New local distributor for Nikon

Update: Lacklands, the new distributor for Nikon in New Zealand, tells D-Photo the company is delighted to now be handling the brand locally.
Shayne Morgan, the company’s director, says the new partnership firmly entrenches Lacklands’ position as “New Zealand’s leading image supplier”.

“The addition of Nikon to our portfolio of world leading brands reiterates our standing as a key partner to our overseas principals and New Zealand retailers… We truly are a ‘one stop shop’ for the industry.”

Morgan also says the closure of Macalister Group (formally TA Macalister), who previously handled Nikon in New Zealand, was an unfortunate loss for the imaging industry.

“The closure of TA Macalister after 70 years is very sad for their loyal staff and the industry as a whole, but we are confident that the void can be filled with the excellent people, products and service available from Lacklands.”

Update ends

Nikon has a new distributor in New Zealand; Nikon Australia today announced a partnership with Lacklands LP for the promotion, sales and distribution of Nikon imaging and sports optics products locally.

The fate of the brand had been uncertain in recent weeks following news that previous handler, Macalister Group, would be shutting it doors before the end of the year.

James Murray, Nikon Australia’s general manager of sales and marketing, says he is delighted to be working with Lacklands, a company with a proven track record in building brands with fresh ideas and delivering results through retail partnerships.

“We look forward to working with their team to drive Nikon as a market leader and positively influence the overall New Zealand imaging business from here on.”

Earlier this month Lacklands also took charge of another previous Macalister Group brand, Lowepro, adding to an already impressive stable of names, including Leica, Tamron, Joby, Sandisk and more.

Terry Sosich of Lacklands reports the repairs and services elements of the agreement are still being worked through, with further details expected later in the week.

The new arrangement marks an end to the longest-running Nikon distributor partnership across the globe, with Macalister having been the sole local distributor of the brand since 1958. Nikon’s Murray says he is confident it also marks the beginning of an expansive new chapter for Nikon in New Zealand.