Westpac bank is looking to boost its rural profile after identifying the sector as one it is under-represented in.

The bank lifted its New Zealand cash earnings 36 per cent to $322m for the year ended September 30, and sees the farming sector as a way to further boost its commercial book.

Westpac New Zealand Head of Agribusiness Dave Jones says there’s plenty of opportunity in rural lending.

“We’re long-term bankers, we don’t look at one season at a time, and there will be good times and lean times for each sector, it works in cycles.

"We’re there to participate and support all agricultural types of businesses.”