Submissions

To: Reserve Bank of New Zealand 
Date: July 2026 

Purpose

The purpose of the submission was to support the Reserve Bank’s proposal to introduce a cash services standard applicable to all New Zealand banks. 

The proposed minimum cash services standard offers many positives including enabling people to more easily access free-to-use cash deposit and withdrawal services within their local communities, which is especially important following the closure of many bank branches and automatic teller services around the country. 

These moves would positively benefit disabled people who face barriers to accessing cash. 

Summary of DPA submission

DPA recommends that all free-to-use cash services are located within areas which have accessible public transport connections, particularly in urban centres. 

DPA recommends that all free-to-use cash services are based in areas where there are full mobility parking facilities available for disabled drivers and/or passengers. 

DPA recommends that, in rural and provincial communities, free-to-use cash services are located within easily drivable distances.