Westforce COVID-19 updates

This page will be updated as the situation evolves

Update: Monday 25 May 2020

Whangarei Branch Hours Update

                    Whangarei Branch Hours

                     Monday:         CLOSED

Tuesday – Thursday:         10:00am – 1:00pm

       Friday – Sunday:        CLOSED

Royal Oak will remain closed until further notice.

We have taken several precautionary measures to help protect you, our team and our communities by;

• Protective serving screens at each counter
• Enhanced cleaning and increased sanitation of high-touch surfaces
• Hand sanitiser station to use before you enter and exit the branch
• Allowed a maximum of 5 people to enter the branch
• We have increased our phone and email support, so you’ll have no problem contacting us
• Physical distancing signs around branch and on TVs

Please stay home if you’re feeling sick or unwell. Do not visit a branch to check your account balance, instead, give us a call on 0508 WESTFORCE and we can assist you over the phone. Only visit a branch if it’s absolute necessary and you have no other way of doing your banking.

We also remain to serve you remotely through Online Banking and the Westforce Mobile Banking App (Google Play or Apple Store). You can use either option to check balances, make payments, transfer funds, view transaction, etc. If you haven’t registered for our online banking services, you can Contact Us during operational hours.

Play it safe!

Update: Friday 15 May 2020

Branch Hours Update

Avondale, Papakura & Pukekohe Branch Hours

                  Monday:         10:30am – 4:30pm

   Tuesday – Friday:         9:00am – 4:30pm

Saturday – Sunday:        CLOSED

Our phone hours will be back to normal as well;

                 Monday:           10:30am – 4:45pm

 Tuesday – Friday:            8:45am – 4:45pm

               Saturday:            9:00am – 12:00pm

                 Sunday:            CLOSED

Royal Oak and Whangarei will remain closed until further notice.

We have taken several precautionary measures to help protect you, our team and our communities by;

• Protective serving screens at each counter
• Enhanced cleaning and increased sanitation of high-touch surfaces
• Hand sanitiser station to use before you enter and exit the branch
• Allowed a maximum of 5 people to enter the branch
• We have increased our phone and email support, so you’ll have no problem contacting us
• Physical distancing signs around branch and on TVs

Please stay home if you’re feeling sick or unwell. Do not visit a branch to check your account balance, instead, give us a call on 0508 WESTFORCE and we can assist you over the phone. Only visit a branch if it’s absolute necessary and you have no other way of doing your banking.

We also remain to serve you remotely through Online Banking and the Westforce Mobile Banking App (Google Play or Apple Store). You can use either option to check balances, make payments, transfer funds, view transaction, etc. If you haven’t registered for our online banking services, you can Contact Us during operational hours.

Play it safe!

Update: Friday 8 May 2020

Branch Hours Update

Our Pukekohe branch will reopen next week. Branch hours below;

Avondale, Papakura & Pukekohe hours

Tuesday – Thursday:       9:30am – 12pm

Friday – Monday:             CLOSED

Royal Oak and Whangarei branch are temporarily closed during Alert Level 3 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Please do not visit a branch to check your account balance. Instead, give us a call on 0508 WESTFORCE and we can help you over the phone. Only visit a branch if it’s absolutely necessary and you have no other way of doing your banking.

Also, we encourage you to register for our 24/7 online banking products, which will allow you to manage your account almost anywhere at any time without having to come into a branch. Log into Internet Banking or download the Westforce Mobile Banking app from the app store.

We have put in place a few health and safety measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. So please stay home if you’re sick or unwell. When you visit a branch, we need you to keep the recommended 2 meters apart from each other and use hand sanitiser provided at each counter. A maximum of 4 people will be allowed inside a branch at a time.  

Stay safe.

Update: Monday 4 May 2020

Westforce Pukekohe Branch Update

We regret to inform you that our Pukekohe Branch will be closed from Tuesday (5 May 2020) until further notice. However, our Papakura and Avondale branches will remain open to serve your needs. (Tuesday – Thursday: 9:30am – 12pm) 

We apologise for any inconvenience. 

Stay safe. 

Update: Friday 1 May 2020

Debit Card Fees Update

Great News!

During the month of May;

– ATM & EFTPOS fees (including international fees) will cost you $0.01

Update: Monday 27 April 2020

Alert Level 3 Update

Dear Members,

The Government has announced that New Zealand will be moving to Alert Level 3 as of Tuesday, 28 April. As we approach and enter Alert Level 3, here are the updates;

• 3 branches will re-open with reduced hours and days. (Avondale, Papakura & Pukekohe)
• For the duration of Alert Level 3, the 3 branches will open from 9:30am to 12pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• The branches will remain cashless until further notice.
• We’ve taken several precautionary measures, including protective serving screens (see image above), enhanced cleaning and increased sanitation of high-touch surfaces.
• Please ensure you keep 2m distance from others and members will be allowed to enter one at a time.
• We have increased our phone and email support, so you’ll have no problem contacting us.

We also remain to serve you remotely through online banking and the Westforce mobile app (Google Play or Apple Store). You can use either option to check balances, make payments, transfer funds, view transactions or message us. If you haven’t registered online banking, we encourage you to contact us.

If you or your family have been affected by COVID-19, and need financial support, we’re here to help – HAA (Hardship Assistance Application).

For additional information, view the latest updates from  COVID-19 updates.

We will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate additional measures to support our staff, members and our communities as needs arise.

Thank you for being a loyal member. Stay safe.

Best Regards,

Vic Martick

(General Manager)

Update: Monday 20 April 2020

Staying Safe Online

The internet has made our lives easier in many ways. From buying groceries to keeping in touch with friends. Staying safe online is mostly about being alert to the dangers. Here are some useful tips for increasing your Internet safety.

Staying Safe Online

Stay safe

Update: Wednesday 15 April 2020

Online Account Application

Open a bank account from the convenience of your home.

Click on link to be part of Westforce family Online Account Application

For more info & disclaimer Important Information

Stay safe 

Update: Thursday 9 April 2020

Stay Home Loan

Westforce Credit Union are proud supporters of Pillars New Zealand. The team at Pillars NZ help create positive futures for children of prisoners. During the Stay Home Loan, Westforce are giving our members the opportunity to GIVE BACK to our communities by adding a small donation on top of their loan.

For more info & disclaimer visit our website www.westforce.org.nz

Stay safe

To apply – click on link Stay Home Loan Application

Update: Wednesday 8 April 2020

Stay Home Loan

Stay home and be safe! Easter Loan will be replaced with a Stay Home Loan!

Special conditions apply;

• This is a top up on your Promotional Loan account,
• Zero Fee due to COVID-19,
• Online application ONLY,
• Option available to donate to @PillarsNZ

To apply – click on link Stay Home Loan Application

Westforce Credit Union are proud supporters of Pillars NZ. The team at Pillars NZ help create positive futures for children of prisoners. During the Stay Home Loan, Westforce are giving our members the opportunity to give back to our communities by adding a small donation on top of their loan.

For more info & disclaimer visit our website Important Information

Stay Home – Save Lives.

Update: Wednesday 8 April 2020

How you can protect your Debit Card

The NZ Government are considering requiring all Paywave limits to increase from $80 to $200, Westforce will have no option but to accept this increase, all Westforce Debit Card holders will REALLY need to keep your debit card SAFE.

There are number of steps you can take to help make sure your Debit Card stays as secure as possible.

• Keep your contact details up to date so we can let you know if we notice anything suspicious.
• Don’t let your card out of your sight.
• Notify us immediately if your Debit Card is lost, stolen or someone discovered your PIN. We will cancel your card immediately and order a replacement card.
• Read the Terms & Conditions of any website before making a purchase and look for hidden charges.
• Check your statement for any transaction that you don’t recognise.
  • To sign up for Internet Banking and Mobile Banking; CONTACT US
• Never give your card details to someone over the phone.
• If you’ve misplaced or lost your Debit Card, you can CONTACT US We can restrict your account.
• Don’t tell anyone your PIN or give your card to anyone (including family members, the police or Westforce staff).

Stay safe.

Update: Monday 6 April 2020

Online Account Application

Update: Saturday 4 April 2020

Daylight Savings

Update: Friday 3 April 2020

ANZAC Day Hours

Update: Friday 3 April 2020

Easter and ANZAC Day Payments

Update: Thursday 2 April 2020

Easter Hours

..Our phones will be closed on the following dates:
• Good Friday 10 April
• Saturday 11 April
• Sunday 12 April
• Easter Monday 13 April

Update: Wednesday 1 April 2020

Keep your Debit Card SAFE

Practical jokes are fun for April Fool’s Day, but Debit Card fraud is no joke. All Westforce Debit Card holders will REALLY need to keep your debit card SAFE.

Things to keep in mind: Westforce generally assists by refunding proven fraudulent online transactions to our members, we cannot refund fraudulent Paywave transactions, so please keep your card SAFE and don’t give it to anyone to use on your behalf.

Stay safe.

Update: Monday 30 March 2020

Stuck at home?

Staying home is no problem when it comes to banking with Westforce Credit Union. Get the Mobile Banking App from the app store – it’s FREE.

If you are not registered for our online services, give us a ring on 0508 WESTFORCE now – EASY as.

Stay safe. Stay home. Save lives.

Update: Sunday 29 March 2020

Scam Alert

We’re aware of an increase in scams seeking to take advantage of the COVID-19 situation. Scammers are falsely promoting the online sale of coronavirus-related products and using fake emails or SMS to try to obtain personal information.

Find out more and how to protect yourself.

https://www.cert.govt.nz/…/attackers-using-covid-19-themed…/

Stay alert. Stay safe.

Update: Saturday 28 March 2020

Stay Safe Online

While on lock-down, you may be spending more time online; banking, shopping, socialising, etc. We want to make sure you’re safe in real life #IRL and online #URL.

You, along with many other Kiwis, may think you’re immune to Fraud. Most of us know to ignore the email chain letters or phone calls promising a luxurious holiday anywhere in the world (if something seems too good to be true, it more than likely is). Fraud is on the rise in New Zealand, especially during this time as fraudsters are finding new ways to capture your financial information online.

So, how do we continue to shop, email and go about our online banking, safely?

Click on https://www.police.govt.nz/…/…/internet-scams-spam-and-fraud to find out.

Stay safe everyone.

Update: Friday 27 March 2020

0508 WESTFORCE toll number update

Great News!

You can now use your mobile phone to call us on 0508 WESTFORCE toll number.

While you’re on lockdown and we’re on lockdown, Westforce will be paying for every time you call us using our 0508 WESTFORCE phone number. If you have no credit and/or live outside of Auckland – you can NOW ring us on 0508 WESTFORCE on your mobile phone for FREE OF CHARGE!

We’re here for you.

Stay connected. Stay home. Save lives! 0508 WESTFORCE (937836)

Update: Thursday 26 March 2020

We’re here for you!

In the face of the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and the lock down, we want you all to know will do everything that we can to support you financially.

We are already hearing that many of our members have lost their employments over the last couple of weeks, we want you to know that if you’re employment income has changed we will help you, many other options to assist members financially will be communicated over the next few days.

Stay home. Stay safe. Save lives.

You can contact us on 0508 WESTFORCE (937836) or click on link HAA (Hardship Assistance Application) to complete the form.

Update: Wednesday 25 March 2020

Be prepared!

Being prepared is the best thing you can do for you and your family. Your financial well-being is our priority, so let us work with you to help with any financial situations. If you’re faced with any issues, please contact us on 09 828 8285 or email us at mainoffice@westforce.org.nz.

Together, we can discuss your financial well-being and identify options tailored to your needs. Let’s plan and face any potential challenges head on.

Stay safe.

Update: 8.15am, Wednesday 25 March 2020

Get Prepared!

Branches only, are temporarily closed to foot traffic.

Dear Members,

Westforce is an essential service and remains available to serve members on phones and online. Our Branches only remain closed to foot traffic and many staff work from home to ensure their and your safety.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments are happening every day, we’re monitoring the situation and adjusting our plans to ensure we’re doing the most we can to keep you, our staff and the community as healthy and financially healthy as we can.

Westforce is committed to supporting you through this, so whatever financial assistance we can provide we will provide, just only over the phone and online.

Please know that wait times may be longer than usual when calling for assistance.

We know that these unprecedented times may be causing financial challenges. Please contact us on 09 828 8285 and we’ll find ways to work through them together.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will re-open our Branches as soon as possible. Westforce is continually working on improving ways we can bridge as many gaps that have been created due to having to close our branches to foot traffic.

Stay safe.

Victor Martick
General Manager

Update: 4:45pm, Friday 20 March 2020

Dear Valued Member,

Westforce Credit Union has looked after our members in the face of many challenges over the years. We know it is more important than ever, that we are here to help support your financial wellbeing so you can concentrate on caring for yourself and your family as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation evolves.

We plan for situations such as these and we want you to know Westforce Credit Union is here for you at this time. We will continue to update you with more information as we have it.

What we’re doing:

• Health, safety and wellbeing is a top priority, so we have reviewed the way we do business to protect you, our staff and our community.
• We have further enhanced our cleaning standards, more regularly conduct branch cleaning and educated staff and members on correct hygiene procedures.
• To reduce the spread of coronavirus, we’ve asked our people to change how they greet each other. If meeting in person is essential, we’re asking them to ty an elbow bump and big smile instead of a hongi or handshake!
• We’ve reviewed our business continuity plan to ensure it is fit for purpose and ready to be used if needed; as such, we are prepared for different types of events that can affect the day-to-day running of the credit union.
• Due to the potential health risks related to COVID-19, being in a mall surrounding where all mall staff share toilets and bathrooms, we have decided to close our Royal Oak branch temporarily until further notice.
• Westforce Credit Union has the IT and infrastructure in place to enable key staff to work remotely should we need to close all branches. This will ensure that you will continue to receive assistance from your credit union (via email or over the phone).
• All staff are being advised to not travel internationally unless it is an emergency and to adhere to the government’s 14 day self-isolation period upon their return to New Zealand.
• Any of our staff who has returned from overseas will be required to self-isolate for 14 days as required by the NZ Government regulations.
• If a staff member is feeling unwell or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 they are advised to self-isolate and contact Healthline for further assistance.

What you can do:

• Stay informed and up to date via The Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation.
• If you’re feeling unwell or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, we advise you to self-isolate yourself and contact Healthline for further assistance.
• As Westforce may temporarily go cashless in the branches from Friday 10 th April 2020, for those members without a Debit Card, we strongly encourage you to order a Debit Card NOW! To assist you ordering your first Debit Card we have reduced the new debit card fee to $5 from today (20 th March 2020). APPLY ONLINE or contact us on 09 828 8285.
• We continue to offer and encourage you to register for our 24/7 online banking products, which will allow you to manage your account almost anywhere at any time without having to come into a branch. Log into Internet Banking Access or download the Westforce Mobile Banking app from the app stores.
• Be watchful for scams and phishing attempts. Some may try and take financial advantage of the situation, asking for fake donations or selling fraudulent products. Keep an eye out for any suspicious emails, text messages or links.

How to stay in touch:

It’s business as usual at Westforce Credit Union and your financial wellbeing is a priority. If you have questions or concerns regarding what coronavirus means for you personally, talk to us sooner rather than later. We’ll tailor options that meet your needs and work side-by-side through this challenge.
Contact us

Being prepared is the best thing you can do for you and your family. Your financial wellbeing is our priority, so let us work with you to help with any financial situations.

If you’re faced with any issues, please Contact us.

Together, we can discuss your financial wellbeing and identify options tailored to your needs. Let’s plan and face any potential challenges head on.

Stay safe.

Victor Martick
General Manager