364 days ago

KiwiBank Boost for Banking Competition

Financial Adviser, Director from adviceHQ

The Government is taking bold steps to boost competition, strengthen Kiwibank, and ensure fairer outcomes for Kiwi customers. Key changes include:

✅ Boosting Kiwibank's capital: Up to $500 million may be raised from KiwiSaver funds, NZ investment institutions, and professional investor groups to help Kiwibank compete with the "big four" Australian-owned banks.

✅ Exploring a public share offering: A potential IPO for Kiwibank is on the horizon (post-2028) after its digital transformation, offering more accessible growth options.

✅ Revised Reserve Bank focus: New directives for the Reserve Bank prioritize competition while maintaining financial stability, with reviews planned for:
❇️Risk weighting for lending.
❇️Minimum capital thresholds for new market entrants.
❇️Restrictions on the use of the word "bank."
❇️Barriers to lending on Māori freehold land.

✅ Improved services for consumers: Emphasis on open banking, better payment switching, and clearer home loan comparisons.

"Competition is king," as Nicola Willis puts it. These changes aim to create a level playing field for smaller players and better outcomes for Kiwi bank customers. What do you think?
#KIWIBANK #OpenBanking #kiwisaver #independentfinancialadvice #advicehq

More messages from your neighbours
15 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

Image
1 day ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

Image
Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    73% Complete
  • 17.5% Hmm, maybe?
    17.5% Complete
  • 9.5% Yes!
    9.5% Complete
263 votes
2 hours ago

Have you seen Rowena?

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.

She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.

Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.

If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Image