"We face a changing insurance market, with rising costs and frequency of claims. To ensure our long term sustainability as a provider of insurance we need to ensure we keep it affordable for New Zealanders."

IAG would not be the first major insurer to move New Zealand roles overseas.

In March last year Suncorp New Zealand - owner of Vero, Asteron and half of AA Insurance - confirmed plans to offshore a number of its back office jobs.

At the time Catherine Dixon, executive general manager people experience at Suncorp New Zealand, said it had announced a proposal to transfer a number of New Zealand-based administrative roles to its strategic partners in Asia.

Dixon said the decision was not about reducing headcount.

"By moving some roles offshore, and creating new roles here in New Zealand, Suncorp New Zealand will increase the capability of its business, and improve the service we provide our customers."