13th New Zealand Awards: A Night of Celebration, Connection and Industry Excellence

More than 450 insurance professionals filled the Cordis Auckland on Thursday 27 November, for the 2025 ANZIIF New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards.

The atmosphere ignited early, powered by a dynamic mix of cultural performance, contemporary dance, live entertainment and the unmistakable buzz of colleagues reconnecting.

From the opening Mihi Whakatau to the explosive rhythm of Haka Fusion later in the evening, entertainment framed the night with a spirited sense of unity and pride.

The performances elevated the room, amplifying anticipation between categories and adding a distinctly Aotearoa heartbeat to the evening.

The Cordis itself was humming with movement as guests embraced the chance to dress up, gather for photos, and toast a year of hard-won progress in a complex and rapidly evolving industry.

Between awards, clusters of professionals spilled into the foyer, where the media wall and Membership Booth quickly became hubs of conversation.

With guests travelling from across New Zealand and overseas, the event felt less like an awards ceremony and more like a reunion of an industry that thrives on collaboration.

“Tonight is about you: our industry’s champions of professionalism, service and innovation,” ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks said in her address.

“We are here to celebrate achievement, but also to recognise the deep sense of purpose that drives the work we do for our customers and communities.

"Insurance is a cornerstone of wellbeing in New Zealand. It gives people confidence, it supports recovery, and it strengthens resilience.

"To every finalist and winner, your work lifts our profession and reflects the very best of what this industry stands for. Congratulations, and thank you for everything you bring to our community.”

From Technical Excellence to Community Contribution

This year’s winners represent the very best of New Zealand’s insurance industry; organisations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to customers, innovation, technical excellence and community impact.

Across broking, underwriting, claims, technology, service delivery and leadership, each winner showcased a deep understanding of the changing needs of New Zealanders and the importance of resilience in an era shaped by economic pressure, climate-driven risk and rising customer expectations.

The achievements recognised reflect sustained effort rather than single-moment success. Many winners highlighted the strength of their teams, the value of long-term strategic thinking, and the importance of active collaboration with partners, customers and communities.

Several categories also underscored the industry’s drive toward inclusiveness, cultural competency and the development of emerging talent.

Technology played a major role, with innovators reshaping how customers interact with insurance and how risk is understood.

Likewise, firms providing critical services to the industry demonstrated their ability to adapt, grow and maintain high performance in a rapidly evolving market. Collectively, this year’s winners embody the professionalism, courage and optimism driving the sector forward.

Throughout the night, the networking was as meaningful as the formal recognition. Teams huddled for group photos at the media wall, past winners congratulated new ones, and the ballroom buzzed with conversations about shared challenges, from regulatory expectations to digital change and talent development.

Highlighting Achievement, Maintaining Integrity

The Awards exist to highlight achievement across broking, underwriting, claims, life insurance, insurtech, general insurance and leadership, areas fundamental to maintaining the industry’s integrity and supporting New Zealand communities.

Finalists undergo a rigorous judging process, independently audited, ensuring that recognition reflects genuine impact and measurable advancement.

This framework reinforces trust at a time when the industry faces heightened expectations, complex risk environments and accelerating regulatory and climate-related pressures.

But when the final group photo drew the evening to a close, the Cordis was still humming with laughter and conversation.

The 2025 ANZIIF New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards delivered not only outstanding recognition for exceptional work, but also a reminder of the strength, capability and purpose shared across this diverse and vital industry.

2025 ANZIIF New Zealand Insurance Award Winners

• General Insurance Company of the Year – AA Insurance
• Small to Medium Broking Company of the Year – Blanket Advice
• Large Broking Company of the Year – Marsh New Zealand
• Broker Network of the Year – Insurance Advisernet New Zealand
• Underwriting Agency of the Year – Delta Insurance
• Claims Team of the Year – AMI Insurance
• Life Insurance Company of the Year – Partners Life
• Insurtech Start-Up of the Year – Folio
• Professional Services Firm of the Year – McLarens
• Service Provider to the Insurance Industry – IVAA Claims
• Excellence in Workplace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – AA Insurance
• Young Insurance Professional of the Year – James Fleet, Fidelity Life
• Insurance Leader of the Year – Jimmy Higgins

Acknowledgement of Sponsors and Judges

ANZIIF extends sincere thanks to the organisations whose support makes the Awards possible.

Platinum sponsors: Manheim, McLarens, NZI, NZUAC, Partners Life, Vero. Gold: QBE. Silver: Finity, Johns Lyng Group NZ, Restore It, Sedgwick. Welcome Drinks: Europ Assistance.

A special thank you also goes to the judges for their diligence, independence and integrity, and to Deloitte for auditing the process. Their commitment ensures that the Awards maintain the highest professional standards and continue to elevate excellence across the New Zealand insurance industry.

Read more about the winners