APN finance arm confirms move to Whangarei

APN Finance Shared Service Centre (FSSC), an Auckland-based financial management centre employing 75 accountancy staff, has confirmed it will relocate to Whangarei.

FSSC, which manages all financial administration for the New Zealand operation of newspaper chain APN, publisher of nzherald.co.nz and The New Zealand Herald, confirmed the move this morning in an email to staff.

Phil Eustace, CEO for APN's print and group services, and Mark C Smith, general manager at Finance Shared Services, said in the statement: "The FSSC already operates at a high level of efficiency and the relocation to Whangarei is a proactive measure to further lower the cost of transactions.

"The relocation will also provide for potential future expansion opportunities for the FSSC as the businesses of its internal customers grow, including our new fast growing Online Division."

Whangarei was identified as the best location, they said, because of it is a "dynamic regional centre" with lifestyle attractions for staff, a good business infrastructure and is only two hours from Auckland by road.

All existing FSSC staff have been offered roles in the new centre. Those not wishing to move will be considered for any suitable job opportunities within APN.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF