Letter from Finsec to ANZ
re: Funding of logging in Papua New Guinea
Graham Hodges
Chief Executive Officer
ANZ National Bank
PO Box 540
Wellington
Dear Graham Hodges,
As you will be aware Finsec members at ANZ National Bank have been following the issue of ANZ Bank's funding of Malaysian logging company, Rimbunan Hijau, in Papua New Guinea which was publicly highlighted today by the protest outside ANZ Lambton Quay.
We value our jobs and are proud of the company we work for, which in many areas has a good record of community participation and support for environmental and community causes. As workers we are concerned that one of ANZ National's core values around earning the trust and respect of the community is being compromised.
Because of that we would like to see the bank move beyond its present circumstances where its reputation is being tarnished by its involvement with Rimbunan Hijau.
We would like to see ANZ National Bank meet with representatives from Green Peace, the Green Party and/or the Australian Conservation Foundation and find a way forward that improves ANZ National's reputation and has a positive outcome for the environment.
To help this occur I am offering for myself and other Finsec members from among ANZ National's workers to facilitate a meeting that would allow us to search for a solution.
As workers at ANZ National Bank we have a unique perspective that allows us to understand the hard work the Bank is already doing to be an ethical and responsible corporate citizen. At the same time we are in a position to hear alternative points of view without being influenced by an existing commitment to the Bank's investment strategy.
If you are willing to accept this offer, you can contact me at the ANZ #### Branch on [phone number]. Or you can contact Finsec Campaigns Director, Andrew Campbell at [phone number]. He will be able to arrange further details.
Yours sincerely,
Kelvin Pycroft
Finsec Deputy President
ANZ Kerikeri Branch
Cc:
Bunny McDiarmid
Executive Director
Greenpeace
Private Bag 92507
Wellesley Street
Auckland 1141
Russel Norman
Co Leader
Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
PO Box 11-652
Wellington
Professor Ian Lowe
Australian Conservation Foundation
Floor 1
60 Leicester St
Carlton
Vic 3053
Australia
