Bank wonders why they're losing $$

Defiant Mapua artist Roger Griffiths today made a stand against Westpac by withdrawing his $190,000 savings. Having decided to withdraw his money, he then decided to make it hard for the bank by requesting payment in $20 bills.

Mr Griffiths, a loyal Westpac customer for 25 years, decided to withdraw his money after the bank rejected his application for an $80,000 mortgage. "It's about time normal people took a stand."

He said the bank turned down his application because he did not have a regular income as an artist. However, he was a successful artist, exhibiting his paintings at the World of Wearable Art complex, in Christchurch and New York, he said.

Westpac media relations manager Craig Dowling said today that when the bank lent money it required certain information to be provided to enable that lending to be done prudently.

"It's about providing evidence of an ability to meet regular repayments."

In Mr Griffiths' case that information was not provided for it to be assessed, he said. Mr Griffiths' withdrawal was disappointing.

"We would like to welcome Mr Griffiths back. We just need the confidence regular repayments can be met." More here:

Well, I guess you made a fool out of HIM Mr Dowling. Way to stand your ground. I guess Mr Dowling just doesn't "get it." Meanwhile they lost $110 million on one of their "prudent" loans. Maybe he should write his next loan application in language they can understand. Just fill in all the blanks with "Hee Haw - Hee Haw."