Long term stability of New Zealand Post’s AA- credit rating will enable Kiwibank to continue its successful growth strategy, Roche said. “Kiwibank is vital part of the New Zealand Post Group. The Government’s decision is a major boost in helping the bank retain a credit rating which will enable it to continue to grow and expand its range of services to the market.

“Kiwibank is a remarkable success story, achieving over 700,000 customers in eight years, delivering quality straight-forward banking to New Zealanders.

“New Zealand Post Group wants to take Kiwibank go to the next level, expanding into new sectors such as business banking,” he said.

New Zealand Post Group did not require a direct capital injection from the Government.   Kiwibank has sufficient capital for immediate growth plans, aided by the raising of NZ$150m of tier 1 capital through a perpetual callable non-cumulative preference share issue earlier this year by Kiwi Capital Securities Ltd.

Roche said the uncalled capital could only be utilised as protection against a significant unforeseen external event, and was not available to fund growth activities or support deterioration of earnings in regular business.

“What the uncalled capital does provide is the base for a stable credit rating from which New Zealand Post Group can launch ambitious and exciting growth plans for Kiwibank.  That will be good for the Group and all New Zealanders,” said Roche.

The Government and New Zealand Post Group are in the end stages of finalising the terms and conditions under which the facility will be provided. A further announcement on these details will be made once they are available.

Source: New Zealand Post

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