WestpacTrust moves headquarters to Auckland

WestpacTrust is moving its head office to Auckland, taking with it 61 Wellington jobs.

Over the next few months, eight top executives and 53 marketing and product positions will move. The new chief executive, when appointed, will also be based in Auckland.

Spokeswoman Jane Anderson said three general managers would remain in Wellington and about eight general market staff.

The move meant two-thirds of WestpacTrust's executives and marketing staff would be in Auckland, and one-third in Wellington, the reverse of the present position.

WestpacTrust's decision continues a corporate migration north. Tranz Rail moved its head office from Wellington to the North Shore this year.

National Bank chief executive Sir John Anderson will be the only remaining chief executive of the main banks to be based in Wellington.

WestpacTrust employs about 1300 staff in Wellington and 1600 in Auckland. Its operations and information technology, treasury, dealing room and online services will stay in Wellington.

The bank's Australian owner, Westpac, is still searching for a chief executive to take over the New Zealand business from Tom Gallagher, who left in May.

- NZPA