A Next Payments ATM in the Lower Hutt suburb of Naenae Photo: Emma Hatton
Some of the poorest communities are facing sky high ATM charges, as non bank providers take over some sites previously hosting bank machines.
A recent survey by the Reserve Bank confirmed people on a budget were more likely to use cash as a way to help them manage their money, and that Māori and older people were also more likely to choose cash over card.
In the Lower Hutt suburb of Naenae community members - many of whom prefer to use cash - vented frustration after their bank ATMs were replaced with non-bank ATMs, resulting in high transaction fees where they used to be free.
Kathryn Ryan speaks to local Naenae ward councillor Andy Mitchell and Next Payments executive chair Tim Wildash.
