ANZ National said on Friday it had funding in place for more than NZ$4 billion in new lending to small to medium enterprises and farmers in 2009.

"We are absolutely committed to the business sector in New Zealand, and the funding is in place for new lending to existing and new customers who have sound and viable businesses," said ANZ National's Managing Director for Commercial Graham Turley.

ANZ National had an overall loan portfolio of over NZ$40 billion, Turley said.

"By continuing to lend, we're playing our part in ensuring a strong business and rural sector and supporting economic growth and employment in New Zealand," he said. "The new lending will provide working capital to help businesses with their cashflow needs, support employment, investments and assist our export businesses."

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