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Our History

Traditionally a building society will take better care of you, whilst a bank offers the best rates. With our roots in the past and our eyes firmly fixed on the future, you’ll find we’re the perfect mix of both.

Timeline
1875
Heartland starts life as the Ashburton Permanent Building & Investment Society which subsequently merges with SMC Building Society and Loan & Building Society to become CBS Canterbury.
Timeline
1923
Southern Cross (later to become part of Heartland) opens in Auckland offering its North Island customers a range of investments, savings, loans and day to day accounts.
Timeline
1957
MARAC Finance opens to support the growth of small to medium sized businesses.
Timeline
2011
At the start of the year, Southern Cross, CBS Canterbury and MARAC merge to create the business that became Heartland Building Society.
Timeline
2011
On 31 August 2011, Heartland acquires PGG Wrightson Finance, bringing significant impetus to Heartland’s rural strategy and diversity to Heartland’s asset base.
Timeline
2012
Heartland is granted its bank registration by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, achieving its goal of becoming the only New Zealand operated, controlled and managed banking group, with a parent company (Heartland New Zealand Limited) listed on the NZX Main Board – the home of New Zealand’s equities market and best known financial brands.
Timeline
2013
Heartland Building Society converts from a building society to a company and becomes Heartland Bank Limited.
Timeline
2015
Heartland Bank Limited amalgamates with its parent company, Heartland New Zealand Limited. This means Heartland Bank Limited became the first New Zealand registered bank to be listed on the NZX Main Board.
Timeline
2018
On 31 October 2018, Heartland completed a corporate restructure which resulted in Heartland Bank Limited becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of a new listed parent company, Heartland Group Holdings Limited. On 1 November 2018, Heartland Group Holdings Limited listed on the NZX Main Board and the ASX under a foreign exempt listing under the ticker code HGH.
Timeline
2024
Australian authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI), Challenger Bank Limited, is acquired and renamed to Heartland Bank (Australia). This acquisition made Heartland Bank the first New Zealand bank to acquire an Australian ADI.
Timeline

What's next?

Banking is changing fast and so are New Zealander’s expectations of what good banking means. Our agile and innovative approach means we are perfectly placed to help you whether you’re looking to borrow, save or invest with us.

Future-proof banking

Quick smart solutions and easy online access is good news for everyone – not just our millennial market. See how our customer-based approach means better banking for all.

Reverse Mortgage specialists

We're experts in helping our customers use their home to do the things they’ve always wanted to in retirement.

Reverse mortgages

Growing small businesses

Small businesses are the beating heart of the New Zealand economy. We’re helping them grow with a new approach to lending that’s fast, flexible and fair.

Open for Business

Like to get in touch?

Find out how Heartland Bank can make it happen for you.

Contact us
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