July - Newsletter Entry, Ros Rice

Ros Rice • July 3, 2024

One year on from the launch of banking research

It’s hard to believe that one year out from releasing our in-depth research report on the challenging world of banking for NPFs, “Better Banking: Creating Ease of Banking for the Not-for-Profit Sector”, we’re facing the withdrawal of services to non-profits from the SBS.


 https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/350292100/sbs-bank-accused-betraying-long-term-customers  

Grey Power Southland seniors advocate Stephnie de Ruyter is not happy with the SBS Bank’s treatment of not-for-profit organisation customers.
ROBYN EDIE / SOUTHLAND TIMES


This is not only in Southland, but we are fielding calls from other parts of New Zealand too about the SBS.


It’s interesting because in this year, I have had more than one Bank staff member tell me that “Banks don’t really like NGOs, as we create lots of work, and they don’t make any money out of us.” 


I positively shudder with frustration when I hear this oft-repeated rubbish. These bank staff just refuse to look at the big picture.  They refuse to understand how much money is in our sector; they refuse to see how much this sector contributes to GDP, (I don’t think they care about that); and they refuse to acknowledge that there is a thing called Social Licence.   


If they are not interested in social licence at some point, won’t we all walk away from them? What is the point of trying to negotiate an important human function like having somewhere to bank our money, if the other party isn’t interested? 


I wonder if banks realise the guy standing in front of them banking for a school rugby club could be a financial advisor in a major corporate. I wonder if they consider the effects of their decision to treat him poorly and how it will influence his decisions?  (I really know someone in this position.) 

So, the question is, what to do?  I have forwarded information about this abhorrent behaviour of the SBS to the Reserve Bank and the Financial Markets Authority, but to really kick up a fuss, everyone who has received this letter, needs to talk to their local MP and tell him/her how you feel.  I am serious here.  If you don’t take this to your local MP your opportunity to get any traction is virtually nil. Make a fuss guys! 


And if you need to move your account, contact First Credit Union, who can provide on-line bespoke banking for NGOs.  They will happily sign you up.  As this is on-line, you can’t bank cash, but that’s another story.  You can do everything else, including proving identity on-line. 


Contact Sarah Angell: 07 8344780  community@firstcu.co.na 


The withdrawal of banking services to non-profits is not merely a financial inconvenience; it directly impacts the sector's ability to function effectively. We must unite, raise our voices, and advocate for the fair treatment and supportive banking environment we deserve. 

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A Governance Milestone

By Community Networks • February 3, 2026
Kia ora koutou, Running a not-for-profit in Aotearoa New Zealand isn’t for the faint-hearted. Funding pressures, rising compliance demands, volunteer burnout and changing community needs can make it feel like you’re spinning a dozen plates at once. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. One of the clearest signs of that strength is CNA’s Tick for Governance course, which has now reached a major milestone — over 1,000 users have either completed the course or are actively working through it. That’s 1,000 trustees, board members and leaders investing in good governance and better outcomes for their communities. 🎉 Tick for Governance is special because it’s the only truly Kiwi governance course of its kind. It’s written by Kiwis, for Kiwis, grounded in the realities of how not-for-profits operate in Aotearoa. It’s also proudly supported by Charity Services and the Institute of Directors, giving organisations confidence that the learning is practical, credible and relevant. But CNA doesn’t stop at courses. We’re here to help build capacity and ease workloads through a growing suite of courses, apps and practical resources designed for the real world not-for-profits operate in. A standout example is our collaboration with WiseComply, a smart compliance app that takes a huge weight off governance and management teams. Just like Tick for Governance, WiseComply updates your legislative and compliance requirements as they happen, so you don’t have to constantly chase changes or worry about missing something critical. Less stress, more confidence, better governance, more casual cups of tea. We’re also expanding our highly successful Sharp Strategies series. These aren’t your average sit-and-listen presentations. Sharp Strategies go deeper, offering real-time answers from experts on the issues that actually keep you awake at night, especially with the impending re-registration of Incorporated Societies, the General Election and more. Practical, interactive and immediately useful. Together, these initiatives reflect what CNA is all about: creating meaningful building blocks that strengthen individual organisations, lift the sector as a whole, and ultimately contribute to a stronger, more resilient Aotearoa New Zealand society. Five ways your organisation can get involved: Enrol your board in Tick for Governance to build confident, capable governance. Use WiseComply to simplify and stay on top of compliance obligations. Attend Sharp Strategies sessions to get direct, expert guidance on tough issues. Share CNA resources with staff and volunteers to build capability across your organisation. Make CNA learning part of your ongoing planning, not just a one-off fix. As we head into 2026, now is the perfect time to invest in your people, your governance and your future. Engage with CNA, use the tools on offer, and let’s keep building a stronger not-for-profit sector — together. In the words of a wise, wise man – “To Infinity, And Beyond!”

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