Kiwi grass greener for Masport

By SIMON HENDERY

In a reversal of the usual economic drift across the Tasman, New Zealand-based lawnmower company Masport is shifting Australian staff to its Auckland headquarters.

The company, which also makes home heaters and barbecues, is closing its Melbourne call centre and adding 10 help-desk and administration jobs at Mt Wellington.

Managing director John Lawson said customer inquiries from Australia would now be answered in Auckland because consolidating two call centres into one made economic sense.

Some Australian staff are transferring to Auckland, while other positions will be filled locally.

Mr Lawson said the move did not indicate a retreat from the Australian market.

"We will have a stronger platform in Australia. Our local sales in Australia are bigger than our local sales in New Zealand."

Masport is part of the Viking Pacific stable, a group of manufacturing companies including Skellerup Industries and Hardings Electronics.

Viking arose from the restructuring of the former high-flying Skellerup Group, which was restructured in 1998 after nearly collapsing.