Bank lending isn't ‘woke’, say critics of NZ First bill

NZ First is on a “war against woke” in bank lending. (Image: Getty)

Wed, 12 Feb 2025

If banks are reluctant to lend to some industries, it has nothing to do with moralising or “woke” motives, critics of a New Zealand First bill say.NZ First leader Winston Peters announced a private members bill on Feb 10 that he said would prevent NZ businesses from being denied banking services for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reasons.Peters said the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide) Amendment Bill would ensure fairness and prevent ESG standards from “perpetuating...

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