News
Proposed merger of Heartland Bank and TSB will create a New Zealand challenger bank of scale with a regional focus
02 June 2026Heartland Group Holdings Limited (Heartland) (NZX/ASX: HGH) is pleased to announce that it has signed a conditional merger implementation agreement (MIA) with Toi Foundation and Toi Foundation Holdings Limited (together, Toi Foundation) to merge Heartland Bank Limited (Heartland Bank) and TSB Bank Limited (TSB).1 Under the proposed transaction, Heartland will acquire from Toi Foundation all … Continue reading “Proposed merger of Heartland Bank and TSB will create a New Zealand challenger bank of scale with a regional focus”
Building strength on and off the mat
04 May 2026Heartland Bank is proud to give back to the Mid Canterbury community by supporting the development of emerging leaders through sport and physical wellbeing. For four years, Heartland Bank has sponsored Tātai Whetū Waitaha through a grant provided by the Heartland Trust. This programme uses sport as a foundation to foster personal growth and wellbeing, … Continue reading “Building strength on and off the mat”
Heartland Bank proudly supports InZone to unlock opportunities for Māori and Pasifika youth
10 April 2026Since 2017, Heartland Bank has been proud to stand alongside the InZone Education Foundation – a partnership built on shared values, impact, and a belief in the potential of rangatahi (youth) Māori and Pasifika. As part of this commitment, the Heartland Trust has contributed $100,000 for 2026, bringing Heartland’s overall contribution to over $1 million … Continue reading “Heartland Bank proudly supports InZone to unlock opportunities for Māori and Pasifika youth”
New Zealanders increasingly embracing reverse mortgages to unlock possibilities in retirement
26 February 2026Heartland Bank, New Zealand’s leading provider of reverse mortgages, is experiencing an increase in demand as retirees seek alternative ways to meet their financial needs. Heartland Bank has reported a 15%* rise in Reverse Mortgage lending over the six months to 31 December 2025 – a clear signal that older New Zealanders are embracing this flexible … Continue reading “New Zealanders increasingly embracing reverse mortgages to unlock possibilities in retirement”
Heartland marks 150-years of banking and finance
11 February 2026Heartland Group is proud to mark a significant milestone in its history: 150 years of providing banking and finance solutions to New Zealanders and Australians. From its humble beginnings as a building society in Ashburton in 1875, Heartland has evolved into a growing trans-Tasman banking group built on a legacy of resilience, aspiration, and a … Continue reading “Heartland marks 150-years of banking and finance”
Picture “perfect” — A reverse mortgage customer story
01 October 2025With nearly 900,000 New Zealanders currently aged 65 and over – and projections showing this number will surpass 1 million by 2029 – our ageing population is growing rapidly. By the early 2050s, it’s expected to reach 1.5 million, and close to 2 million by 2070, according to Stats NZ. Heartland Bank is pleased to … Continue reading “Picture “perfect” — A reverse mortgage customer story”
Catching life’s curveballs: Why an emergency savings account is your best defence
26 August 2025A thought leadership piece by Will White, General Manager Retail & Reverse Mortgages, Heartland Bank. Life can throw unexpected curveballs. You wake up to a flooded bedroom, your car engine fails right before work, or a family emergency means urgent overseas travel and extended time off work. These are real, stressful situations that can leave you … Continue reading “Catching life’s curveballs: Why an emergency savings account is your best defence”
Heartland Bank announces two senior leadership appointments
07 August 2025Heartland Bank is pleased to announce two strategic appointments to its senior leadership team, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and digital transformation.
Heartland Bank wins Canstar’s Bank of the Year Savings Award for eighth year in a row
18 July 2025Heartland Bank is proud to announce that it has been named Canstar’s Bank of the Year – Savings for another year, marking eight consecutive years of delivering great savings products for Kiwis. This award recognises the institution that delivers the strongest combination of savings products in the market – reflecting excellence across price positioning, product … Continue reading “Heartland Bank wins Canstar’s Bank of the Year Savings Award for eighth year in a row”
Heartland Bank launches Village Access Loans – a retirement finance solution
31 March 2025Heartland Bank is excited to pilot its Village Access Loans, designed to offer older New Zealanders a solution to some of the barriers associated with moving into retirement living. Heartland Bank CEO Leanne Lazarus said, “we aim to be the leader in providing finance solutions that address the unique banking needs of older New Zealanders. … Continue reading “Heartland Bank launches Village Access Loans – a retirement finance solution”
Heartland Bank announced as 2025 Excellence Awardee – Lender of the Year
29 January 2025Heartland Bank is pleased to announce that it has been shortlisted as an Excellence Awardee in the Lender of the Year (Major/Non-Major Bank) category for the 2025 New Zealand Mortgage Awards. Heartland Bank CEO, Leanne Lazarus said “we are extremely proud to provide older Kiwi homeowners with a mortgage product that allows them to access … Continue reading “Heartland Bank announced as 2025 Excellence Awardee – Lender of the Year”
Reverse Mortgages offer value for homeowners with low retirement income
27 September 2024Heartland Bank welcomes the research paper released this week by Motu, funded by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, which explores whether New Zealand home equity release schemes provide value for money. Heartland Bank CEO, Leanne Lazarus said, “We are pleased that Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission has invested in understanding more about reverse … Continue reading “Reverse Mortgages offer value for homeowners with low retirement income”
Heartland Bank and the University of Auckland announce Geoff Ricketts Heartland Bank Scholarship
23 August 2024In memory of the late Geoff Ricketts, a founding director of Heartland Bank and chair of the University of Auckland Foundation for more than 20 years, Heartland Bank is proud to announce its support for the University of Auckland’s Geoff Ricketts Heartland Bank Scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to assist up to four … Continue reading “Heartland Bank and the University of Auckland announce Geoff Ricketts Heartland Bank Scholarship”
Boosting learning outcomes in Ashburton
19 August 2024With funds provided by the Heartland Trust, Heartland Bank is proud to support the Ashburton Learning Centre in its delivery of Boost – a child literacy programme helping Ashburton primary school children mostly aged 7-9 who are struggling with their reading and writing. Heartland has a rich history in Ashburton, dating back to 1875 when … Continue reading “Boosting learning outcomes in Ashburton”
Heartland Bank wins Canstar’s Bank of the Year Savings Award for seventh year in a row
16 July 2024We are pleased to announce that Heartland Bank has been named Canstar’s Bank of the Year Savings for the seventh consecutive year. This award recognises the institution that offers customers the most compelling combination of products, features and tools across savings accounts and term deposit offerings, as evaluated within Canstar’s Savings Account Star Ratings profiles. … Continue reading “Heartland Bank wins Canstar’s Bank of the Year Savings Award for seventh year in a row”
Heartland Trust supports Mitey – The Sir John Kirwan Foundation
17 June 2024With funds provided by the Heartland Trust, Heartland Bank is pleased to support Mitey – Sir John Kirwan Foundation’s mental health education initiative. Designed for New Zealand children, Mitey supports schools to deliver an evidence-based approach to mental health education for Years 1-8. Mitey is currently being delivered in 148 schools in Auckland, Southland, Napier, … Continue reading “Heartland Trust supports Mitey – The Sir John Kirwan Foundation”
Take action to prevent elder abuse
14 June 2024World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is marked on 15 June. This is a day dedicated to highlighting the often-overlooked issue of elder abuse. This global observance aims to raise awareness and encourage action to protect our older population from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. As a bank with a significant number of older customers, … Continue reading “Take action to prevent elder abuse”
Heartland Trust supports NZ Opera’s Opera in Schools 2024
06 June 2024In February this year the Heartland Trust provided funding to New Zealand Opera to support its Opera in Schools Tour 2024. This year’s opera was Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, and was shared with children all across New Zealand. From 6 March to 12 April, the touring group performed in schools across Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, … Continue reading “Heartland Trust supports NZ Opera’s Opera in Schools 2024”
The first New Zealand bank to buy an Australian bank
30 April 2024Heartland Group Holdings Limited (Heartland) (NZX/ASX: HGH) today announced Heartland Bank Limited’s (Heartland Bank’s) acquisition of Challenger Bank Limited (Challenger Bank) is now complete. This makes Heartland Bank the first New Zealand registered bank to acquire an Australian authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI). Heartland Bank New Zealand CEO, Leanne Lazarus said, “being the first New Zealand … Continue reading “The first New Zealand bank to buy an Australian bank”
Heartland CEO Jeff Greenslade announces retirement
08 April 2024Heartland Group Holdings Limited (Heartland) (NZX/ASX: HGH) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Greenslade today announced his intention to step down from his role at the end of the 2024 calendar year. Jeff has been with Heartland for 15 years, having joined as CEO of its predecessor MARAC Finance in 2009. Since joining, Jeff has led … Continue reading “Heartland CEO Jeff Greenslade announces retirement”
A heartfelt farewell to our 30 Māori and Pasifika interns
02 April 2024Manawa Āko – Heartland Bank’s internship programme This summer’s Heartland Bank Manawa Āko internship programme saw 30 high performing rangatahi placed throughout different areas of our business. The programme, specially designed by our people, gave the opportunity for the next generation of Māori and Pasifika to experience working in the financial sector and a corporate … Continue reading “A heartfelt farewell to our 30 Māori and Pasifika interns”
Heartland Bank announced as a preferred finance provider for Tesla
29 February 2024Heartland Bank is excited to announce that it is now one of Tesla’s preferred finance providers in New Zealand, offering an online finance solution to help more Kiwis drive electric vehicles (EVs). Heartland Bank’s General Manager, Consumer, Darryl Harnett said Heartland Bank is pleased to be partnering with Tesla, a leading-edge brand in the electric … Continue reading “Heartland Bank announced as a preferred finance provider for Tesla”
Exploring the benefits and challenges of ‘ageing well in place’
20 February 2024Heartland Bank and Heartland Finance are pleased to announce the release of a research report prepared by RMIT University (RMIT) on the post-COVID-19 enablers and barriers to ageing well in place. This follows a study RMIT conducted with the support of Heartland Finance in Australia and Heartland Bank in New Zealand. The RMIT report demonstrates … Continue reading “Exploring the benefits and challenges of ‘ageing well in place’”
Championing greatness in the Canterbury region with Tātai Whetū Waitaha
16 February 2024Heartland Bank has a rich heritage in Ashburton, and has found a meaningful way to invest in the Mid-Canterbury community that has supported its growth since 1875. With funds provided by the Heartland Trust, Heartland is actively participating in the development of the region’s youth by supporting the Tātai Whetū Waitaha Athlete Support Programme. … Continue reading “Championing greatness in the Canterbury region with Tātai Whetū Waitaha”
Driving a new all-electric MG is now even easier with MG Finance
05 December 2023Heartland Bank is delighted to announce a new partnership with MG Motor in New Zealand to launch MG Finance, offering a range of flexible car finance solutions for the entire MG range, including the all new MG4, XPOWER, HS, HS Plug-in Hybrid, ZS, ZS EV and MG3. The launch of MG Finance marks the start … Continue reading “Driving a new all-electric MG is now even easier with MG Finance”
Stay cyber-savvy this Cyber Smart Week
01 November 2023At Heartland we pride ourselves on making things easier for our customers. We offer online self-service for many of our products and banking services because we know that your time is precious and better spent doing the things you really want to do. However, the frequency of online scams and cyber-attacks is ever increasing, with … Continue reading “Stay cyber-savvy this Cyber Smart Week”
Heartland Bank launches high interest rate Digital Saver
16 October 2023Heartland Bank is adding to its award-winning suite of savings products, with the launch of Heartland Digital Saver – a new online savings account providing the highest interest rate available in New Zealand amongst comparable products*. With no monthly fees and one free self-service withdrawal per month, a Heartland Digital Saver account can be opened … Continue reading “Heartland Bank launches high interest rate Digital Saver”
Heartland Bank is named finalist in the 2023 Newmarket Business Awards
28 July 2023Heartland Bank is pleased to announce that it has been named as a finalist for the Newmarket Business Awards, for Best Medium/Large Business of the Year and Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year. Heartland Bank CEO, Leanne Lazarus said, “We’re honoured to be recognised as a finalist for the Newmarket Business Awards. It’s a … Continue reading “Heartland Bank is named finalist in the 2023 Newmarket Business Awards”
Heartland Bank wins Canstar’s Savings Bank of the Year award, for the sixth year running
17 July 2023Once again, Heartland Bank has been awarded Canstar Bank of the Year -Savings, for the sixth year in this category. The 2023 savings award is given to the institution that offers customers the strongest combination of products, features and tools across savings accounts and term deposit offerings, assessed within Canstar’s Savings Account Star Ratings profiles. … Continue reading “Heartland Bank wins Canstar’s Savings Bank of the Year award, for the sixth year running”
Driving better mental health in schools
24 May 2023Heartland Bank is helping to sustainably spread the word about mental health and happiness to schools nationwide, by sponsoring the Tania Dalton Foundation’s Resilience Project. As part of its dedication to developing and supporting rangatahi (young people), this sponsorship is a continuation of Heartland Bank’s efforts to making a positive difference in our communities. The … Continue reading “Driving better mental health in schools”
Heartland Bank wins Canstar Outstanding Value Home Lender Award
20 April 2023Heartland Bank has been recognised by Canstar as a winner of the Outstanding Value Home Lender Award in its Residential Home Lender category. Heartland was the only provider to achieve a 5-star Outstanding Value rating across the three residential home loan product categories which Canstar reviews: Fixed Home Loans, Floating Home Loans and Line of … Continue reading “Heartland Bank wins Canstar Outstanding Value Home Lender Award”
Heartland provides relief and support following the recent weather events
10 March 2023Through Heartland’s charitable trust, Heartland Bank is pleased to be able to support some of the communities most affected by the Auckland Flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle. This is in addition to its ongoing efforts to actively provide varying levels of support to its customers in affected areas. Heartland Bank’s CEO, Leanne Lazarus, said the damage … Continue reading “Heartland provides relief and support following the recent weather events”
Digitalisation and fuel efficiency
28 September 2022Maximising business as usual growth in our established product areas is a core part of achieving our strategic vision. Heartland Bank’s Motor lending portfolio, which includes Car Loans , is an example of an area in which we have seen consistent growth while supporting our dealership and branded partners to grow their businesses, and helping New … Continue reading “Digitalisation and fuel efficiency”
Delivering frictionless service
28 September 2022Heartland Bank has always been committed to differentiation. Over the years, we have demonstrated this through our focus on providing products which are the best or only of their kind. That focus has evolved to providing best or only products through scalable digital platforms. Digitalisation allows us to deliver value for customers. Time is precious, … Continue reading “Delivering frictionless service”
Heartland joins the Women in Leadership Summit
12 September 2022A group of Heartlanders recently had the opportunity to attend the Women in Leadership Summit, held 24-25 August 2022 in partnership with Women Leaders Institute and UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand. The focus of the event was to build a more inclusive and diverse Aotearoa where wāhine (women) of all backgrounds can thrive across all … Continue reading “Heartland joins the Women in Leadership Summit”
Heartland awarded Canstar’s Bank of the Year – Savings 2022
18 July 2022Heartland Bank is extremely proud to be recognised as Canstar’s Bank of the Year – Savings for the fifth year in a row.
Heartland Bank a finalist for Leader Māori HR – HRNZ Awards
02 June 2022We’re proud to have been a finalist for Leader Māori HR at the 2022 HRNZ Awards, for our Manawa Ako internship programme. Based on the concept of ‘ako’, meaning to learn and to teach, Manawa Ako provides opportunities for the next generation of Māori and Pasifika to experience working in the financial sector and within … Continue reading “Heartland Bank a finalist for Leader Māori HR – HRNZ Awards”
Heartland Bank announces Leanne Lazarus as new CEO
19 May 2022Heartland Bank has announced the appointment of Leanne Lazarus as Chief Executive Officer (subject to Reserve Bank of New Zealand non-objection), effective from 1 August 2022. Leanne will succeed current Heartland Bank CEO Chris Flood who has been appointed Deputy Group CEO of Heartland Bank’s parent company, Heartland Group Holdings Limited (Heartland Group). Leanne and … Continue reading “Heartland Bank announces Leanne Lazarus as new CEO”
Heartland replaces 23% of fleet with hybrid vehicles
16 March 2022Heartland is pleased to announce the replacement of all internal 4WD vehicles (equating 23% of the total fleet) with hybrid alternatives.
Heartland’s women #BreakTheBias – both in and out of work
08 March 2022To celebrate International Women’s Day, we wanted to feature some of the incredible mahi three of our Heartlanders commit to in their spare time.
Heartland fee changes
01 February 2022Recently, Heartland completed a review and some of its fees have been updated, effective from 1 February 2022.
Heartland implements new technologies to meet CCCFA obligations
06 December 2021To meet new CCCFA obligations, Heartland is using bank statement retrieval as a digital way to verify loan applicants’ income and expenses.
Heartland announces 17% reduction in GHG emissions for FY2020
08 October 2021Heartland’s GHG reported for FY2020 were 955 tCO2e – this is an absolute reduction of 17% from our FY2019 baseline.
Te whakaora i ō mātou tikanga: Bringing our values to life
05 October 2021Our Manawa Ako interns for the 20/21 intake worked with artist Shane Hansen to create a series of four murals that represent Heartland’s mātāpono (values).
Heartland’s digital home loans disrupt the market
28 September 2021Heartland Home Loans has seen a number of successes in FY2021, as described in this excerpt from our Annual Report.
Heartland Bank wins Canstar’s Savings Bank of the Year Award for the fourth year running
14 July 2021The award recognises Heartland’s commitment to offer great returns to its customers – even in a low interest environment.
Peugeot and Citroen partner with Heartland exclusively to make EV ownership more accessible for everyone
13 July 2021iOWN offers a range of finance options to help Kiwis get behind the wheel.
Heartland launches revolving credit home loan at market-leading 2.75% p.a.
20 April 2021Heartland has launched a revolving credit home loan with the lowest rate on the market.
Heartland announces its GHG emissions reduction targets
31 March 2021As a member of the Climate Leaders Coalition, Heartland has agreed to set public Greenhouse Gas emissions reduction targets.
Heartland’s women #ChooseToChallenge gender stereotypes
26 February 2021This International Women’s Day, we wanted to share what our female leaders have to say about being women in business.
Heartland fee changes
11 December 2020Heartland reviews the fees for each of its consumer credit lending products to ensure that these charges are reasonable.
Heartland launches farm term loan with self-serve online application
09 December 2020Challenger bank Heartland has added another product to its growing list of digital offerings – this time for the rural market.
Heartland launches self-serve online car loan application
11 November 2020Heartland, together with MARAC (its vehicle finance division), has streamlined its car loan offering with a new online application.
Reverse Mortgages and COVID-19
30 October 2020Once again, Reverse Mortgages performed well in the financial year, showing strong growth across both New Zealand and Australia.
Our response to COVID-19
30 October 2020Our customers were offered a range of loan variation options including payment holidays, reduced principal payments and interest only payments.
Heartland takes the lead with digital Home Loans starting from 1.99% p.a. 1 year fixed rate
12 October 2020Heartland takes the lead in the home loans market with New Zealand’s lowest fixed term rates in an already low market.
Heartland launches business loan with flexible repayments
16 September 2020Heartland is excited to announce the launch of Heartland Extend, an adjustable term loan designed to help organisations take control of their cashflow.
Heartland’s commitment to Māori culture
15 September 2020Te wiki o te reo Māori is an opportunity for New Zealanders to embrace te reo and tikanga Māori. But it shouldn’t be the only time we do so.
Heartland Bank scores a Canstar hattrick
29 July 2020Heartland Bank has scored a hattrick, winning Canstar’s Bank of the Year – Savings Award for the third year running.
Heartland Bank becomes an accredited Living Wage employer
14 July 2020Heartland Bank (Heartland) is pleased to join over 200 accredited Living Wage Employers in New Zealand.
Enabling Heartland Bank through gender equality
09 March 2020The importance of women in work is no longer disputed, but some perceptions about structure and gender haven’t quite caught up.
Heartland launches digital Home Loans with low 2.89% p.a. 1 year fixed rate
05 March 2020Heartland Home Loans offers New Zealand’s lowest 1- and 2-year fixed term home loan rates with no set up fees and an online application.
Encouraging the rangatahi of Aotearoa
31 January 2020Manawa Ako, our internship programme, helps Heartland embrace and normalise tikanga and te reo Māori.
YouChoose brings choice to The Bachelorette in 2020
16 December 2019Heartland Bank is excited to be the broadcast sponsor of TVNZ 2’s The Bachelorette, premiering on New Zealand screens in 2020.
Heartland Bank named associate naming partner of Hot Springs Spas Napier T20 Black Clash
28 November 2019The inaugural T20 clash between NZ cricket and rugby greats in 2019 saw thousands of Kiwis come together to enjoy a day of sport, competition and fun.
Heartland Bank and Kia Motors New Zealand launch Kia Finance
05 November 2019Kia Finance – a new vehicle finance service for people looking to purchase a new or used Kia from a Kia dealership.
Being Digital
30 September 2019Digital is one of Heartland’s three core strategic focus areas alongside Australian Reverse Mortgages and New Zealand Banking.
Embracing a culture of inclusion
30 September 2019Inclusion is a vital element of a business’ sustainability and social purpose. It is the right thing to do – mahi tika.
Heartland Bank strikes gold again with Canstar
16 July 2019Our Direct Call Account offers the flexibility for customers to manage their money without minimum deposits or withdrawal fees.
Heartland Bank is proud to support the Auckland Writers Festival
13 May 2019Heartland Bank is pleased to once again be the platinum partner of the Auckland Writers Festival.
Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi – The next generation is coming through
19 January 2019Over the last two years, Heartland Bank has provided internship opportunities for Māori students before they enter the workforce.
A business in full bloom
01 December 2018Heartland Bank’s Open for Business platform makes the loan application quick and simple for business owners looking to stay ahead of the competition.
Concrete relationship
01 December 2018Backing and belief from Heartland Bank has cemented the bank’s relationship with Ray and Tanya Charman. Pump It is a subsidiary of Concrete Logistics.
Investment insight
01 December 2018Heartland Bank’s treasurer, Kent Fraser, shares his views on current investment trends in New Zealand.
Your savings in your hands
01 December 2018Heartland Bank’s Mobile App is a fast and simple way to open and manage your call accounts and term deposits on the go.
Keep on trucking
01 July 2018Heartland Bank is helping get more Kiwi companies on the road to success, thanks to a new finance partnership with Hino trucks.
Heartland Bank teams up with NZ Young Farmers
01 July 2018Heartland Bank has teamed up with NZ Young Farmers in a bid to support young people at the forefront of the rural industry.
Heartland backs next generation of All Blacks
01 July 2018Heartland Bank has entered into a partnership with the Auckland Rugby Union to sponsor the region’s top-tier secondary schools competitions.
Real-life learning on the job
01 July 2018Heartland Bank helps Māori students test the waters of working life and their study choices – in a corporate environment.
A clean start in Taranaki
01 April 2018New franchise owners credit hard work and a head start from Heartland Bank for their business success.
Fastest mouth in the south
01 January 2018Third-time lucky for stock agent Logan Moore, who was named Heartland Bank Young Auctioneer of the Year at last year’s Canterbury A&P show.
Words to wonder
01 January 2018The Auckland Writers Festival will bring together the world’s leading writers and thinkers to challenge perceptions and celebrate the beauty of words.