Vero named NZ's top insurer

Vero took out the top gong at this year’s Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) New Zealand Insurance industry awards, to be named general insurance company of the year.

The winners were announced at the 10th awards night, held in Auckland on Wednesday.

Vero owner Suncorp said it was “delighted” and noted recognition for support of customers experiencing vulnerability.

“This is a great result that reflects our commitment to being there for our customers in the moments that matter,” Suncorp New Zealand CEO Jimmy Higgins said.

Marsh won large broking company of the year, Insurance Advisernet was named authorised representative network of the year, and Partners Life won Life insurance company of the year.

Marsh New Zealand CEO Josh Roach thanked and congratulated all colleagues and said the award “recognises your dedication, innovation and leadership”.

IAG New Zealand won in two categories: excellence in workplace diversity and inclusion, and general insurance claims team of the year – a new award this year recognising excellent technical skills, strong claims results and outstanding customer service.

IAG NZ CEO Amanda Whiting said “Christmas came early” and she was proud of leading teams and “their collective mahi that helped us achieve this recognition”.

“Our claims, supply chain and Repairhub teams really are heroes for our customers at claims time,” she said. “Our People & Culture team … create a supportive environment in which we can all thrive.”

EGM of Claims Wayne Tippet said the award was “the icing on the cake” for 2022 and “recognises the commitment and dedication of our people who consistently deliver excellence, including during the significant weather events New Zealand has endured this year.”

Delta Insurance also featured in two awards. It was named underwriting agency of the year for the fifth consecutive time, while Delta Group Executive Director and Co-Founder Craig Kirk took the award for insurance leader of the year.

“With the quality of leadership across ANZ in this industry, I am humbled by receiving this award,” Mr Kirk said. “We’ve faced and overcome serious hurdles within our business over recent years which haven’t been easy on our team or our leadership group. I want to thank our amazing team for believing in our vision.”

Outgoing AA Insurance CEO Chris Curtin received ANZIIF’s lifetime achievement award. AIG Head of Risk New Zealand Tama Rawhiti was named young insurance professional of the year.

AIG NZ CEO Toni Ferrier said it had been an “incredible night” and Mr Rawhiti’s win was “well deserved recognition for an incredibly talented, professional, inclusive and engaging young leader.”

Here are the 2022 New Zealand winners:

General insurance company of the year – Vero New Zealand

Large broking company of the year – Marsh

Small-medium broking company of the year – Sherpa Insurance Brokers & Advocates

Authorised representative network of the year – Insurance Advisernet New Zealand

General insurance claims team of the year – IAG New Zealand

Excellence in workplace diversity and inclusion – IAG New Zealand

Underwriting agency of the year – Delta Insurance

Life insurance company of the year – Partners Life

Insurtech startup of the year – Morgan Project Services (NZ)

Professional services firm of the year – McLarens New Zealand

Service provider to the insurance industry – Smith&Smith