Insurer to send jobs offshore

Insurance giant Suncorp has announced it is sending New Zealand jobs overseas.

The company would not confirm how many jobs would be lost but it’s believed to be up to 100.

Suncorp New Zealand is part of Asx-listed company Suncorp Group. It owns Vero and Asteron Life and its headquarters are in Brisbane, Australia.

The losses would affect employees in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Employees may be able to apply for new roles.

Suncorp NZ executive general manager Catherine Dixon said: ‘‘Suncorp New Zealand confirms that it has announced a proposal to transfer a number of New Zealandbased administrative roles to our strategic partners in Asia.

‘‘We have entered into a consultation process with our Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch people who are impacted by this change, and as part of this process have identified a number of new roles that they can apply for.’’

Dixon would not confirm how many jobs would be transferred.

First Union general secretary Robert Reid said it was an example of the finance sector offshoring jobs to lower-waged countries.

‘‘We’re often told by government and business that every decision they make … is because it will create jobs,’’ he said. ‘‘But what we’re seeing in reality is major companies like Suncorp moving what could be good and reasonable jobs in New Zealand and taking them offshore.’’

Dixon disagreed, saying: ‘‘By moving some roles offshore, and creating new roles here in New Zealand, Suncorp New Zealand will increase the capability of its business, and improve the service we provide our customers.’’