted
- Use your phone’s password lock feature
- Shield your passwords from people around you
- Change your passwords periodically, and make sure they are not easily guessable
- If available, use anti-virus software
- Contact your bank immediately if you lose your phone or it is stolen.
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For further information please contact Richard Bicknell on 04 802 3350 or 027 342 2536.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment