Telstra Saturn sparks job boom

CHRISTCHURCH - Several hundred people will be employed by Telstra Saturn to help build its $200 million Christchurch network, the company says.

Telstra Saturn chief executive Jack Matthews announced this week that Christchurch firms BICC General and Connetics had won multimillion-dollar contracts to help build the telecommunications network.

The network will deliver a range of services including the internet, telephone, and cable television.

BICC General would provide the copper and fibre-optic cable for the system and Connetics would be responsible for a large proportion of the construction.

Mr Matthews also said Telstra Saturn would build a $5 million central-city base.

Connetics chief executive Bob Taylor said the company, which employed 180 people, was looking at increasing its staff by up to 40 to deal with the increased workload.

Mr Taylor said as well as internal growth, Connetics would probably rely on sub-contractors to complete a lot of the work.

He said it would advertise for more staff this weekend.

BICC managing director Bryan Preston said the contract enabled the company to hold its staffing levels to about 400.He said it was good news because the money it spent on wages would remain in Christchurch.

Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Townsend said the contracts were great news for Christchurch.

"It's an investment in our future and an indication of the confidence Telstra Saturn has in the future of Christchurch."

He said the move would have a significant effect on the economy.

-NZPA