KiwiBank Boost for Banking Competition
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
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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42.9% Yes
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31% Maybe?
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26.1% No
Some Choice News!
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!
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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