There are measures available that could help some storm-affected customers, ANZ bank said. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
New Zealand's biggest bank is offering support for customers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
ANZ said customers experiencing financial strain should not hesitate to get in touch, however the bank's call centre was experiencing a larger than usual volume of calls and people were urged to be patient.
ANZ managing director of business Lorraine Mapu said there was a range support options available to help customers, such as a restructuring of loan repayments or access to additional credit.
She said the bank had simplified processes for things like temporary overdrafts for customers with pending insurance claims, and for those applying for a KiwiSaver significant hardship withdrawal for amounts up to $5000.
"There are also a number of fee waivers in place, as well as the ability for customers in hardship to break term deposits," she said.
While the bank had closed a number of branches in the upper North Island in response the weather, it said financial support options could be found on its website.
said.
National state of emergency: What you need to know
- The New Zealand government has declared a National State of Emergency, to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.
- The declaration will apply to the six regions that have already declared a local State of Emergency: Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawke's Bay.
- A national state of emergency gives the national controller legal authority to apply further resources across the country and set priorities in support of a national level response.
- Put safety first. Don't take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
- Stay at home if it is safe to do so. But have an evacuation plan in case your home becomes unsafe to stay in.
- If you have evacuated, please stay where you are until you are given the all-clear to go home.
- People should stay up to date with the forecasts from MetService and continue to follow the advice of Civil Defence and emergency services.
- Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.