FNPF members who applied for assistance for cyclone rehabilitation assistance and opted for cheque payments would now be able to pick the cheques from ANZ branches Fiji-wide.

Effective from Monday 14th, all cheque distributions and payments would be handled by ANZ Bank.

The bank will also distribute these to various ANZ branches for members based outside Suva.

Chief Operating Officer Jaoji Koroi said: “We have had to review our decision to have the cheques handled by different banks following concerns raised by members on the inconvenience of collecting cheques from different sources.”

No fee would be charged for the collection of these cheques .

Also the members can cash the cheques at ANZ or any other bank at no cost.

Mr. Koroi emphasized that FNPF members need to know that their cheques are ready first before they visit the ANZ Bank.

The Fund will contact members via telephone to inform them when their cheques are ready for collection.

FNPF will also publish the names and numbers of members whose cheques are ready for collection, and the listing would be posted outside the FNPF Boulevard in Ellery Street and on FNPF’s social media pages.

“We continue to plead for our members understanding in regards to Cyclone Winston natural disaster facility and the operational challenges that we have encountered,” Mr Koroi said.

“Every effort and all resources have been diverted to this assistance. FNPF staff are working around the clock to ensure that members applications are paid out.

“We have and will continue to prioritise payments to those living in worst-affected areas.”