1 October 2026

Cash and adequate access to cash services remain a core requirement for retailers, Retail NZ Chief Executive, Carolyn Young says. 

The Reserve Bank has today released the findings from its access to cash consultation, which found 90 percent of New Zealanders believe there should be a standard for cash access. 

Retail NZ, the peak body representing Kiwi retailers, was one of 23 organisations that made a submission, after first surveying our own members. 

“Our members were clear that there needs to be a cash service standard, with 92% of our survey respondents agreeing with that statement,” Carolyn Young says.  

“We found there was also a large amount of dissatisfaction with the current level of cash services, with 46% saying they were not satisfied with cash services in their own district, with the dissatisfaction rate growing to 49% when they considered the cash services available nationally. It is clear many retailers believe change is required in this space to make it easier to conduct their business.” 

89% of retailers said the distance to cash services was important to them; one Retail NZ member told us they decided to go cashless due to the difficulties they faced: “To access my bank I need to drive 30 minutes…for small businesses such as mine, it is too much work to keep a float going”. 

Ms Young says while some businesses have decided to go cashless, retailers can see the importance of cash in the sector. 

“Many of our members feel they need to offer cash as an option not only to serve their shoppers who want to use it as a means of payment, but also for to remain resilient and able to function when card and digital payments can’t be made, such as during a power cut or a natural disaster,” Ms Young says. 

“While retailers will be heartened that the Reserve Bank is taking the issue seriously, we remain hopeful that a service standard will be implemented, enabling all New Zealanders to access cash when and where needed.” 

For further information or to set up an interview, please contact Carolyn Young on 021 449 452

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