Step back to the early '90s: a young Roger Abel is out knocking on doors, selling life insurance the way it used to be done. It’s an understated start to a stellar career and a company employing hundreds across New Zealand, and which this year celebrates the major milestone of turning 75. From those humble beginnings, as Managing Director of Rothbury Insurance Brokers, Roger is marking the company’s anniversary with the kind of grin that says, "We’re just getting started!"
In a recent discussion, Roger shared the story of Rothbury’s journey with his trademark warmth, a dash of humour, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. With his recollections come insights into all those things you may or may not have known about the company’s origins and ethos. And it is quite a story.
How did Rothbury start?
When companies are institutions, one tends to imagine they have always had scale. That wasn’t the case in 1992. When Roger stumbled across a small commercial insurance agency called RH Rothbury, there was little indication of what the future held. “It was just me, Michael Whittaker, and about $160,000 in revenue,” he says with a smile. “We bought the business on Valentine’s Day - romantic, right?”
That leap of faith wasn’t yet a grand plan to build a national powerhouse, but more like two mates seeing potential and thinking, “Why not?” And guess what? It worked. Today, Rothbury has more than 500 people nationwide in 24 locations across the country.
How did Rothbury achieve growth and expansion?
Going from a small operation to a big one takes all the usual ingredients: hard work, ambition, talent, and grit. It also takes good fortune, often the sort one makes for themselves. While Roger readily admits there was no master blueprint, the aforementioned qualities are clear. “We set realistic goals, maybe three to five years out, and just kept at it,” he says, with a quiet confidence belying a steely determination.
Combined with organic growth, the Rothbury umbrella is also fuelled by targeted acquisitions, accelerating the reach of a trusted name.
A further key ingredient? That determination is about creating and adding value to policyholders, underwriters, insurers and reinsurers, and the many, many people touched by the Rothbury commitment to personal service.
Why does the Rothbury name still stand strong?
You’d think a company with such a storied history might’ve toyed with a rebrand. But Roger’s not having it.
“The Rothbury name has this… magic,” he says, leaning forward conspiratorially. “I never had the chance to meet Ron Rothbury, but while it started with him, the name has come to mean so much more - it’s about trust, quality advice, and that personal touch.”
It’s for reasons like these that the company endures, because the name espouses values, key among which is doing right by people, whether employees, partners, suppliers or policyholders. “Rothbury just feels right,” he emphasises. “It’s distinctive, and fits who we are.”
Are there secrets to Rothbury’s success?
“We’re not aiming to be the biggest or flashiest,” he says. “We’re focused on being the most trusted - by our clients, partners and people.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates across the industry. Those in the know often point to the same core truth: insurance is, at its heart, a people business. Genuine connections with clients and partners alike, a sharp focus on listening, learning, and continuous improvement – these are the foundations of Rothbury’s success.
That focus on people shows up in the numbers. With over 80 team members sticking around for a decade or more (and 18 with over 20 years of service). Rothbury’s knack for attracting and keeping talent is practically legendary.
It’s also something Roger is rather proud of. “It’s simple. People matter,” he says. “We’ve built a culture where team members feel valued, not just as employees but as part of something bigger.”
What standout moments say, ‘This is Rothbury’?
Ask Roger about his proudest moments, and he lights up. “Our national conferences and awards nights,” he says without hesitation. “Seeing everyone come together, cheering for their mates across branches… It’s not competitive, it’s supportive. That’s when you know all the hard work’s worth it.”
You can almost hear the clinking glasses and feel the buzz of camaraderie. It’s not just a company event; it’s a celebration of connection, recognition and community.
What Roger Abel loves about the work
Here’s where Roger’s approachable charm really shines. “I’m not the most technical broker,” he confesses, with a laugh. “Never have been.” Instead, he’s the guy who’s all about building relationships and a business that lasts, with a humming culture and uplifting leadership. His strategic mind and genuine care for people have turned Rothbury into more than just a brokerage; it’s a values-driven business that cares.
“I love solving problems, thinking about how the business works, and most of all, spending time with great people. Every branch visit, every new idea, every success story - those moments keep me energised.”
A new chapter in Rothbury’s leadership: Honouring Paul Munton, welcoming Jessica Hunt
After 45 years in insurance, the man affectionately known as ‘Munts’ stepped back from Rothbury Insurance Brokers in July, passing the baton to Jessica Hunt in a transition embodying the spirit of adaptability. “I’m looking forward to a bit of a break, some family time, and getting out on my boat. It’s been ages!” Paul smiles.
His career spanned roles from a 1979 renewals clerk to a seasoned executive and is a masterclass in integrity and client-centricity, and his departure marks a changing of the guard as Jessica steps in with fresh energy to lead Rothbury into the future.
Paul’s personal mantra is both simple and enduring. “Treat people as you want to be treated” - an ethos underpinning relationships and earning him respect as a leader who prioritises integrity and commitment.
“Over the past decade, Paul has been a driving force at Rothbury, bringing wisdom, energy, and a client-first mindset that has strengthened our business and inspired our team,” says Roger. “His broader impact on New Zealand’s insurance industry is considerable - he commands quiet respect through his leadership, integrity, and ability to foster trust. He has set a benchmark for excellence.”
As Paul prepares for a busy retirement filled with fishing, a European cruise, and family time in Canterbury and the USA, he remains connected, serving on a Rothbury-invested board and as a shareholder.
His enthusiasm for Jessica’s appointment is palpable. “Jessica’s bursting with energy and new ideas,” he says. “She’ll bring her own touch, keeping Rothbury current and future-ready.”
Jessica steps into this legacy with momentum, combining innovation with the client-focused ethos long championed by Paul and carried forward by the broader Rothbury organisation. A bright future awaits.
ROTHBURY EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Left to right: Roger Abel, David Walton, Rachel McKay, Treena Rowley, Shane Ohlin, Jessica Hunt, Paul Munton, Sandy MacCallum
