ANZ announces relief package following Vanuatu earthquake

ANZ has announced a financial relief package for those affected by the Vanuatu earthquake. The bank will also make donations to some registered charities to support recovery efforts.

A state of emergency has been declared in Vanuatu for seven days following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake which struck approximately 30km off the coast of Port Vila on Tuesday.

ANZ Regional Executive for the Pacific Sarah Stubbings says: “Our thoughts are with all who were impacted by this week’s devastating earthquake in Vanuatu, where ANZ has a deep history dating back to 1971.

“While we are grateful no one in our team was hurt, we are thinking of those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured.

“With the effects of this likely to be felt for some time, we want to reassure our customers we are here to help and there is a range of financial relief options available to them.

“To help those in the broader community, we are putting in place a range of relief options and waivers on a number of fees. ANZ will also put in place support payments for our staff.”

The relief measures available for home and personal loan customers, valid until March 2025, include:

•  Up to three months Interest Only
• A three-month Loan Repayment Pause
• A Loan Repayment Break (Up to 3 months Principal & Interest suspended)
• A Loan Term Extension.

We also have a range of relief measures available for commercial customers, including:

• Short term funding through temporary overdraft facilities to assist with unexpected costs.
• Hardship assistance for existing lending which may include payment holidays or interest only for up to three months.
• Waive fees associated with restructuring business loans.
• Waive merchant service fees for businesses on a case-by-case basis.
• Provide early access to term deposits at no cost.

Effective today, ANZ will also waive a range of fees, further information can be found here at anz.com/vanuatu/en/fees-and-charges/.

Each customers situation is unique, and we encourage people to get in contact with us so we can discuss the best option available to them.

ANZ’s branch in Port Vila is temporarily closed. If you require help with your banking, please call us on +679 331 6644 at any time. Toll charges may apply.