Westpac won't ditch NZ subsidiary after all

Westpac won't ditch NZ subsidiary after all
Former cabinet minister Simon Power will be Westpac NZ's acting chief executive after tomorrow. (Image: Getty)
Jenny Ruth
Westpac's Australian owners have decided to keep the New Zealand arm after all.In a brief statement, Westpac group chief executive Peter King said after a detailed review, "we believe a demerger of the Westpac NZ (WNZL) business would not be in the best interests of shareholders."Our review identified opportunities to improve service for customers and value across the WNZL business and we will progress these with the WNZL board and management team," King said.Westpac has long chafed against the Reserve Bank of NZ's regula...

More Finance

Banks revise economic outlooks for Q2 GDP contraction
Finance

Banks revise economic outlooks for Q2 GDP contraction

Economists now see NZ's GDP contracting in Q2, but doubt a technical recession in Q3.

Real estate industry wants AML levy exemption
Finance

Real estate industry wants AML levy exemption

The real estate industry is warning an AML levy will drive up costs in the sector.

Craigs' sweet spot for golden visa investors
Finance

Craigs' sweet spot for golden visa investors

Billionaires can go solo. For other wealthy investors, there's Craigs' new fund.

Net assets down, losses widen in Macquarie Group NZ's FY
Finance

Net assets down, losses widen in Macquarie Group NZ's FY

Financial group books wider full-year loss as net assets slip.

Staff reporters 12 Sep 2025