New Zealand has seen a 50% increase in contact and technical support centre projects since November 2009. Figures showed that the country had received just four contact centre projects going into Auckland and Lower Hutt between 2003 and 2009. However, since November 2009 this has jumped to eight, as both new contact and technical support centres open or are scheduled to open in the country.

Canon, a Japan-based photographic company, recently opened a new contact centre in Auckland, New Zealand. The centre will employ 92 people and will provide services for both domestic and Australian customers. By consolidating the customer service the company has immediately saved 20% due to exchange rate difference and as well as lower salaries, cheaper rent and more mobile workforce the country is very appealing.

Hitachi, a Japan-based electronics company, also has established a customer service and support division in New Zealand. The company is reportedly looking for customer support engineers to offer its platinum and silver partners support and maintenance services. The company’s focus has always been to help its partners identify opportunities for growth.

Meanwhile, Fujitsu, a provider of business, information technology and communications solutions, opened a new service centre in Auckland in late 2009 to provide IT services to Qantas staff globally.