Our History

Part of New Zealand since 1875

Heartland's roots stretch back to 1875 with the inception of Ashburton Permanent Building & Investment Society, which subsequently merged with SMC Building Society and Loan & Building Society. Together they became CBS Canterbury. Over the decades they have provided the people in the Canterbury region with home, rural and business loans, term investments, and savings and day-to-day accounts.

Southern Cross likewise had a long history. Opening in Auckland in 1923, it offered a similar range of financial services to its customers throughout the North Island.

For nearly 60 years MARAC has supported the growth of small-to-medium sized New Zealand businesses with a range of finance, investment and insurance solutions.

On 31 August 2011, PGG Wrightson Finance Limited (PWF) became a subsidiary of Heartland Building Society. PWF is an important acquisition for Heartland, bringing significant impetus to our rural strategy and diversity to our asset base.

These four entities are now one, Heartland, combining their experience, knowledge and shared vision to partner with enterprising New Zealanders to succeed.