ANZ Tonga opens new $4.5m headquarters [1]
Thursday, March 5, 2009 - 18:18. Updated on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 16:30.
The ANZ Bank Tonga branch opened its new headquarter at the Fakafanua Centre, Ma'ufanga, this morning, built at a cost of $4.5 million pa'anga.
The Chief Executive Officer for the ANZ Bank Ltd., Mike Smith, said that following the destruction of the bank's main administration office on November 16, 2006, there was a plan to build bigger and better administrative buildings.
"Today marks the opening of the first of two major new buildings by ANZ; the other is being constructed in the Central Business District beside the Fund Management Building, which will be opened in June."
Mike said that the new building had been equipped with state of the art technology for tellers and office workers, "This is fantastic for the Tonga branch staff who will now be working in first class conditions."
He also unveiled a new logo for ANZ Banking Group Ltd., a Lotus flower with three petals, representing Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region, and the centre symbolising the bank's customers.
Lord Fakafanua, the Ma'ufanga estate owner, welcomed guests to the occasion before Princess Angelika made a speech and officially opened the building and led guests through to inspect the new building.
The construction began in late 2007 by John Walton.
Moving
ANZ Tonga's General Manager Arthur Hubbard confirmed that the new building, which cost $4.5 million pa'anga, would be their administration office and a banking branch.
He said they would close down the ANZ branch located beside the Small Industries Centre, and also the administration office at Mailetaha Plaza, and move into the new building.
Meanwhile, the branch in the Central Business District will remain operational at the existing location.
Also present at the ceremony were members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele and members of the local business community.