WESTPAC Fiji is set to open a “superbranch” at the renovated Garden City complex in Suva by early next year. According to the bank, construction is in progress on the 637 square metre branch.
Chief executive officer Kip Hanna said the new branch would be the first of its kind in Fiji, not only in terms of the way it looked but also the overall experience.
“We’ve been getting ideas from the team and from customers about what we need to work in or revise in the design to make it the best branch in Fiji — but we already know that it will have a 24/7 business express deposit machine, cash/coin change machine for our business customers, it will have self-service or self-assisted digital channels to enable simple customer activities, wheelchair/accessibility access and free wifi for customers,” Mr Hanna said.
“We decided on Garden City as a site because it will give customers two premium banking options in Suva — of course our main Thompson St branch which was renovated in 2015 and Garden City for those on this side of the city. It’s still in early planning stages, but we’re also looking to open a branch like this for customers in the West too.”
Mr Hanna has also assured employees and customers that Westpac is not selling its Fiji operations, contrary to rumours that were circulated last week.
“Our commitment to Fiji is solid and is on show right across the country. We are represented wherever there is business or industry; maintaining our 120+ year commitment to supporting Fiji’s economy and enterprises to grow.
“We have more than 70 ATMs and 60 in-store merchants representing Westpac in villages and urban centres. We are making the branch experience better, by raising our standards and educating people about branchless banking options — which reduces queues and gives our bankers time to help customers with more complex requests or advice. And we’re investing in technology, like our smartphone app.
“Our reason for being in Fiji today is the same as when we opened the Suva branch doors for the first time back in 1901 —and that is to help grow the Fiji economy and support trade between Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.”
