It’s not often that you stumble across someone with a passion for both mixed martial arts (MMA) and insurance, but that's precisely what you get with Tim Littler, NZI's Principal, National Broker Partner.
With a career as intriguing as his hobbies, Tim’s journey blends problem-solving, relationship management and even the occasional MMA fight night. We sat down with Tim to explore his leap from audio engineering to insurance, his new role at NZI and what makes him tick.
A roundhouse kickstart into insurance
For Tim, entering the insurance industry was a practical choice made after high school. "I initially chose to work in insurance to pay the bills while I studied audio engineering in the evening.
“I’m a second-generation insurance person as my dad worked at SunAlliance for many years," he says.
He laughs as he recalls, "In the interview for that first job, I told the hiring manager I’d be there for 18 months – long enough to secure my qualification before leaving to work in a recording studio.”
As fate would have it, once Tim gained his qualification he realised the insurance sector offered far more than he imagined. “What was intended to simply fund my career became my career! I saw the many avenues for both personal and professional growth and so wanted to stay. I spent eight years in my first role before a short stint with an online media company, then I found my way ‘home’ to insurance.”
Returning to his roots
Upon returning to the industry, Tim joined Lumley in 2009 as a Relationship Manager. He then accepted a Christchurch earthquake partnership manager position – a role that was personal. “I was born in Christchurch and spent my early years there before dad’s work moved us to Auckland,” he recalls. “I still have family in Christchurch so supporting the recovery after the earthquake felt like a personal calling. I wanted to help in any way I could.”
After three years travelling between Auckland and Christchurch and once IAG acquired Lumley, an opportunity arose within NZI’s Key Partner Team as a partnership manager. “It was a team I had targeted to become a part of,” he shares. “It was on my development plan, so when that popped up, I went all in!"
Since then, Tim’s worked across NZI in various relationship and governance roles, and in August this year he was promoted into his new National Broker Partner position.
Turning challenges into solutions
Seeing his new role as a return to familiar territory, Tim says, “In my new role I have the opportunity to look after our large, corporate broker partners like Gallagher, Aon, Marsh and WTW. Due to my previous roles at NZI I have a number of existing relationships, so I haven’t quite felt like the new kid on the block which has been nice.”
When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Tim says, “I love the problem-solving element. I try to bring a pragmatic lens and I like being challenged to solve problems. There’s also great variety because you never know what each day might bring.
“Being back in the partnership space means I can channel my energies into what I feel I do best, which is building strong relationships and looking to drive constant improvement.”
Providing the personal touch
Having been in the industry since 1998, Tim has witnessed significant changes.
“Technology has advanced massively, making it a lot easier to collaborate with others and get access to expertise. There's been consolidation in the intermediated market of both insurers and brokers, resulting in larger, more sophisticated entities,” he notes. “One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is how brokers act more as risk partners, providing not just insurance, but tailored, personalised advice around risk management in general.”
Tim also highlights the increasing value of education in the industry, noting "There are more qualified professionals now." He adds, "As a Senior Associate with the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF), I found combining my study and work experience to be symbiotic. My advice for anyone entering the industry is to take full advantage of opportunities to upskill and to network, because we’re in a people-focused industry, after all."
The great Kiwi collector
Tim’s not just a dedicated insurance professional, he’s also an avid collector with an Air Jordan sneaker collection like no other.
His obsession began during childhood, growing up watching Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dominate the NBA in the 1990s. "I remember trying to convince my parents to buy me a pair of Jordan 7s. They were around $250 and my parents weren’t having it," Tim laughs. "So I made a vow that when I grew up, I’d buy them myself."
And buy them he did. Tim's collection spans decades with many pairs untouched, sitting in storage. "For me, it’s the thrill of the chase – collecting something nostalgic, plus the people you meet along the way."
Tim’s collection now comprises over 600 pairs. “I have around 30 pairs I actually wear,” he laughs, “but the rest remain untouched.”
The fighter within – demystifying MMA, and insurance
Sneakers aren’t Tim’s only passion. He's also been an MMA judge and referee for ten years, a hobby sparked from a life-long interest in combat sports, starting with watching boxing legends like Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson.
“In the 1990s I got into K1 kick-boxing, which was big here at the time with local fighters like Jason Suttie and Mark Hunt. I then got hooked on UFC after a friend gave me a VHS tape of UFC3, which showcased fighters from different fighting disciplines.
“In 2014, a friend invited me to ‘shadow judge’ a local MMA event. I ended up judging ten fights that night and I’ve been involved ever since. To better understand the sport, I’ve also trained in kickboxing and ju-jitsu.”
For Tim, MMA is more than a sport; it’s a misunderstood art-form. “People can think of it as brutal, but MMA is essentially a combination of many respected Olympic-level sports such as boxing, wrestling, judo and tae kwon do,” he explains. In the same way he enjoys demystifying insurance when talking to friends, Tim loves educating people about the beauty of MMA.
A family-focused future
Tim is excited about his next chapter with NZI and equally, he’s looking forward to cherishing some family time. “I’m so stoked about my appointment, but I’m just as excited to spend some quality time with my kids this Christmas," he shares.
Being a dedicated dad to Blake (6) and Peyton (8) is top priority for Tim who says, "There’s nothing greater than seeing them grow into their unique personalities. They’re still at an age where they think their dad’s cool, so I’m maximising that opportunity while it lasts!” he laughs.
Living in Gulf Harbour, nature also plays a significant role in Tim’s downtime. "Shakespear Regional Park is right on my doorstep, so whether it’s a walk with a good podcast or just getting outside to get the heart pumping, I find the outdoors amazing for relaxation." Tim loves sharing the outdoors with his children, encouraging them to foster being active along with their curiosity and appreciation for nature.
With his family-focused mindset and zest for life, Tim feels ready to embrace the future. "In everything I do down the track, I believe the most important thing I can bring to the table is my authentic self. There’s only one of me after all, so it’s important to be genuine." Wise words from a man who clearly knows how to live with purpose and intent.
