Last month, IBANZ Chief Executive Katherine Wilson joined industry leaders at Business New Zealand’s renowned Back to Business event, an annual gathering recognised as one of the country’s most influential corporate networking occasions. Hosted by Business New Zealand and proudly supported by Xero and Westpac, the event brings together a who’s who of membership organisation CEOs, spanning insurance, banking, and finance through to property, electricity, and primary industries.
Held during Parliament’s dinner hour, the evening provided a rare opportunity for senior business figures to mix informally with the Prime Minister, Ministers, and MPs from across the political spectrum. The atmosphere was both collegial and purposeful¬, a chance to speak frankly about challenges, opportunities, and the pathway to a stronger economy.
The Prime Minister’s message to the room was crystal clear: businesses can either watch the recovery unfold or help shape it. Acknowledging the vital role industry plays in shaping policy, the Prime Minister encouraged continued engagement, emphasising that the Government is committed to listening and working alongside business to find solutions. This sentiment was echoed by MPs from all sides, reinforcing a collective appetite for collaboration.
For IBANZ, being in the room is a powerful reminder of the importance of ensuring the broking community’s voice is represented in national conversations, particularly on issues such as natural hazards and insurance accessibility. As intermediaries between insurers and New Zealand clients, brokers have a unique vantage point. They understand not only how policy decisions play out in practice, but also how they affect insurance affordability and availability across communities.
These discussions come at a pivotal time. Over the past few months, members have raised growing concerns about New Zealand’s accessibility and affordability of insurance. With some insurer appetite tightening, the implications will have flow-on impacts for consumers.
Events like Back to Business highlight the critical role of connection between industry and government. By staying engaged, IBANZ ensures that the broking community’s practical insights help shape a resilient and accessible insurance landscape for all New Zealanders. Together, through continued engagement with Government, we can empower New Zealand towards a resilient financial future through
high-quality insurance advice.
