Kiwibank wants to go it alone in central Timaru with New Zealand Post on the hunt for a new home.
The state-owned bank, and national post service separately issued press releases on Thursday announcing the impending changes at the branch in Strathallan St.
However, Kiwibank's plan to establish a standalone branch should not affect New Zealand Post staff, an NZ Post spokesperson said.
Kiwibank is due to split off from New Zealand Post in Timaru, but the effects on staffing for both branches is not yet known. (File)
"The majority of the staff in the current NZ Post are Kiwibank staff, but typically we employ the people who man the box lobby which is usually one or two people and at this stage it is too early to know what will happen to them," the spokesperson said.
"It depends on where we go. Sometimes the box lobby stays and is in the same location. For us we would say its too early to know about staff."
The spokesperson referred further questions about staff to Kiwibank.
"The majority of the staff are Kiwibank staff, you will have to talk to them."
The aim for NZ Post is to remain in Timaru and to find a local partner, the NZ Post spokesperson said. NZ Post and Kiwibank also have a joint venture outlet at Highfield shopping complex and a standalone NZ Post outlet at Northtown Mall.
"We are looking to partner with a local business or agency so that we can stay."
Time was not a factor in seeking out an ideal new partner in Timaru, she said.
"We never put a time limit on it. Our focus is always just to find the best partner, and sometimes that can take a year or months.
"But we really want people to be reassure that there's no changes while that search is happening. We will update them when there is an outcome."
Kiwibank's general manager for retail distribution Geoff Waller said: "Having confirmed the new branch model with our staff, we're now working towards creating the environment for a more specialised banking service, an innovative customer experience and a strong brand presence locally."
He confirmed that the status quo with NZ Post Timaru branch will remain until it finds a local partner.
"There will be no change to the current Timaru branch and services until NZ Post finds a local business to help deliver postal and bill payment services for the area. We'll keep our customers and the community informed when dates are known.
"At this stage Kiwibank intend to stay in the current location."