Regional banking hubs are hoped to be the answer to an increasing number of branch closures in rural New Zealand.
Four of the hubs are being trialled, and one in Martinborough was opened on Friday, but not everyone is on board.
Grant Robertson made a quick withdrawal from Martinborough's brand new Smart ATM on Friday - The Finance Minister launching the region's banking hub.
They're funded and operated by six large banks, offering services to small towns.
Robertson likened the hubs to super rugby: "It'd be a little bit like all the five super rugby franchises getting their coaching manuals and putting them all in one place."
The trial has been in the pipeline for two years, as banks close more regional branches.
Just last week BNZ announced it was shutting 38 branches as more customers bank online and on the phone.
"It's not economic for the banks to keep branches open absolutely everywhere," Robertson says.
"So rather than nothing, we have the possibility of a hub like this."
The hubs could be the future of regional banking in New Zealand.
The idea is that if this trial is successful after a year it could be rolled out to more places, but some want the Government to force Australian-owned banks to maintain a presence in small towns.
South Wairarapa Mayor Alex Beijen isn't pleased with the move.
"It's time we put our foot down and said 'no you must provide this service, given the profits you are making'."
Roger Beaumont, CEO NZ Bankers Association says it just isn't viable.
"There are some banks in small communities that I've heard of that don't even have 10 customers a day. That's unsustainable."
It's hoped this hub will go some way to address closures, people can deposit and withdraw money there, with tourism staff on hand to help with online banking.
But there's criticism the hub misses the mark.
Bruce Sullivan, Kitchener's Cafe Owner says it doesn't supply or do anything for locals, you can't get change and you can't get advice.
"The elderly people can't get help at all, it's nothing."
Sullivan and his family have run Kitchener's cafe for 25 years, and with no banks in Martinborough, they now spend their time running to Masterton for change.
"It's a nightmare for everyone, " Sullivan says.
