BNZ on Wednesday reported an improved profit and ANZ bettered that, at least in its operating profit before credit impairment and income tax.
ANZ's pre-tax profit increased 1% to $2.33billion from $2.31billion in the pcp but its cash profit of $1.68billion was flat compared with the same period last year. Revenue increased to $3.9billion.
The cash profit, which banks now favour, was up 4% at 1.8billion.
ANZ New Zealand chief executive David Hisco said the result reflected market-share growth in lending and deposits, ongoing productivity gains from the company's simplification programme and normalising provisional charges.
''We maintained our momentum from the first half and have continued to grow our market share in key products, including home loans, business lending, KiwiSaver membership, credit cards and deposits,'' he said.
The ANZ's focus of having the best people in the right locations was also paying off, with growth in the Auckland and Christchurch markets among migrants and small businesses, he said.
ANZ had expanded its commercial business while focusing on portfolio quality and supporting existing customers in the agribusiness market.
ANZ Wealth became New Zealand's largest fund manager and maintained its position as the country's larger KiwiSaver provider during the year.
Mr Hisco said the bank and its staff had also continued their strong support of the wider community and economy.
ANZ's contribution to New Zealand this year included $670million in taxes on its earnings; $800million in staff wages and salaries; $570million to local contractors and suppliers; and $14million in sponsorships and charitable donations.
More than 16,500 New Zealand shareholders, including managed and retirement funds, owned about $1.1billion worth of shares and received about $70million in dividends annually, which included the New Zealand imputation credit benefit of 10c per share, he said.
