10th ANZIIF New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards

PROUDLY HOSTED BY

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

PLATINUM GOLD SCRUTINEER

Presiding Judge’s Message

On behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF), welcome to the 2022 New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards. Now in its 10th year, the awards highlight the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and businesses — helping the industry to recognise its new and existing talent.

This is the first year we have held the awards in person since 2019, so we are particularly looking forward to seeing you all and marking the year that was. In 2022, we acknowledge our industry’s care for its customers, its people and the community, as we continue to achieve professional excellence.

This year has seen the introduction of four new awards categories, allowing us to credit the wide range of extraordinary achievements that contributed to the industry’s growth and helped it thrive in an ever-changing environment.

The new award categories are Excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance Change, General Insurance Claims Team of the Year, Insurtech Start-up of the Year and Authorised Representative Network of the Year

This year’s New Zealand finalists can be incredibly proud of their accomplishments and for consistently displaying excellence in their field. Being selected as a finalist is a superb achievement and reflects unmatched commitment and professionalism.

Thank you to the many individuals and businesses who took the time to make submissions. A special acknowledgment must go to the members of our diverse and respected judging panel, who selflessly give their time each year to assess submissions, and to our wonderful partners and sponsors, who continue to prioritise this leading event. We are extremely grateful to all these supporters and friends for helping to make this year’s event possible.

Once again, thank you for joining us to celebrate the 2022 New Zealand Insurance Industry awards.

PRUE WILLSFORD CEO, ANZIIF

2022 Judging Panel

PRUE WILLSFORD CEO ANZIIF

Prue attended the Queensland University of Technology, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws. Prior to her appointment as ANZIIF CEO, she was the General Manager, Corporate Operations at State Trustees, a role which included the oversight of Finance, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Investments in a highly complex, medium size financial services company. She has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services sector, including management accounting at Macquarie Bank and policy development at Investment Funds and Superannuation Association. She has also held leadership roles in financial services product development, marketing and operations at Colonial Mutual and National Australia Bank. Prue was the Deputy Chancellor of Victoria University and the Chairman of the Resources Committee and is currently a Board member at Citywide Service Solutions.

MICHELLE ASHBY

P&C Leader, Learning Initiatives, Suncorp New Zealand Suncorp

Michelle is part of Suncorp Group’s People & Culture team based in New Zealand. In her role as Learning Leader, she is accountable for the development of capability across the Vero and Asteron Life brands in Suncorp New Zealand.

Michelle’s career has spanned over 30 years in the insurance industry, beginning her career in a customer service role for GRE in Dunedin. Over her career she has held roles in customer service, sales and underwriting functions before finding her passion for developing people and moving into a learning role.

Michelle is a Senior Associate (CIP) and has been active in the insurance industry, having previously sat on ANZIIF’s Academic Council, Women’s Council as well as the New Zealand Branch Executive Committee. She is currently a member of ANZIIF’s New Zealand Member Advisory Board.

Damian is the Portfolio Manager - Workers Compensation at Catholic Church Insurance (CCI), prior to this he was the General Manager of Industry Engagement at ANZIIF.

Damian has held management positions across claims, underwriting, client services and sales for Allianz across Victoria, Tasmania and managing Australia wide operations.

DAMIAN FALKINGHAM

Portfolio Manager -

Workers Compensation

Catholic Church Insurance

Damian holds a Graduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation and he spent time in education as a lecturer and tutorial leader for Victoria University and Holmesglen TAFE and recently completed AICD Company Directors course.

Damian is passionate about developing people to deliver growth across the insurance and finance sectors.

PETE FRIZZELL Chief People Officer FMG

Pete is passionate about making New Zealand, a beautiful bi-cultural country, an even better place to live in for everyone.

Pete currently heads up People & Culture and Communications and has over 25 years’ experience of achieving excellent results for organisations, their clients and employees.

Pete has worked across the insurance value chain as well as leading large business driven IT projects. He is experienced in leading diverse teams through change, managing complex environments and achieving excellent financial results.

Prior to FMG Pete had broad exposure to Government, health, telecommunications and IT consulting.

DEAN GARROD Managing DirectorNew Zealand McLarens

Dean started his career in insurance in 1989, working with a large insurer in both commercial underwriting and claims, and in 1995 moved into Loss Adjusting.

He has held several professional directorships, and in 2011 became Chief Executive of Crawford & Company New Zealand.

Dean now sits on the McLarens Global Management Team and became the Managing Director of the Crawford and Crawford New Zealand business after the acquisition by Mclarens Global in 2020.

In addition to industry qualifications (ANZIIF and AICLA), Dean also obtained his MBA through the University of Auckland.

Dean has a passion for his team and their development, with an important focus on the customer, innovation and evolving industry dynamics. Being a 30-year veteran of the industry, he has witnessed and relishes being part of an industry going through such significant fast paced change, a challenge faced by individuals and businesses alike.

Tim Grafton is Chief Executive of the Insurance Council of New Zealand. Tim has extensive experience in providing strategic, policy and communications advice to public and private sector leaders.

TIM GRAFTON Chief Executive ICNZ

He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and holds several governance roles. He is on the Executive Committee of the Global Federation of Insurance Associations, Chairs the Code Compliance Committee of the Fair Insurance Code, is the former Chair of the Representative Users Group of the Deep South Science Challenge which focuses on research to adapt to climate change, and is on the New Zealand Advisory Board of ANZIIF, the Advisory Board of Victoria University, Wellington’s Chair in the Economics of Disasters, and the Advisory Committee on the Upgrade of the National Seismic Hazard Model.

He has also served on the Governance Committee of the Residential Advisory Service, the Earthquake Support Coordinators Committee and the Chief Executives Group for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery.

SARAH KNOX Consumer Affairs Manager Insurance Council of NZ

Sarah Knox is the Consumer Affairs Manager at the Insurance Council of NZ.

She is responsible for working with the general insurance sector to improve customer outcomes and provide consumer views to members.

Sarah also runs the industry’s Personal Lines (home and contents), Employment and Education and Consumer Advisory committees as well as the Vulnerable Customer Learning Group. She takes a leading role in coordinating the insurance industry’s response to emergency events and ICNZ’s financial capability programme.

She holds a MSc (Distinction) in Responsible Business Practice from the University of Bath UK and a Bachelor of Management Studies (Honours) from the University of Waikato.

CAROLINE LABAND Partner

Wotton + Kearney

Caroline is a Partner at Wotton + Kearney and has over 20 years’ experience in handling contentious insurance issues, with a focus on complex claims. She regularly provides coverage advice material damage/ business interruption policies and on D&O and financial institution claims, including class action litigation.

Caroline has worked in New Zealand and the United Kingdom on matters involving litigation up to Supreme Court level. Caroline has been recognised for the calibre of her work including being listed in The Legal 500 and Chambers rankings and being named by NZ Lawyer and Insurance Business NZ as a 5-Star Award winner. Outside of her core responsibilities, Caroline is a Trustee of the Auckland Community Law Centre, and a Director on the Board of Justitia – a society which has provided risk management and professional indemnity insurance solutions to legal practitioners since 1985.

SARA MALINS

General Manager of Operations

Sedgwick New Zealand

Sara is the General Manager of Operations for Sedgwick New Zealand and is responsible for delivering service excellence for all operations across the Sedgwick New Zealand business.

Sara started her insurance career in 1988 in the claims team of an insurance company and then joined the marine team at Cunningham Lindsey in 1990. During her tenure, Sara has held a wide variety of roles including loss adjuster, branch manager, quality and training manager prior to being promoted to the executive team as regional manager, and then General Manager of Operations.

Sara specialises in the development, education and training of Sedgwick colleagues, holds a certificate in Business Studies and is an ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP, the Chairperson for ANZIIF NZ Members Advisory Board and a member of the ANZIIF Claims Faculty board supporting and promoting professional development in the industry.

JO MASON Chief Executive Officer

NZbrokers

Jo has more than 30 years insurance industry experience, both in New Zealand and Australia. In July 2016 Jo was appointed CEO of NZbrokers. NZbrokers is New Zealand’s largest broker collective, responsible for more than $600M in Premium income. Prior to this she was National Manager - Underwriting Agencies and Cluster Groups at Allianz Australia, a role that had responsibility for the strategic growth and development of the Specialised Agencies, including Global Transport, Strata Community Insurance and Pet Plan.

Preceding this role, Jo was NZI’s GM Corporate and Facilities in Auckland where she helped lead the integration of the Lumley NZ business into IAG.

Jo attended INSEAD business school in France & Singapore completing an Advanced Management Programme, is a Senior Associate at ANZIIF and an independent board member of IBANZ.

GLEN PHILLPOTS

New Zealand Operations Manager

ANZIIF

Glen joined ANZIIF in 2020, after being a supportive client of ANZIIF from a large New Zealand brokerage firm. Glen’s role in that business was to head up Learning and Organisational Development function, so he fully understands the needs of our learners and our clients.

Glen’s career in Learning, has seen him prosper in many types of companies, not just insurance.

He has worked in Publishing, Advertising, Telecommunications, FMCG, IT and even owned his own restaurant.

KAREN STEVENS

Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman

Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme

Karen is the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman, appointed in May 1998. She graduated with BA/LLB degrees from VUW and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 1987.

Karen began her career as a civil litigation lawyer and moved into alternative dispute resolution, qualifying as an Associate of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management, and LEADR mediator. In 2009, Karen completed an LLM from La Trobe University, Melbourne, majoring in conflict resolution.

Karen is a media commentator on insurance for radio, television and print media. She frequently speaks at national and international conferences, being a founding member of the Australian and New Zealand Ombudsman Association and the International Network of Financial Services Ombudsman Schemes, of which she is also a past Chairperson.

Having insurance means being protected from whatever life throws at you… even the weekly BBQ.

Small-Medium Broking Company of the Year SHERPA INSURANCE BROKERS AND ADVOCATES

Sherpa Insurance Brokers & Advocates is the winner of the Small-Medium Broking Company of the Year, due to its impressive performance and superlative customer service.

As a local start-up business with a small but effective team of nine, Sherpa Insurance achieved an admirable client retention rate of 98 per cent over three years, while continuing to embody community in its day-to-day practices.

Emerging in 2018, Sherpa has since delivered on its goal to provide quality advice for SMEs in New Zealand’s South Island.

Judges noted that Sherpa Insurance can be credited with raising the standards of customer-led service for clients. In particular, the panel pointed to the company’s strategy of investing in the streamlining of processes which has enabled the organisation to focus

greater resources on its clients. Its verbal customer feedback process allows for instant feedback, and has enabled the company to stay responsive, strengthen its services and build deeper, more enduring customer relationships.

The judges were also impressed with the organisation’s care for its internal people. With flexible working conditions and considerable investment in professional development, it is not surprising that Sherpa Insurance had a 100 per cent staff retention rate.

The Sherpa team was also praised for adapting to new regulatory standards and a shift in customer focus to successfully navigate a decade of transformation.

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Large Broking Company of the Year

MARSH

In a highly competitive category, Marsh has been awarded Large Broking Company of the Year thanks to its sophisticated leadership and professionalism.

Judges noted the organisation’s strong customer feedback model, allowing for customer-focused interactions and robust data collection. Marsh’s staff numbers increased by over 400 people companywide in 2021, allowing greater access to its network of customers throughout New Zealand.

In addition, Marsh was applauded for its clear ESG vision and objectives, which saw the business embody its desired values and set ongoing targets. Notably, Marsh’s achievements as a carbon neutral company in 2021 were highly regarded by judges. The company has committed to an emissions reduction target of 50 per cent by 2023, a target of net-zero by 2050 as well as the ongoing sustainability of its operation.

Marsh’s program of operational excellence aims to enhance efficiency through user-

centric design, collaboration and industry review. The company delivered a superior client experience evidenced by its 98 per cent client retention rate.

In partnership with KiwiRail, Marsh placed the first earthquake parametric solution for a rail operator in the Pacific region.

Marsh’s internal culture is exceptional, boasting flexible working arrangements, an enhanced Employment Access Program (EAP) and professional development opportunities. Judges described the company’s wellbeing approach as one that lays the foundations for an environment based on integrity and trust.

The panel also noted that Marsh has contributed to leadership and professionalism in the wider insurance industry through diversity and inclusion initiatives, board participation and industry partnerships. The company is commended for setting an industry standard.

Finalists Marsh Runacres Insurance

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Authorised Representative Network of the Year INSURANCE ADVISERNET

NEW ZEALAND

This year’s Authorised Representative Network of the Year winner is Insurance Advisernet New Zealand, with a submission that demonstrated a positive contribution to professionalism within the industry.

According to the judges, Insurance Advisernet New Zealand truly ‘deserved the win’ in this new award category, which recognises strong performance and outstanding customer service.

Established in 2006 as a joint venture between Insurance Advisernet Australia and New Zealand investors, Insurance Advisernet New Zealand has grown to encompass more than 61 insurance broking practices across New Zealand.

The organisation impressed the panel with its delivery of quality advice, tailored local services and a client satisfaction result of 94 per cent — all facilitated by technological

advances that allow advisors a more efficient use of customer-focused hours.

ESG was an important consideration this year and Insurance Advisernet’s commitment to the reduction of its carbon footprint through carbon offsetting was commended. Its sustainable, environmentally friendly technology and practices set a new standard for the industry.

In addition, Insurance Advisernet’s promotion of wellness and resilience was applauded. Judges commended the business for the continuing professional development opportunities offered to staff including well supported internal and external training and webinars. The judges noted that this approach allowed for a significant contribution to the industry.

Underwriting Agency of the Year

DELTA INSURANCE

Delta Insurance is to be congratulated for taking out the Underwriting Agency of the Year for the fifth consecutive time since the category was introduced. With a clear business strategy and vision, Delta Insurance is once again a well-deserving winner of this award.

Established in 2014 as a New-Zealand owned business, the Delta Insurance team has grown to more than 30 people operating across New Zealand. The company’s client base has continued to grow since 2015.

Judges commended Delta Insurance for aligning its value proposition through an exemplary work culture, which incorporates the implementation of an ambitious ESG strategy. Examples include the company’s

Delta GirlBoss emerging leader awards’ program, team building activities, tree planting and volunteering initiatives — all of which embody the company’s clear intention to contribute to its team and the wider community.

Delta Insurance has achieved several wins over the year, spanning product innovation, talent development and an exceptional standard of service. The company has embraced change in a strategy of technology implementation to deliver a customer experience with admirable consistency. Notably, its UI model allows users to take control of their policies through self-service platforms, IT modernisation and the Delta App.

General Insurance Company of the Year

VERO NEW ZEALAND

Vero New Zealand is once again General Insurance Company of the Year, having also won the category in both 2015 and 2017. In a competitive cohort, this year’s submission stood out, highlighting the company’s community involvement, contribution to professional development in the industry and strong commitment to ESG.

With its substantive facilitation of climate risk assessment tier development and opportunity management based on strategic insights, Vero has taken ownership of its global responsibility for sustainability.

The judging panel was confident that Vero’s digitisation and automated claims processes allow an efficient, simplified customer experience enabling an increase in valueadding activities. Automation also saw a reduction in claims assessment and handling as well as improved accuracy.

Vero was also commended for going above and beyond to support the broader New Zealand community, including setting a new standard for its involvement in the Whakatane Natural Hazard Resilience Initiative and making many contributions to charity work.

The judges were impressed by Vero’s attention to internal professional development which demonstrated the company’s challenge mindset. Just a few of its diverse and modern offerings include adaptive leadership and vulnerability training.

In addition, Vero distinguished itself through proactive customer support services, including the referral of vulnerable customers to Lifeline Connect.

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General Insurance Claims Team of the Year IAG NEW ZEALAND

In what judges described as a close competition, IAG New Zealand was the winner for General Insurance Claims Team of the Year, thanks to its demonstrated dedication to excellence and professionalism.

IAG has set the bar high for this new award category, which acknowledges a New Zealand general insurance claims team demonstrating exemplary technical skills, strong claims results and outstanding customer service.

The organisation’s excellent submission aptly presented a holistic view of a highly efficient and successful operation with strong customer metrics contributing to an impressive business result. IAG New Zealand cited its dedication to growing

with its customer network as an important differentiator, an example of which is its process of adding value by digitising the claims journey.

The judges also praised IAG New Zealand’s response to the Westport floods, commenting that the organisation’s fast and effective actions ensured that affected customers remained connected and supported.

Care for people was clear, with the implementation of wellness days, professional development opportunities and policies for attracting and retaining talent in a difficult time for the industry.

Life Insurance

In what was a tight category, Partners Life claimed this year’s Life Insurance Company of the Year for the first time since 2015.

Among other commendable achievements, the standalone business was praised for its progressive model and attention to customer needs.

The organisation impressed judges with its commitment to technological advancement, which enhanced the customer journey and set a benchmark for client care. Partners Life’s outstanding customer focus was evident in its forward-thinking strategy of utilising data-led research and digital initiatives to create sustainable customer outcomes.

Judges also applauded the company’s ability to attract talent in what was a tough year. Its

ongoing learning and development programs, employee entitlements and commitment to diversity and inclusion are contributing to high retention rates, strong staff engagement and a low rate of attrition.

In addition, ESG is prioritised as a key factor in the company’s daily values and operation, with upcycling, responsible energy use and community initiatives all contributing to positive outcomes. Partners Life’s community involvement is particularly admirable and includes the role of Support Partner for the Banqer High School educational program which involves helping Kiwi school kids develop their financial competency, confidence, creativity and curiosity.

Finalists

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Insurtech Start-Up of the Year

MORGAN PROJECT SERVICES (NZ) LTD

The 2022 Insurtech Start-Up of the Year is Morgan Project Services (NZ) Ltd, which came out on top in a strong field of candidates thanks to its demonstrated innovation, commitment to problem-solving and the customer benefits it delivers.

This is a new category recognising an innovative technology company that enhances, extends or replaces a traditional approach to service insurance customers’ needs.

Morgan Project Services (NZ) Ltd demonstrated an outstanding customerfirst focus, with clear customer metrics. Its submission highlights the organisation’s ability to rise to challenges and provide

consistent improvement to its services. The company’s commitment to add value is evidenced by UX and UI modifications to its newly developed ‘FAST app’, which provides an enhanced user experience. The judges were impressed by the level of innovation this solution had, and the way it could be leveraged to fast-track the customer claims process.

Morgan Project Services’ impressive submission, which demonstrated its ongoing innovation and dedication to the customer experience, left the judges in no doubt that it is a serious player worthy of recognition in the insurtech space.

Finalists

InsuredHQ Morgan Project Services (NZ) Ltd Sentro

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Professional Services

Firm of the Year MCLARENS NEW ZEALAND

McLarens New Zealand has taken home the 2022 Professional Services Firm of the Year award.

With staff spanning across 23 locations in New Zealand, McLarens has achieved commendable growth over the past three years.

In particular, the judges praised the company’s 100 per cent customer retention rate, a result consistently recorded since 2019 demonstrating the high level of customer satisfaction.

Rather than resting on its laurels, McLarens continues to deepen customer connections and improve service delivery, resulting in ongoing increases to its approval rate in customer surveys. To accommodate increased demand, new customer needs and market changes,

McLarens New Zealand has invested in self-managed customer portals for easier communication, real time feedback, automated responses and the immediate escalation of issues.

A thriving company culture is supported by robust people development comprising resilience initiatives, nutrition and mental health programs, as well as an active office social life. A company weekend away brings the team together to get to know each other better and have fun, which further boosts engagement.

Mclarens’ commitment to ESG is also clear, in a submission outlining a variety of donations to charitable organisations such as Autism New Zealand and Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

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Service Provider to the Insurance Industry

SMITH&SMITH

Smith&Smith has been named 2022 Service Provider to the Insurance Industry, in a strong comeback since last winning the award in 2017 and 2015. Smith&Smith presented a sophisticated submission demonstrating impressive growth and consistent development which put it ‘ahead of the pack’.

Smith&Smith’s impressive customer feedback reflects its growth mindset and big picture focus. The company aptly showcased its dedication to enhancing user experience with innovations including webbased booking, tailored portal design for policyholders and automation throughout the customer journey.

In terms of its performance culture, Smith&Smith practices what it preaches, evident in its philosophy of nurturing inspiring leadership, business smarts and technical expertise. Internally, the company

fosters diversity and inclusion and ensures that staff achievements are acknowledged in companywide awards, as well as offering abundant professional development and training opportunities.

The organisation’s dedication to ESG was also noted by judges, comprising community involvement, attention to internal culture and a responsible business program, which makes use of science-based targets to reduce the company’s environmental impact. Smith&Smith invests in and supports charities such as lifeline and Afrika Tikkun and encourages staff to undertake volunteer work. In addition, the company involves itself in government initiatives promoting road safety as part of its social responsibility strategy.

Finalists

Gallagher Bassett

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Excellence in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

In its second win for 2022, IAG New Zealand has been awarded in the Excellence in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion category.

IAG New Zealand stood out to judges, who highlighted the company’s recognition for and inclusion of Māori customers. Its

He Rautaki Māori (Māori strategy), initiative demonstrates a genuine commitment to

Te Tiriti, the need to uplift Māori prosperity and wellbeing.

IAG’s leading-edge gender affirmation guidelines are also commendable. These allow support for LGBTQI+ employees and provide leave entitlements such as genderneutral parental leave. For IAG, diversity and

inclusion also extend to customers through updated documentation and training to empower staff and pave the way for positive outcomes in every circumstance.

The diversity of employees at IAG New Zealand is evidence of the seriousness with which the business takes inclusion. Judges commended the company’s recruitment process, which focuses on reducing bias and creating equal opportunity regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity or ability. Gender equality is embedded in all facets of the company’s culture and role types, including a target of 50 per cent for women in senior leadership roles by June 2023.

Excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance Change

SMITH&SMITH

In another tight race in a new category, Smith&Smith claimed its second accolade for 2022, winning the Excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Change award.

This award recognises an outstanding organisation demonstrating an adaptive mindset and the implementation of practical strategies within the ESG space.

Smith&Smith’s winning submission reveals its effective strategy of embedding ESG into company culture both locally and overseas. The judges applauded Smith&Smith for its commitment to developing a detailed insight into opportunities to contribute across the business, from customers to staff and

shareholders. The organisation’s responsible business model incorporates audits, the programming of regular milestones and building partnerships to realise more sustainable outcomes for all.

Judges were impressed with Smith&Smith’s holistic approach to ESG change, which involved the journey to becoming carbon neutral, partnering with external like-minded businesses, fostering fair and meaningful careers and minimising environmental impact wherever possible. In particular, Smith&Smith prioritised partnerships that contribute to New Zealand’s circular economy through responsible resourcing, waste minimisation and responsible disposal.

Finalists

EMPOWERING OUR FUTURE LEADERS

Congratulations to all of the Young Insurance Professional of the Year finalists.

Young Insurance Professional of the Year

TAMA RAWHITI

AIG New Zealand

Finalists

Matt Booth Wotton + Kearney

Miro Dordevich Delta Insurance

Rexina Hulton Rothbury Insurance Brokers

Scott Jensen, Asteron Life

Tama Rawhiti

AIG New Zealand

Jeremy Thomson Wotton + Kearney

Kate Wills Wotton + Kearney

Congratulations to Tama Rawhiti, who took out this year’s Young Insurance Professional of the Year award.

Tama joined the industry as a claims consultant in 2012, stating that he was drawn by the ‘diverse career opportunities it offered’. He was promoted to Liability Writer in 2013, but his career took off following an offer to further progress his leadership potential at AIG New Zealand.

Now, a climate change advocate with 10 years’ of experience in the insurance industry, Tama is a standout leader and a role model for others.

As a member of the executive leadership team at AIG New Zealand, Tama is currently accountable for the overall management

and execution of the firm’s risk management framework, as well as advising the CEO and board of directors on the fulfilment of risk oversight obligations.

In addition, Tama’s accountabilities include crisis management, enterprise resilience, ESG and sustainability. He is currently the head of risk for AIG, which the judges noted is an impressive achievement for his years.

Tama’s winning submission demonstrates considered long and short-term goals, a dedication to professional development and a proficiency in New Zealand sign language, which signals his genuine desire to foster diversity and inclusion.

Insurance Leader of the Year

CRAIG KIRK

Congratulations to Craig Kirk, CEO, Delta Insurance, who is this year’s Insurance Leader of the Year.

As the CEO of Delta Insurance New Zealand, Craig spearheaded its remarkable success since he co-founded the company in 2014. He has over 20 years’ experience in underwriting and managing financial lines and casualty portfolios throughout several international jurisdictions, including Australia, New Zealand, UK and Europe. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cove Insurance, a digital-first insurance provider that launched in 2018.

Judges commented that Delta Insurance has benefitted from Craig’s international experience and local insight, which positioned the organisation well for the introduction of global innovations and developments previously lacking in the New Zealand liability market. Some of

these include cyber insurance, cover for environmental pollution risk and technologies such as UAVs for claims management.

The panel was inspired by the strength and conviction of Craig’s vision for Delta Insurance which he describes as embracing change to ‘make the world a safer place’. The company’s core value of ‘doing the right thing’ prompted Craig to review the company’s underwriting policy to proactively contribute to ‘driving positive change for the greater good of the industry, the world and mankind’.

Craig’s ground-breaking portfolio optimisation framework and his strong stance on rejecting business with companies that impact the planet demonstrates his powerful, decisive leadership and the high bar he sets for himself and the wider industry.

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ANZIIF Lifetime Achievement Award

CHRIS CURTIN

This year’s ANZIIF lifetime achievement award goes to Chris Curtin, Chief Executive Officer, AA Insurance.

Chris started his journey with AA Insurance Limited as general manager, prior to being appointed CEO, a role he has held for just over 20 years, responsible for managing the company’s growth, profitability and culture.

Chris is especially notable for the values he has held dear throughout his career, including honesty, integrity and reliability. His passion for the insurance industry is second to none, evidenced by his ongoing work towards the promotion of insurance organisations and the industry overall.

Chris has been fascinated by the rich career opportunities within the insurance industry from very early in his career. In more than 35 years of service, he is well-known for his desire to contribute to people, a quality he describes as “the very heart of what we do in our industry”. Seeing his team awarded New Zealand’s best workplace in 2011, during the height of the Canterbury Earthquakes was one of Chris’ proudest achievements.

Chris credits his partner and father for supporting the personal and professional growth that has made him the professional he is today. He says his father taught him persistence and instilled in him an ethos of ‘playing with a straight bat’.

Chris has consistently demonstrated his commitment to professional excellence, putting his hand up for industry decision making roles such as:

• Associate of the Australian Insurance Institute

• Director on the board of the Insurance Council of New Zealand

• Member of the Institute of Directors.

In addition, Chris was a key supporter of AA Insurance’s goal to become the most trusted organisation in New Zealand and its current rating within the top six of Kantar’s Corporate Reputation Index.

Despite his personal humility, the strongly positive and inclusive working culture

Chris has implemented at AA Insurance is testament to his motivation and ability to get things done.

The Last Word

The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the globe and the insurance industry has been no different. As we get back to a new norm, we observe a strengthened focus on mental wellbeing and resilience.

It is heartening to see the industry rally together to protect the wellbeing of not only their customers but also those that work in the industry. There has been a noticeable shift in taking care of one another to ensure that everyone gets through, together.

Today, we have observed changes to the working environment to support working from home and virtual mobility, which has removed the barriers to collaborating with teams all over the world. This increased connectedness has the industry well placed to innovate and learn from the experience of others to support the best outcomes for both their customers and their people.

It has been liberating to see a continued strong focus on people as a common thread with many of the finalists that were reviewed. Congratulations to all the winners – we wish you great success in the future.

As the sector continues to navigate through these everchanging times, Deloitte is excited to support the industry through these changes, helping to create a genuinely sustainable future for the insurance industry and its customers in New Zealand.

ANZIIF Judging Scrutineers

Rhys Hermansson

Partner, Deloitte New Zealand, Financial Services Risk & Regulatory

Email: rhermansson@deloitte.co.nz

Caroline Moy

Associate Director, Deloitte New Zealand, Actuarial and Insurance Services

Email: cmoy@deloitte.co.nz

New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards 2022