Source: ASB
ASB is bringing back New Zealand’s most beloved elephant, launching a limited-edition Kashin money box to celebrate 150 years of helping Kiwi kids with their finances.
ASB Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt says the bank has a long history of commitment to financial education and wellbeing. Tools like Kashin, alongside ASB’s digital banking features and educational programmes help start crucial conversations with children about finances.
“We know the importance of good money habits, and Kashin has encouraged generations of Kiwi kids to learn these skills. The more that whānau can have these conversations and help kids understand concepts like budgeting and saving, the more confident they’ll be in making good financial decisions that will set them up for life.
“It’s not just about young people. We’re investing heavily in financial wellbeing tools for customers of all ages with ASB MoneySpace, offering people practical ways to improve their financial insights and planning. We’ve seen first-hand the impact this can have on outcomes.”
This commitment to comprehensive financial support across all of life’s stages isn’t new to ASB, it’s built on over a century of experience. The Kids Penny Bank Account was launched in 1876, school banking began in 1926, the Kashin money box was created in 1964, and the GetWise education in schools programme was launched in 2010.
“Our GetWise programme has reached more than 1.3 million children across 1,800 schools. In 2023 we expanded this with the introduction of our Tikitiki o Pūtea education programme grounded in Kaupapa Māori and delivered exclusively in te reo Māori for kura because we’re committed to giving every young person the financial tools to succeed.
“We believe financial confidence should start from a young age and we’re pleased to see financial literacy becoming part of the school curriculum. GetWise is fully booked through 2025 and demand from schools wanting to book the programme has increased by 60% since the Government’s announcement.”
Kashin brings years of wisdom about the importance of starting small, thinking long-term, and making smart choices with money. Not bad for an elephant who fits on a bedroom shelf.
The limited edition money box is available now to customers aged up to 17 opening an ASB Headstart account, while stocks last.
About GetWise
GetWise lessons are designed to complement the New Zealand school curriculum and are created in collaboration with experts in primary education. Independent, trained facilitators deliver the interactive workshops to students in years three to eight, integrating cutting edge augmented reality content, and a free online learning platform for year seven and eight students.
Teachers are also given access to resource packs to help them provide ongoing financial literacy lessons in the classroom, at their own pace.
Primary and intermediate schools can sign up to the ASB GetWise financial literacy programme by visiting getwise.co.nz, calling 0508 GetWise
For more information please visit asb.co.nz/GetWise.
Timeline
1876 – ASB launches kids Penny Bank Account
1926 – ASB brings banking to the classroom with the introduction of school banking
1964 – Our advertising symbol becomes an elephant called Kashin
1972 – The ‘real’ Kashin arrives at Auckland Zoo
2010 – Students GetWise with the launch of ASB’s financial literacy programme
2015 – Kashin goes digital with the Clever Kash money box
2025 – ASB celebrates 150 years of helping kids with money with a new Kashin money box.
