A life-long relationship
When Chiquita Hansen started her first full-time job as a care assistant at Horowhenua Hospital, her father took her into The Co‑operative Bank to open her first bank account. That was 1982, when Chiquita was 16, and she still remembers how friendly and welcoming the staff were.
Forty-two years later, Chiquita and her husband Richard still bank with the co-operative, and she says the service is still first class. Chiquita and Richard were in their early 20s when they bought their first home in Palmerston North in 1987.
Chiquita and Richard are now onto their seventh home loan, and all have been with The Co‑operative Bank. “The great thing is we could always phone or email Hans (their Palmerston North Branch manager) to run past thoughts and scenarios and we always appreciated his time and thoughts.”
As a co-operative, we are committed to the long-term benefit of our customers owners, and to delivering a better banking experience.
As well as day-to-day banking and home loans, Chiquita and Richard have their insurances with The Co‑operative Bank. “We like the Asset Care insurance and the simplicity of having everything in one place. We can buy a new car, make a phone call to the bank, and straight away the insurance is done.”
Chiquita also appreciated the way the bank’s staff supported the whānau when each of her parents passed away. “Because my dear Dad stayed with the bank until he died, he still had his accounts, and Hans and the team were very supportive with closing his accounts and making it easier for us – and again when Mum passed soon after.”
Just like her own Dad did for her, when Chiquita and Richard had their own two daughters, they took them into The Co‑operative Bank to get their first accounts, and the branch team at Palmerston North made them feel welcome and special.
“They really enjoyed getting stamps on their hands from the team when we visited the bank – it was really exciting for them.” Now both in their 30s, their daughters Ali and Ash still bank with The Co‑operative Bank too. And just like her Dad, Chiquita says there’s a good chance she’ll still be banking with The Co‑operative Bank until the day she dies.*
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*The information and views expressed in this article are general in nature and for information purposes only, and do not constitute financial advice. Before making financial decisions, we recommend you seek financial advice which takes into account your individual circumstances.