IAG, the owner of AMI, State, NZI, NAC, Lumley and Lantern, has introduced a vaccine mandate for employees working in its offices, and locations where staff interact with the public.
The range of Covid-19 health and safety measures has been enforced to “protect its people, customers and the wider community”, the insurance group said.
IAG will also require that its business partners, including brokers, must be vaccinated before entering IAG premises.
Amanda Whiting, chief executive of IAG New Zealand, said the compulsory vaccination policy was introduced following a consultation with employees.
“We have made this decision because we strongly believe it is the right thing to do.
“Since the start of the pandemic our decision making has been guided by government advice and the priority of keeping people safe. We have always adhered to government restrictions, and in many cases, gone above and beyond those to provide our people, partners and customers with additional protections.
“As the pandemic continues to evolve, there is no question that vaccination is the best way to keep everyone safe in the short and long-term.
“We want to do our bit for New Zealand.”
The mandate comes as IAG makes it easier for staff to work from home.
The insurer has also increased the amount of paid leave employees can access during this time.
In addition, IAG has offered all staff are paid ‘wellness day’ this year, as well as two additional paid half-days of leave to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.
IAG has also introduced additional provisions for paid ‘special leave’ should an employee or family member contract COVID-19.
“We have more than 3500 employees across the country and our approach has been to ensure they have the time and space needed to get vaccinated and prioritise their mental and physical health.
“We have been delighted with the positive response we have received from our people so far and will continue to work with them to adjust and adapt our approach to protect all people into the future,” Whiting said.
