Westpac

1. Business / Trading Name: Westpac New Zealand Limited (commonly trading as “Westp y “Westpac”). Originally established as the New Zealand operations of the Bank of New South Wales in 1861 (renamed Westpac in 1982).

2. Company Number: 1763882

3. NZBN: 9429034324622

4. Entity Type: Registered New Zealand Limited Company (locally incorporated bank). Westpac NZ is also registered as a of NZ Act.

5. Business Classification: ANZSIC K622110 – Bank Operation.

6. Industry Category: Financial Services (Banking). Westpac NZ provides personal, rural (agribusiness), and institutional banking, as well as related financial services (payments, insurance partnerships, wealth management)

7. Year Founded:** Established in New Zealand in 1861. The current corporate entity was incorporated on 14 February 2006 as part of a local incorporation prior to that Westpac operated in NZ as a branch of its Australian parent).

8. Addresses: Head Office: Westpac on Takutai Square, 16 Takutai Square, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Former main office: 53 Galway Street, Auckland 1010 (previous physical address). Share registry:

Level 30, PwC Tower, 15 Customs Street West, Auckland 1010

Westpac NZ also maintains a network of 200+ branches nationwide.

9. Website URL: westpac.co.nz – Official site of Westpac New Zealand.

10. • din.com/company/westpac-new-zealand-limited/** – Westpac New Zealand LinkedIn page.

11. Company Hub NZ URL: https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429034324622 (Company Hub NZ)

https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/1763882?backurl=H4sIAAAAAAAAAEXLuwrCQBCF4bfZxiJxE4UUg9hoYQrBvMCQHXUhe3FmouTtjRix%2B88Hp8h4Iyn6FDJGP5cQcn%2FfPaCpbVNWdWXrrbUrQ1G9Tt2USWDftsu%2BKOooR05j%2FrKPfeJ84BRg6S6BQeeYRP7vBU40vRI7MKLICqUZfPAK642R64zu83xi7MmdMdIAyiOZkBzBz98urtZZwAAAAA%3D%3D (Companies Office registry entry for Westpac New Zealand Ltd).

12. Social Media URLs: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestpacNZ; Twitter (X): twitter.com/WestpacNZ ; Instagram: instagram.com/WestpacNZ ; YouTube: youtube.com/user/WestpacNZ. (All official Westpac NZ accounts.)

13. Ultimate Holding Company: Westpac Banking Corporation publicly listed bank, headquartered in Sydney. WBC is the “Ultimate Parent Bank” of Westpac NZ, meaning Westpac New Zealand is ultimately 100% owned by Westpac Banking Corporation. Westpac NZ is an operating subsidiary; WBC shares are listed on ASX/NZX.)

14. Key Shareholders: Westpac New Zealand is majority-owned (95.1%) by Westpac New Zealand Group Limited, itself wholly owned by Westpac Banking Corp. The remaining ~4.9% of shares are held by New Zealand investors via various custodial nominees and investment firms (e ans ~2.07%, JBWere ~0.65%, FNZ Custodians 0.36%, etc.) as non-voting preference shares. These minority shares were issued as capital instruments Ultimate control: Westpac Banking Corporation (through Westpac NZ Group Ltd) holds 100% of voting securities.

15. Leadership: Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Catherine McGrath (appointed November 2021; Pip (Philippa) Greenwood (independent director, appointed Chair in 2021). Westpac NZ’s Board of Directors includes both local and Westpac Group appointees, e.g., David McLean (former CEO, retired 2021), Debbie (Debra) Birch (appointed 2024, experienced in Māori gov d public sector roles), and others such as David Havercroft, Rob Hamilton, Christine Parker, David Green, Michael Rowland. The executive team under CEO McGrath oversees divisions like Institutional Banking (Reuben Tucker), Consumer Banking (Helen Ryder), risk, finance, etc

16. Staff: Approximately 5,000+ employees in New Zealand. (Westpac NZ reported having “over 5,000 employees in New Zealand” as of FY2023.) Staff are primarily based in Auckland, Wel ranches nationwide. Many front-line staff are unionised under FIRST Union (Finance Sector). Westpac has publicly committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce (e.g. it is a participant in the “Champions for Change” diversity initiative)

17. Staff that have held previous government roles:

Westpac NZ has notable “revolving door” examples:

Simon Power: Hired as e Bank in 2012 after a 12-year career as an MP (National Party) and Cabinet Minister (2008–2011). He later became Westpac NZ’s General Manager of Institutional Banking and even served as acting CEO in 2021.

Karen Silk: A longtime Westpac NZ executive (GM Commercial, Corporate & Instituinted an Assistant Governor at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. (She had co-chaired the Sustainable Finance government climate finance policy).

Debbie Birch: Board member (2024) with past executive roles in financial entities and Crown organizations.

• Additionally, former Westpac NZ Chair Jan Dawson went on to roles including Deputy Chair of Air New Zealand (a mixed-ownership Crown company) have participated in government advisory groups or secondments (for example, Westpac executives have sat on taskforces for financial regulation and infrastructure financing, and some go ations managers are former public servants). These crossover roles underscore Westpac’s close ties to government net

18. Past Employees: Notable former Westpac NZ figures include:

Ann Sherry – CEO of later a prominent corporate leader in Australia.

Brad Cooper – CEO 2007–2008 (left to a in Westpac Group’s St. George merger).

George Frazis – CEO 2008–2012, who came from NAB and later led Westpac’s Aussie operations.

Peter Clare – CEO 2012– due to health reasons).

David McLean – long-serving W 5–2021, oversaw the bank through regulatory changes; retired in 2021.

Simon Power – (covered above) former Acting CEO in 2021, then departed Westpac in late 2021.

tte (Jan) Dawson** – Chair of the Board 2011–2021, a high-profile company director (former partner at KPMG) past leaders often moved into influential roles elsewhere in business or government, reflecting Westpac’s cultivation of leaders influence.

19. Clients: Westpac NZ’s clientele spans individual consumers, businesses of all sizes, and government agencies. Nearly 1.5 million New Zealanders (about 30% of the population) bank with Westpac. The bank’s clients include the New Zealand Government itself, for which Westpac is the principal banker handling Crown accounts (35+ government departments’ transactional banking). Corporate clients range from small enterprises and farms to major companies and institutions (Westpac has a leading market share in corporate and institutional banking). It also serves non-profits and local governments via transactional services. In summary, Westpac NZ’s “clients” effectively include a broad cross-section of New Zealand society, from ordinary households to the central government.

20. Industries/Sectors Represented: Westpac primarily represents the banking and financial services sector. Through its operations and lobbying, it advances the interests of large commercial banks in areas such as banking regulation, payment systems, credit markets, and fintech policy. It is a leading member of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA), the industry group for banks. Westpac also touches sectors like insurance and wealth management (it formerly owned Westpac Life NZ and manages KiwiSaver funds), and it has specific focus on agriculture/rural banking and property lending, representing those sectoral interests in policy discussions (e.g. advocating for settings favorable to farm lending and housing finance). Additionally, Westpac champions sustainable finance initiatives, positioning itself in the climate change policy arena on behalf of the finance sector.

21. Publicly Disclosed Engagements: Westpac NZ’s political and policy engagement is partly on the public record:

• The bank frequently makes submissions to Parliamentary select committees and regulators. For example, Westpac submitted on the 2023 Inquiry into Banking Competition, on open banking and consumer data rights legislation, and on the Reserve Bank Act/Deposit Insurance reform. These submissions are published on government websites (e.g. Commerce Commission, MBIE, Treasury).

• It participates in official consultations and working groups. Westpac NZ executives sat on the Government’s Sustainable Finance Forum and provided input into climate-related financial disclosure rules. The bank’s representatives have appeared in Parliament’s Finance & Expenditure Committee hearings (e.g. the CEO and executives have been questioned in the Commerce Commission’s market study on banking).

Lobbyist register: New Zealand has no mandatory lobbyist register, but Westpac’s lobbying is partly disclosed via ministerial diaries. Entries show meetings between Westpac officials and ministers (for instance, Finance Minister’s public diary lists occasional meetings with bank CEOs or NZBA delegations, including Westpac).

Transparency reports: As a listed company’s subsidiary, Westpac NZ publishes disclosure statements and notes any government engagements material to its business (e.g. acknowledgment of RBNZ consultations, competition inquiries).

• However, many informal engagements (industry events, private meetings) are not publicly disclosed (see Part Two for analysis).

22. Affiliations: Westpac NZ is embedded in multiple networks and associations:

New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA): Westpac is a core member of this lobbying group for banks, and Westpac executives often hold leadership roles in it. NZBA represents the banking sector to policymakers (submitting on laws like deposit insurance, AML/CFT, etc).

BusinessNZ and Chambers of Commerce: Westpac is a major corporate member of BusinessNZ and local business chambers, aligning with broader business lobbying on economic policy.

The Aotearoa Circle Sustainable Finance Forum: Westpac co-chaired this public-private initiative on sustainable finance (through Karen Silk), influencing environmental economic policy.

Infrastructure and Trade Bodies: Westpac is a member of Infrastructure NZ and has ties to NZ’s international trade promotion groups via its institutional banking arm (advising on PPPs, export finance).

Trans-Tasman Business Circle and Forums: As an Australian-linked bank, Westpac engages in trans-Tasman business forums that connect corporate leaders with politicians.

Community & Māori partnerships: Westpac partners with the Rescue Helicopter Trust (Westpac Rescue Helicopter) and is involved with iwi business networks via its Maori banking team. It also sponsors academic research (e.g. economic institutes) that can shape policy debate.

International affiliations: Westpac Banking Corp is part of global banking associations and adheres to codes (like Equator Principles for project finance), indirectly linking Westpac NZ to international lobbying on finance regulations.

These affiliations amplify Westpac’s influence by leveraging collective lobbying efforts and relationship-building across the public and private sectors.

23. Sponsorships / Collaborations: Westpac NZ expends significant funds on sponsorships that also serve as influence channels:

Westpac Rescue Helicopter: A high-profile sponsorship of air ambulance services nationwide. While charitable, this partnership ingratiates Westpac with communities and politicians (the service is lifesaving and often mentioned by MPs appreciatively, raising Westpac’s public profile).

Awards & Events: Westpac sponsors the “Westpac Business Awards” in regions, the Women of Influence awards (with Stuff Media), and financial literacy programs. Such events often involve MPs or ministers as guests, subtly lobbying for Westpac’s brand and values.

Academic and Policy Research: Westpac funds an Economics team that produces widely read reports; these are sometimes launched in collaboration with government agencies (e.g. housing affordability reports with KiwiBuild) giving Westpac a voice in policy discussion. It has partnered with think tanks or universities on research (like climate risk, regional economic development), effectively sponsoring policy-relevant knowledge.

Community Collaborations: During COVID-19, Westpac worked with government on relief initiatives (e.g. it administered loan deferral schemes and the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme alongside Treasury), presenting itself as a cooperative stakeholder.

Financial capability programs: Collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development on budgeting services and with the Reserve Bank on financial education means Westpac staff interface with officials in “good cause” settings that also build goodwill.

Industry sponsorship: Westpac sponsors industry conferences (e.g. agricultural fieldays, sustainable business summits) where ministers often speak – another chance to influence informally.

These sponsorships and collaborations serve a dual purpose: genuine service and relationship-building that can translate into political capital for Westpac.

24. Events (held or organised by this organisation): Westpac NZ hosts and participates in numerous events that involve political engagement:

Westpac Stakeholder Functions: The bank holds regular stakeholder receptions where MPs, regulators, and public officials are invited. For instance, Westpac’s annual economic outlook breakfasts often feature speeches by Westpac economists and attract government policymakers (providing a lobby opportunity under the guise of networking).

Shane Jones’ Waitangi Event: A striking example, Westpac’s CEO Catherine McGrath was among attendees at politician Shane Jones’s private Waitangi party in 2025, mingling with ministers, opposition MPs, lobbyists and media. This unpublicised social event is essentially an elite lobbying gathering.

“Future of Banking” Roundtables: Westpac has convened roundtable discussions on banking’s future or fintech, inviting regulators and MPs to its offices for dialogue (often closed-door). These events allow Westpac to steer conversations on policy in a controlled environment.

Community Events: Ribbon-cuttings for new branch openings or sponsorship ceremonies (like handing over rescue helicopter funding) frequently involve local MPs or even Prime Ministers. Such events, covered positively in local media, bolster Westpac’s influence by showcasing partnership with government in communities.

• In summary, Westpac either organises or takes part in a variety of events where political influence is exercised subtly – from high-level soirees to grassroots community gatherings.

25. Political Donations: Westpac NZ (corporate) in recent years claims a policy of not donating to political parties. No public records exist of Westpac NZ making direct donations to NZ political parties in the last decade. However, historically Westpac (and its predecessors) did contribute modestly: e.g. in 2001 Westpac Trust donated NZ$15,000 each to the National and Labour Parties, and in 2002 it donated $10,000. These were disclosed in party donation returns at the time. Westpac’s Australian parent likewise has at times donated across the spectrum in Australia (though Westpac Group’s policy since mid-2000s has been to refrain from partisan donations). It’s important to note that indirect political financing occurs via Westpac’s sponsorships and hospitality (not classified as donations but providing value to politicians, e.g. paying for ministerial travel or event hospitality – all within rules). For instance, Westpac has provided hospitality to ministers at events like rugby matches, which has drawn media scrutiny (though government spokesmen insisted no improper influence). To Westpac’s credit, no recent large-scale corporate donations have been linked to the bank, reflecting perhaps a strategy to exert influence through means other than direct party funding.

24. Controversies: Westpac New Zealand has been involved in several controversies relevant to integrity and influence:

Tax Avoidance Case: Westpac was embroiled in a massive tax avoidance scandal in the 2000s. Along with other big banks, Westpac used complex financing deals to avoid paying taxes; the NZ High Court in 2009 ruled against the banks. Westpac ultimately paid NZ$961 million in a settlement with Inland Revenue. This raised ethical questions about Westpac’s commitment to NZ’s fiscal health while it simultaneously held government contracts.

“Too Big to Fail” Dominance: Critics have pointed to Westpac’s outsized market power. It has reaped very high profits – e.g. NZ$963 million after-tax profit in FY2023 – sparking public controversy given rising interest rates and bank fees. In 2022–2023 there were political calls for a banking windfall tax or stronger regulation, implicitly criticizing Westpac and peers for profiteering during economic hardship. Westpac defended its profits as proportionate to its scale.

Regulatory Censure: In March 2021 the Reserve Bank of NZ (RBNZ) took the rare step of censuring Westpac NZ for risk governance failures, after finding ongoing compliance issues. RBNZ ordered Westpac to commission independent reviews of its risk management and temporarily suspended Westpac NZ’s dividend payments. This followed a Formal AML/CFT Warning in 2019 when Westpac failed to report thousands of overseas transactions on time (a breach of anti-money-laundering law). These incidents painted a picture of lax internal controls. They also prompted Finance Minister Grant Robertson to publicly muse about breaking up Westpac’s dominance (suggesting future government banking might be split among banks).

Australian Scandal Impact: Westpac’s Australian parent was caught in a major money-laundering scandal in 2019 (AUSTRAC found WBC failed to monitor transactions linked to child exploitation). Although that was in Australia, it severely tarnished Westpac’s brand. NZ’s government signaled concern – Deputy PM Robertson said in 2021 that the government would review Westpac’s contract given the Australian issues and consider a more NZ-owned alternative. The specter of losing the government contract due to the parent’s misconduct was a serious controversy for Westpac NZ.

Branch Closures & Community Backlash: Westpac, like other banks, has closed many rural branches, drawing ire from small-town communities and politicians. In 2021, Westpac announced regional branch closures, prompting ministers to pressure banks to pause closures during COVID recovery. Westpac did pause some closures after negative publicity. This controversy put Westpac on the defensive politically, as rural MPs accused Aussie-owned banks of abandoning NZ communities for profit.

Interest Rate Swap Mis-selling: Westpac was one of several banks that settled with the Commerce Commission in 2015 over allegations it mis-sold complex interest rate swaps to rural customers, causing some farmers significant losses. While Westpac denied legal wrongdoing, it paid compensation. This episode cast Westpac as potentially exploiting customers, and by extension raised political questions about bank conduct and the need for stricter oversight.

• In sum, Westpac NZ’s controversies range from concrete legal/regulatory breaches to broader concerns about its power and influence in NZ’s economy and politics.

26. Other Information of Note:

Government Banking Contract: Westpac has been the NZ Government’s principal banker since 1989. This long-running contract (handling ~$90 billion in annual Crown transactions) is highly significant. It has been reviewed only intermittently (after political pressure, a tender in 2015 retained Westpac as main provider for another 8 years). This cozy arrangement – a private foreign-owned bank effectively entrenched as banker to the state – is often noted by political commentators as a source of influence and complacency. The Green Party and others have periodically questioned why a state-owned bank (Kiwibank) couldn’t replace Westpac. Government reluctance to switch, and Westpac’s ability to fend off competition, underscore the bank’s political clout.

Revolving Door & Influence Networks: The case of Simon Power exemplifies Westpac’s strategy of hiring insiders. Power went straight from regulating banks as Commerce Minister to working for a bank. Similarly, Westpac’s former executives now in regulatory roles (e.g. Karen Silk at RBNZ) create potential conflicts of interest. These networks are rarely disclosed publicly in an integrated way, leaving gaps in transparency.

Market Position: Westpac NZ is one of the “big four” banks controlling ~90% of NZ’s banking sector. It holds roughly 20-21% of NZ’s banking assets (behind ANZ, roughly on par with ASB and BNZ). This oligopoly position means Westpac’s influence often aligns with its main competitors. They tend to present a united front through NZBA on regulatory matters, which can dilute individual accountability.

Economic Influence: Westpac’s economic research unit and its Chief Economist have substantial media presence, regularly commenting on government policy (tax, housing, budgets). This soft influence shapes public and political narratives. For instance, Westpac economists publicly advocated for specific COVID-19 responses and fiscal measures. In doing so, they often occupy quasi-public advisor roles via the media.

Corporate Social Responsibility vs. Lobbying: Westpac NZ promotes its “sustainability” and “community” credentials—such as funding clean tech projects or supporting financial inclusion. While genuine, these efforts also function as lobbying in disguise: currying favor with regulators who prioritize climate action or inclusion, and giving Westpac a seat at the table when new policies (like green finance regulations) are designed.

Opaque Ownership Structure: The ownership of Westpac NZ involves layers (WNZL, WNZL Group, ultimate parent WBC) and a small portion of local shares (preference shares). While not inherently nefarious, this complexity sometimes blurs lines of accountability. Notably, in 2021 Westpac Banking Corp considered spinning off Westpac NZ via a demerger or IPO, which could have major political implications (e.g. NZ ownership). The review was partly driven by regulatory friction. Ultimately, Westpac did not proceed with a sale, but the episode highlighted how corporate decisions abroad can become political issues in NZ.

Union and Employee Political Activity: Westpac’s employees (through FIRST Union’s finance sector division) have occasionally made political stands – for example, lobbying for better redundancy protections or against branch closures. In 2020, FIRST Union criticized Aussie banks for taking large profits while cutting NZ staff, implicitly pressuring government to intervene. While this is not Westpac management’s doing, it adds a layer to the political dynamics surrounding the bank.

• All these points illustrate that Westpac NZ is deeply interwoven with New Zealand’s political-economic fabric, in ways not always immediately visible.

27. Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: No (Not a recipient). Westpac NZ did not claim COVID-19 Wage Subsidy support during the 2020–21 pandemic. As an essential service that continued operating and remained profitable, Westpac did not meet the revenue-drop criteria. In fact, Westpac publicly stated it would not seek wage subsidies, and instead it helped deliver government support (e.g. loan deferrals for customers). Westpac’s stance contrasted with some large companies that took subsidies – avoiding that controversy. (A search of the MSD wage subsidy database shows no entry for Westpac NZ, confirming it claimed no subsidy.).

Sources:

1. Westpac wins lion’s share of Kiwi government tender, East & Partners – News (12 Oct 2015). Retrieved from eastandpartners.com

2. Politician, Government Minister To Head Westpac Private Bank in New Zealand, WealthBriefing (Vanessa Doctor, 11 Oct 2011)

3. Westpac NZ CEO David McLean retiring in June with bank executive & ex-politician Simon Power to serve as acting CEO, interest.co.nz (Gareth Vaughan, 3 May 2021)

4. Westpac New Zealand Limited – Companies Register Listing, NZ Companies Office (2025 printout)

5. Westpac New Zealand Limited – Company Profile, BusinessCheck.co.nz (Updated 10 Mar 2025)

6. Our Board of Directors – Westpac NZ, Westpac New Zealand website (accessed 2025)

7. Westpac NZ announces changes to Board of Directors (media release), Westpac NZ (13 Mar 2024)

8. Westpac New Zealand welcomes new board directors, NZ Adviser (Roxanne Libatique, 21 Sep 2021)

9. Reserve Bank Act Review – Westpac NZ Submission (Aug 2019), NZ Treasury (Westpac’s submission on Phase 2 of RBNZ Act)

10. Commerce Commission Draft Report on Retail Banking – Westpac NZ Response, Westpac NZ (submission 2023)

11. Westpac New Zealand Limited Disclosure Statement – Sep 2024, Westpac NZ (p.67: Ownership structure)

12. Westpac has had the government’s banking contract since 1989… It was last reviewed in 2015… Westpac still won the main contract, NZ Herald (Grant Robertson comments, 26 Mar 2021)

13. Banking on Political Influence: Big Banks’ Lobbying in NZ, Democracy Project – Bryce Edwards Political Roundup (2023)

14. Formal AML/CFT warning issued to Westpac (NZ Branch), Reserve Bank of NZ – News (April 2021)

15. [Hansard] QWA: Government Banking Services, NZ Parliament (2014, Green Party questioning Bill English)

16. Nearly a quarter of all Kiwis bank with Westpac… we bank … the New Zealand Government, Westpac NZ LinkedIn “About Us” (2023)

17. Inquiry into Banking Competition – Westpac submission, NZ Parliament (2023, Finance & Expenditure Committee)

18. NZ Government considering demerging Westpac NZ, Reuters (25 Mar 2021) – summarizing Westpac’s strategic review and RBNZ action

19. “It enabled Westpac to effectively determine the timing of payment settlements”, East & Partners piece on govt contract (citing sources)

20. [Political finance] Westpac Trust donated $15,000 to both parties in 2001, Liberation blog – Bryce Edwards (2007)

21. Simon Power joined Westpac in 2012 after 12 years as an MP and 3 years as Minister of Commerce & Associate Finance, Westpac NZ Staff Superannuation InTandem Insight (Aug 2015)

22. Westpac warned after failing to comply with AML rules, RNZ News (18 Jun 2019)

23. *Bank profits: Westpac NZ $963m FYSources:

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35. Robertson says Govt will review Westpac’s role as country’s banker, NZ Herald (Gerald Piddock, 26 Mar 2021). URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/robertson-says-govt-will-review-westpacs-role-as-countrys-banker/4QDEZFYARVFOKFO3KRWHL3DZ2I/[39†L519-L527][39†L503-L511]

36. Shane Jones’ Waitangi lobbying party, Bryce Edwards in The Kākā (via LinkedIn, 7 Feb 2025). URL: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/shane-jones-waitangi-lobbying-party-bryce-edwards[59†L45-L53][59†L54-L63]

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49. Jan Dawson – former Westpac NZ Chair (governance roles), ACC NZ website (Our Board bio, 2023)[36†L27-L30]

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54. Govt banking contracts deliver value for money – Ministers English & Joyce, NZ Government (Press release, 12 Oct 2015). URL: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-government-banking-contracts-deliver-cost-savings[63†L35-L43][63†L39-L47]

55. ‘Govt must tender Westpac contract’ – Greens, interest.co.nz (Alex Tarrant, 2 Aug 2010). URL: https://www.interest.co.nz/news/50493/govt-must-tender-westpac-contract-greens[58†L25-L33]

56. NZ Bankers’ Association: Submission on Deposit Insurance, NZBA (June 2020) – Appendix listing member banks[54†L19-L27]

57. NZ PM “wags finger” at bank profits, The Kākā (Bernard Hickey newsletter, 1 Nov 2022)[74†L5-L13][74†L6-L8]

58. Westpac hits record with $614m profit, NZ Herald (25 Nov 2009) – detailing Westpac NZ profit and margins[74†L19-L27]

59. Covid-19: Government backs $6.25b SME loan scheme with banks, NZ Herald (Arvid Adereth, 25 Mar 2020). URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/government-and-banks-agree-625b-sme-loan-scheme/[77†L144-L152]

60. Banks defend Covid-19 response after criticism, RNZ News (29 Apr 2020)[77†L140-L148][77†L144-L152]

61. Bryce Edwards: NZ’s lobbying in need of transparency overhaul, Democracy Project (24 Jan 2023). URL: https://democracyproject.nz/…/bryce-edwards-nzs-lobbying-in-need-of-transparency-reform/[47†L1-L9]

62. Former Minister Bill English on Westpac contract, NZ Parliament Hansard (Question No. 11, 24 Nov 2010)[58†L13-L21][58†L23-L29]

63. COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Employer Search, Ministry of Social Development (2020 database – Westpac NZ not listed as recipient)[53†L33-L41]

Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz

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