Taupo District Mayor David Trewavas is calling on banking giant ANZ to rethink a proposal to close its branch in Turangi.
Consultation on the proposed closure began with staff last week due to "declining transaction volumes". It would affect four full time staff, who would be offered relocation if available.
"I am sick and tired of these international corporates coming in and crapping on regional New Zealand," said Mr Trewavas.
"The people of Turangi have been so loyal to the ANZ and previously National Bank for some 50 years. This proposal is shameful!"
Mr Trewavas says if the branch were to close the affects would be far reaching. "This is more than just a bank. It is an important part of the social fabric of our community," he said.
"For some people in Turangi, a trip to the bank is the only social interaction they have and that contributes to their overall mental health and wellbeing," he said. "For a company that last year posted a $1.7 billion profit, I'd expect them to see past the dollars and instead apply some common sense."
Mr Trewavas said health and safety was another important factor that could not be overlooked.
"It's all very well saying a self-service ATM will be the answer to the community's problems if the bank is closed, but this adds what I consider is an unacceptable risk to those needing to carry out financial transactions, particularly for the elderly for whom the ATM is likely to be a barrier anyway."
Turangi-Tongariro Community Board chairman Andy Hema said the four staff at the branch were an important part of the community and if they were relocated as the proposal suggested they would be a great loss to Turangi.
"As a community board we have been working hard to promote economic development and vibrancy in our town centre and we don't want to see any job losses or empty spaces left in our town," said Mr Hema. "I echo the Mayor's sentiments and hope that ANZ rethink their plans for the good of Turangi."