An insurance career that began by chance has grown into a nearly 30-year career filled with purpose. Andrea’s story is one of gratitude, community, and a deep commitment to helping people when it matters most.
A chance meeting
“I entered the insurance world needing work experience for a Wintec course I was studying,” Andrea recalls. “I literally walked off the street and landed a role with National Insurance - now Tower - thanks to a gentleman who’d once worked with my mum.”
That unexpected break marked the start of a career that quickly gained momentum. Beginning in a claims support role in Hamilton in 1997, Andrea soon realised she wanted to make a deeper impact on customers. “I knew I wasn’t adding the value I was capable of,” she reflects. “That’s when I began looking into where I could make a real difference.”
Andrea’s determination led to a short stint in personal lines underwriting, first with State and then with NZI. Eager to expand her knowledge of NZI, Andrea jumped at an opportunity to swap roles with a colleague and move into commercial insurance. “I wanted to understand the full insurance picture,” she says. “That hunger to learn has driven me ever since.”
Leading with heart
Andrea’s leadership philosophy is shaped by those who gave her opportunities. “The gentleman who gave me my first job believed in me, and that left a lasting impression. I carry that forward by always giving our younger team members a chance to shine, and supporting their growth every step of the way.”
Today, Andrea leads NZI’s Broker Claims Operations and Partnerships, overseeing teams dedicated to delivering outstanding claims service across the country. She describes her role as “a privilege,” especially when it comes to supporting brokers and their customers through challenging times.
“In essence, we’re an extension of our customers’ businesses,” she explains. “When a customer endures a loss, it’s not just about property or assets, it’s about livelihoods. I always remind my team of that.”
One early customer experience left a lasting impression, and still guides Andrea today. “I remember a Hamilton house fire,” she shares. “The broker called, and we managed to get a property assessor there immediately. I went with them and spoke to the customer while they were still standing on the street looking at the ashes of what was once their home. The emotion was raw, and fortunately, we were able to get them immediate support, including accommodation, and even wrote a cheque on the spot. That experience reminded me just how human our work is. Behind every claim is a person, a story, a life.”
Gratitude is Andrea’s compass
Central to Andrea’s life is her rural Waikato upbringing and close-knit family. “I’m a country girl through and through,” she laughs. “I grew up on a dairy farm, so I love the country, the open space, and the sense of community that rural living brings.”
That strong rural connection also fuels Andrea’s passion at work. “I feel like the rural space is where my heart lies professionally,” she says. “I love that NZI is making inroads with our new Ag Guard partnership. Teaming up with a rural underwriting agency means we can offer a broader range of products for our mutual customers and also help support the ongoing resilience of rural communities. For a rural gal like me, that makes me really proud.”
Andrea shares a lifestyle block with her husband Nigel, her partner of 28 years. “Funny story. Nigel and I met in primary school,” she smiles. “It’s pretty special to have shared so much life together.”
Their two adult children, Shontelle and Jordan, have stayed close to home, continuing the family’s community legacy. “Shontelle’s a schoolteacher, working with farming families’ kids, many of whom are outdoorsy and don’t love the classroom. My son Jordan is a dairy farmer - it’s wonderful to see them both living the values we hold dear.”
Together, Andrea and her family enjoy a lifestyle rich in connection and self-sufficiency. “We’ve got our own vegetable garden and orchard, and we love sharing what we grow with neighbours and friends. We’re all fishing and hunting families, so we spend lots of time outdoors together.”
Life in the fast lane
Away from insurance, Andrea lives for the open road - literally. “Motorsport is my secret obsession,” she laughs. “Well, not much of a secret, as I think everyone already knows I’m a bit of a fan.”
She and Nigel recently fulfilled a long-held dream by buying their beloved Ford Mustang, and they make an annual pilgrimage to various V8 Supercars events. “We’ve booked a trip to Townsville for the upcoming V8 Supercars round, and of course, we’ll turn it into a road trip. ‘Don’t plan - just go!’ is our motto, which is the total opposite of my structured approach to work, but I love that.”
Living every moment
Work-life balance has been a learning journey for Andrea, who admits she’s always been a workaholic. “My manager, Meg Warner, NZI’s Executive Manager Broker and Specialist Claims, role models balance and encourages me to be purposeful,” she says. “When I’m at work, I’m fully focused, and I’m learning that when I’m with family, I need to be all in.”
Life hasn’t been without its challenges for Andrea and her family. “Nigel recently endured a tough time with cancer, so the kids and I feel incredibly grateful every day that he’s now in the clear. That experience really deepened my appreciation for community, and reinforced the importance of finding balance.
“It’s about deliberately committing to the moment and the people around you. You can’t bring your best self to work or home if you’re distracted. It’s about prioritising the people you’re with by living every moment.
“Life isn’t always easy, especially when you care deeply about what you do,” she says. “By being intentional, surrounding yourself with strong role models, and modelling those behaviours yourself, you can create a ripple effect. That’s how balance becomes real - for yourself and those you lead and live with.”
