Have Your Say: RBNZ Consultation on Access to Cash
25 February 2026
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Circular 26-012 Relevant for Club Committees and Management |
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has opened public consultation on a proposed Cash Services Standard, and it's important that clubs across the country take part.
The proposal sets out minimum requirements for banks to ensure people, businesses and community organisations can withdraw cash, deposit cash and get change, free of charge and close to where they live. Public consultation runs from 25 February to 10 April 2026.
Cash remains an essential part of how clubs operate, whether for day-to-day transactions, raffles, memberships or community events. Yet many clubs have been hit hard by branch closures and the steady reduction in rural and regional banking services. The RBNZ notes that access points have been declining nationwide, especially outside of main centres.
What is the RBNZ proposing
Under the proposed Cash Services Standard:
- Urban communities should be within 3km of free cash withdrawals, deposits and coin-swap services.
- Rural settlements (population 200-999) should not have to drive more than 15km one way.
- People in more remote areas should not need to travel more than 30km.
- Cash services must be free of charge and provided without unreasonable wait times.
The RBNZ is clear that cash remains vital, not only for economic reasons, but social and cultural ones two. Recent research shows 72% of small businesses would be adversely affected if cash became unavailable as a payment options.
How to have your say
The RBNZ has made it easy to participate:
Consultation closes 10 April 2026
