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Cash system redesign

He whakahou i te pūnaha moni

We’re finding ways to make sure that the cash system can be efficient, resilient and continue to support inclusion.

We provide new and used cash to banks, which is distributed around communities, households, businesses and individuals.

What’s happening now

Rural New Zealand communities lacking commercial bank over-the-counter or ATM cash services will be invited to take part in trials. The trials will test new ways for people, including retailers, to withdraw and deposit cash, including change and takings, at little or no cost to them.

Find out more about the community cash service trials - He whakamātautau i te pūnaha moni a-rohe 

In November 2021, we asked for feedback on issues facing the cash system and options to keep Aotearoa’s cash system fit for purpose.

Find out more about the consultation

Read our explainer Why are we looking at the future of money?

Since the consultation closed, we have been speaking with representatives of the cash industry, businesses, and communities. There has been general support for taking a merchant-centric approach, and so that has been our initial focus. 

We’re also doing further research on the potential to mandate cash acceptance, and generally building out our stewardship function, including cash and payments data collection and coordinating with other agencies with intersecting interests.