Westpac Bank is looking to close a number of branches around the country. ​The bank wouldn't confirm the number of branches that could be closing, saying "a number of branches" were included in the proposal. The bank confirmed a "consultation" was underway with staff and First Union said up to 19 branches could be closed. A statement from the bank said the rise in online transactions was behind the proposal. A decision would be made once feedback on the proposal from staff had been evaluated, the bank's statement said.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 11, 2016 04:57 UTC