Chinese-Kiwis can now connect more closely with AMI, as the general insurer becomes the first in New Zealand to establish itself on social network WeChat.

WeChat is one of the most popular social networks in the world, with more than 1 billion active users globally. In Aotearoa, more than 200,000 Kiwis are active on WeChat.

The app includes instant messaging and calls, as well as the ability to share photos, videos and updates with a friends network.

Since October 1, AMI has been connecting with the WeChat community through sharing information and content about how insurance works, the benefits and support it provides to families.

AMI has partnered with Skykiwi, New Zealand’s largest Chinese-language media agency to deliver content to WeChat users.

Both Skykiwi and AMI’s business unit, which has team members who speak both Mandarin and Cantonese, will work together on content for WeChat, as a way to bring AMI closer to its customers and communities.

"For many Chinese migrants moving to New Zealand, insurance is generally unfamiliar territory, with insurance being only recently introduced in mainland China," AMI’s executive general manager Kevin Hughes said.

"In New Zealand home insurance is intrinsically linked with getting a mortgage, and having contents and car insurance is about helping our communities recover after a loss. So we’re keen to work with WeChat users to help the community better understand its importance.

"It’s also an opportunity for us to collaborate with our customers on insurance that is right for their needs," Hughes said.

Vincent Hsu, a team leader in AMI’s business unit, will help manage AMI’s WeChat. He said he was excited to bring the Chinese-Kiwi community and AMI closer together.

"My family first moved from Taiwan to New Zealand in 1992 and I began a career in the insurance industry, which I’ve been in for a decade now. I’ve seen first-hand why it’s important to have the right insurance cover to help protect you and your family," Hsu says. "It’s about making sure you and your family can recover after a flood or fire, when someone has broken into your home or stolen your car. These moments can be devastating but we are there to help you get back on your feet.”

Chao Xu, head of strategy at Skykiwi said: "We are excited to be appointed the WeChat partner of this prominent New Zealand organisation and believe that we are well-positioned with our social content experience, as well as our promotional channels with the Chinese community, to deliver some fantastic results.

"One of Skykiwi’s business objectives is to help brands reach and engage with the Chinese community in NZ. To work with AMI on its WeChat campaign is a clear indication of mainstream businesses valuing the importance of reaching and engaging consumers
who are from different cultural backgrounds with different media consumption habits."