InTouch : Success for NZI

NZI has been named the country’s Insurer of the Year for the second year in row, at the 2008 industry awards.
NZI was selected through an annual survey of insurance brokers throughout New Zealand. The firm, division of New Zealand’s largest general insurer, IAG, is also one of the longest-serving fire and general insurance brands in New Zealand. NZI beat AIG, Vero and Zurich to take the top title.
Gary Young, chief executive of broker association body IBANZ, says NZI led in all categories covered by the survey – overall value, product range, flexibility and clarity of documentation.
“This year, more than ever, brokers as the consumer’s representatives are looking for reliability, longevity, and certainty as well as value for money. true client focus showing flexibility in policy offerings and claims settlement will always rate well,” he said.
Michael Sargent – 40-year insurance industry veteran and senior account director with Willis in Auckland – was named Broker of the Year in closely contested final.
The Best Innovation win went to iNavigator, which provides an innovative knowledge resource for insurance professionals.
Paul Weir, of Aon was the recipient of special award recognising contribution to the industry, the Outstanding Broker Achievement. He has been in the insurance industry since 1965 and broker since 1982, providing risk management and broking services to multiple corporate clients many of which are large and complex global accounts.