Proposed new Fire and Emergency levy regime Updated February 2026 – legislation currently before Parliament. What is the Fire and Emergency Levy? The Fire and Emergency Levy (FEL) is a government-mandated charge collected through insurance premiums to fund Fire and Emergency services across New Zealand. It is set by the Government, collected by insurers, and…
RMA amendments – what you need to know On 20 August 2025, amendments to the Resource Management Act (RMA) took effect significantly increasing maxiumum fines for environmental offending under the Act and making it unlawful for insurers to cover RMA fines and infringement fees. This applies to all fines imposed from 21 August 2025, regardless…
It’s well known within our industry that while people often stumble upon insurance as a career, once on board, they seldom leave. Most people stay because they genuinely love making a difference, and often at their clients’ greatest times of need. Karen Coates is no different. Karen’s insurance journey began in May 2005 with I…
When Abbott Auckland broker Chontelle Asiata-Jones pulls on her firefighting gear lately, she’s not only training as a volunteer with the Helensville Fire Brigade, she’s preparing for one of the most physically demanding charity events in New Zealand. On Saturday 24 May, Chontelle will join hundreds of firefighters from across New Zealand and around the…
Supporting and protecting the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re thrilled to be part of the 2024/2025 Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson Helping Hands Helicopter House Build, a fantastic initiative to raise funds for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. The house is a showcase of local talent and…
Kiwis love their summer holidays and every year we flock to our beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers to enjoy the quintessential Kiwi Christmas holiday. It’s a time for celebration, relaxation and spending quality time with loved ones. Unfortunately, it’s also a peak time for burglaries, accidental damage and unexpected loss, as empty homes and full…
Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats to businesses worldwide, and New Zealand is no exception. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods to target individuals and businesses, making it more important than ever to take preventative measures. Recent data from CERT NZ, the government cyber security agency, shows cyber incidents in New Zealand continue to…
Coming home to a flooded house is something you never want to experience, but for Christchurch client Bert Govan, that’s exactly what happened. After a weekend away, Bert found water streaming through the ceiling from a burst hot water cylinder, soaking everything on the second floor down into the ground floor, damaging walls, ceilings, furniture,…
From 1 July 2024, there will be an increase in the levy rates collected by private insurers on behalf of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). The levy is payable on all assets insured in New Zealand where the insurance policy covers the asset for fire damage. This change is part of a transitional period…
From 1 July 2024, New Zealand ushers in a new era of natural disaster protection with the implementation of the Natural Hazards Insurance Act 2023. The new legislation replaces the Earthquake Commission Act 1993, marking a significant step forward in how New Zealand manages and mitigates the impact of natural hazards. Here’s a summary of…