Chatswood serves the life and health insurance sector in New Zealand with market intelligence, data, and bespoke consulting services. Some of these are provided in conjunction with Quality Product Research Limited - a subsidiary that brings you Quotemonster.
We believe that good decisions are more likely to occur when we have good information about the market environment in which we operate. Intuitive leaps and creative decisions are always required, of course, but the more they are based on a firm foundation of observation, the better they tend to be.
June is packed with training opportunities—join us!
We're excited to invite you and your team to our upcoming online training sessions. Whether you're new to our tools or looking to deepen your expertise, we've got something for everyone.
We're excited to invite you and your team to our upcoming online training sessions. Whether you're new to our tools or looking to deepen your expertise, we've got something for everyone:
Introduction to Quotemonster – Monday, 23 June 2025 11:00 am-12:00 pm
In this session, we go over the basics of using Quotemonster and how to make the most of your Researchmonster subscription.
Tips and tricks on how to set up your account for new users
Overview of available documents and resources
How to do a quote from start to the finished report
How to see research for banks, direct providers, group medical, and legacy products
How to generate and interpret different types of research reports
Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 24 June 2025 11:30 am-12:30 pm
In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.
Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Wednesday, 25 June 2025 9:30 am-10:15 am
In this session, we demonstrate how to use Businessmonster to generate quotes and conduct in-depth research on Business Risk products. It includes a detailed walkthrough of a business client scenario, showcasing the process of completing a Fact Find and Needs Analysis, and producing a tailored, professional Business Statement of Advice. The session will also cover how to customise Businessmonster to align with your business’s specific requirements and workflows.
Introduction to Kiwimonster - Wednesday, 25 June 2025 12:00 pm-12:30 pm
In this session, we demonstrate how Kiwimonster helps advisers meet their clients’ KiwiSaver needs using tools to assess risk profiles, compare funds, show retirement projections, and produce client-ready reports. Kiwimonster Research (coming soon) will enhance this process with in-depth fund research, tailored recommendations, and the ability to generate personalised KiwiSaver Statements of Advice—supporting more informed and professional advice delivery.
If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz
Happy Crunching!
Munich Re look at how insurers can develop prevention strategies
Prevention is all about intervening before a disease or condition occurs – trying to extend the health span of peoples’ lives and prevent claims from arising in the first place. Munich Re’s Life Science Report looks at prevention strategies insurers can implement.
Munich Re’s Life Science Report 2025 has insights on global trends and risks that will shape the insurance industry over the next decade. We’ve written about their in-depth looks at AI in Healthcare and Improving Cancer Outcomes sections, and now we’re looking at their Prevention chapter.
Prevention is all about intervening before a disease or condition occurs – trying to extend the health span of peoples’ lives and prevent claims from arising in the first place.
In order to develop effective preventative strategies, insurers need a deep understanding of each of their clients’ unique characteristics, risk factors and health trends. Insurers should focus on areas where they’ll get the most bang for their buck, addressing lifestyle factors that contribute to the most significant preventable health risks and claims drivers – namely cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health conditions. The key preventable causes for these are obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive drinking and poor sleep patterns. Munich Re have a range of tables showing the impact of preventive measures on mortality, disability, critical illness and health care costs.
Munich Re categorise preventative health measures based on the stages of disease they are intended to prevent:
Primordial prevention - preventing development of risk factors for the entire population
Primary prevention - prevent onset of disease e.g. through lifestyle adjustments and medications
Secondary prevention - early diagnosis (e.g. through screening programmes) and prompt treatment
Tertiary prevention - manage existing disease to minimise complications and improve outcomes to prevent further morbidity and mortality
Quaternary prevention - protect from medical interventions that are likely to cause more harm than good.
To be effective, targeted interventions need to address an individual’s unique needs. By using personalised risk profiling, digital risk scores and advanced analytics, insurers can tailor interventions to maximise impact. To be efficient, insurers need to be able to amplify their prevention efforts to reach a wide audience and use digital systems to automate processes and incorporate real-time feedback. One of the most effective means of prevention is improving health literacy, the ability to navigate health information and make informed decisions. Munich Re suggest that informing policyholders about prevention benefits, enhancing health literacy, making things easy and incentivising members will all help drive positive health outcomes.
As we’ve already seen starting to occur here in NZ, insurers are positioning themselves as active participants in the well-being of their policyholders (with AIA’s Vitality programme perhaps the most notable example of this). We’d love to hear from you instances where your clients health insurance has led to them taking proactive steps to improve their health.
More news:
AIA employees return to newly renovated office space at AIA House in Smales Farm
AIA launch the third edition of Hikitia Mai, their Women in Leadership programme
Fidelity Life welcomes record number of advisers to Career Connect programme
Fidelity Life has announced the fourth intake of its adviser programme, Career connect, for new advisers and the recipients of their eight scholarships.
Fidelity Life has announced the fourth intake of its adviser programme, Career connect, for new advisers. This year sees the programme expand to welcome its largest cohort to date - 30 emerging advisers. The company will also soon invite adviser businesses to join the Career connect registry; to signal their interest in offering work experience opportunities to newly qualified financial advisers.
Submissions this year attracted greater diversity, , with 56% of applicants under the age of 35, 62% coming from female applicants and just under 30 ethnicities represented across the more than 70 applicants.
The Career connect programme awarded eight scholarships this year, up from seven last year, with each valued at up to $5,000. The recipients of the 2025 Career connect scholarships are:
Grace Leaso, Auckland - Kōwhai scholarship (for an outstanding Pasifika applicant)
Grace Shearer, Hastings - Toe Toe scholarship (for an outstanding young applicant aged 21-25)
Jada Mandery, Auckland - Women in Finance scholarship (supported by Kaplan Professional)
Marcel Stenning, Auckland - Pāua scholarship (for outstanding applicant demonstrating excellence)
Michelle Andrews, Auckland - Women in Finance scholarship (supported by Kaplan Professional)
Milly Elworthy, Mosgiel – Rural scholarship (supported by FMG)
Olivera Vasic-Wooller, Auckland - Rāngi Po scholarship (for an underrepresented community in financial services)
TK Buchanan, Christchurch - Pounamu scholarship (for an outstanding Māori applicant)
Fidelity Life Head of Solutions Michelle Doyle said
“By taking part, advice businesses play a vital role in mentoring fresh talent… It helps new advisers gain industry experience and build confidence as they transition into the profession.”
The 2025 cohort of 30 will start their journey this week. Over the next six months, they’ll take on part-time study to earn their Level 5 qualification through Kaplan Professional. Fidelity Life will host a graduation ceremony early next year to celebrate their accomplishments.
More news:
Financial Advice NZ Community of Practice: Christchurch 12 June
Introduction to Quotemonster webinar 9am, 27 May
Demystifying Advicemonster webinar 11am, 27 May
Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster webinar 12pm 29 May
Introduction to Kiwimonster webinar 12pm 26 May
Katrina Shanks and Kris Faafoi recognised on the Hot List 2025
Link Financial Group NZ appoints Anton Wicken new compliance manager
The banking industry welcomes the first reading of CCCFA amendment bill
New Zealanders will soon be able to receive 12-month prescriptions for their medicines
AIA announce four new national sales manager appointments
AIA has made four new appointments within their Distribution team.
Aaron Gilmore has been appointed National Sales Manager, Retail. Gilmore has been with AIA since 2023 and has been an AIA Vitality Coach and Northern Region Manger, Business Development.
Carley Ellis has been appointed National Sales Manager, Aligned Advice. Ellis has 20 years of experience in New Zealand’s financial services industry and has a proven track record in business development, financial advice, and leadership.
Sarah Hepper has been appointed National Sales Manager, Corporate Solutions. Hepper has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, and has spent the past 15 years contributing to the growth of Corporate Solutions at AIA NZ
Nick Russell has been appointed as National Sales Manager, Home Loans. Russell has extensive experience working alongside home loan advisers.
More news:
AIA Trauma Buy-back Enhancement
nib's Amanda Savill unpacks changes in how advisers support their clients
Government announces changes to KiwiSaver
The FSC welcomes decision to increase default KiwiSaver contribution rate
Financial Advice NZ webinar 'Data-Informed Decisions for Private Health Insurance' 28 May
FSC Investment and KiwiSaver Committee meeting on 3 June
Michelle Russell and Tim Horgan step into permanent leadership roles at ANZ
Southern Cross Health Trust funds starter pack for nursing students
Upcoming Training Sessions – May 2025
We're excited to invite you and your team to our upcoming online training sessions. Whether you're new to our tools or looking to deepen your expertise, we've got something for everyone.
We're excited to invite you and your team to our upcoming online training sessions. Whether you're new to our tools or looking to deepen your expertise, we've got something for everyone:
Introduction to Quotemonster – Tuesday, 27 May 2025 9:00 am-10:00 am
In this session, we go over the basics of using Quotemonster and how to make the most of your Researchmonster subscription.
Tips and tricks on how to set up your account for new users
Overview of available documents and resources
How to do a quote from start to the finished report
How to see research for banks, direct providers, group medical, and legacy products
How to generate and interpret different types of research reports
Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 27 May 2025 11:00 am-12:00 pm
In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.
Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:00 pm-12:45 pm
In this session, we demonstrate how to use Businessmonster to generate quotes and conduct in-depth research on Business Risk products. It includes a detailed walkthrough of a business client scenario, showcasing the process of completing a Fact Find and Needs Analysis, and producing a tailored, professional Business Statement of Advice. The session will also cover how to customise Businessmonster to align with your business’s specific requirements and workflows.
Introduction to Kiwimonster - Monday, 26 May 2025 12:00 pm-12:30 pm
In this session, we demonstrate how Kiwimonster helps advisers meet their clients’ KiwiSaver needs using tools to assess risk profiles, compare funds, show retirement projections, and produce client-ready reports. Kiwimonster Research (coming soon) will enhance this process with in-depth fund research, tailored recommendations, and the ability to generate personalised KiwiSaver Statements of Advice—supporting more informed and professional advice delivery.
If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz
Happy Crunching!
Website and research upgrades: what you need to know – website version v4.6.8 / QPR v16.7
Our updated version of the QPR database has been released and contains the following updates.
Our updated version of the QPR database has been released and contains the following updates:
Researchmonster updates:
- Pricing and research available for AIA's $10,000 excess option
On 17 April, AIA introduced a new $10,000 excess option for Private Health, it is a valuable tool to help manage costs for a client group that can typically manage a bill of $10,000 provided the insurer can stump up the balance. Simply ensure you have selected the excess when quoting health cover.
Read more here: Policy Wordings and Enhancements Information
- Research and policy documents available for AA Life
On a quarterly basis, our research team searches through all our non-adviser and bank insurer websites to assess whether there have been any updated policy documents. In our most recent review, we found that AA Life had updated their life cover policy document in November 2024 and removed the Premium Holiday Benefit.
A rating for their June 2024 document can be found in our Standalone Head to Head.
Other noteworthy updates:
- Updated research infographics
The following infographics have also been updated:
· Insurer Pass Back Rules and Policy Terms
Training sessions:
Our team hosts online training sessions on a regular basis and invites you and your colleagues to join us if you’re interested in learning more about our services.
Our next sessions will be:
Introduction to Quotemonster – Tuesday, 27 May 2025 9:00 am-10:00 am
In this session, we will demonstrate the basic functions of our website, along with some handy tips and tricks along the way.
Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 27 May 2025 11:00 am-12:00 pm
In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.
Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:00 pm-12:45 pm
In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our business risk pricing, research, and SOA functionality.
Introduction to Kiwimonster - Monday, 26 May 2025 12:00 pm-12:30 pm
A session on our brand spanking new service – Kiwimonster.
QPR Research Deep Dive - Tuesday, 24 June 2025 10:00 am-11:00 am
A deep-dive session designed for advisers seeking in-depth knowledge across a range of research topics.
If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz
Happy Crunching!
Upcoming training sessions
We are hosting online training sessions on all our services and we invite you and your team to join us if you’re interested in learning more about these our features.
We are hosting online training sessions on all our services and we invite you and your team to join us if you’re interested in learning more about these our features.
Our next sessions will be:
Introduction to Quotemonster – Friday, 16 May 2025 10:00 am-11:00 am
In this session, we go over the basics of using Quotemonster and how to make the most of your Researchmonster subscription.
Tips and tricks on how to set up your account for new users
Overview of available documents and resources
How to do a quote from start to the finished report
How to see research for banks, direct providers, group medical, and legacy products
How to generate and interpret different types of research reports
Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 13 May 2025 9:30 am-10:30 am
In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.
Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Tuesday, 13 May 2025 11:30 am-12:15 pm
In this session, we demonstrate how to use Businessmonster to generate quotes and conduct in-depth research on Business Risk products. It includes a detailed walkthrough of a business client scenario, showcasing the process of completing a Fact Find and Needs Analysis, and producing a tailored, professional Business Statement of Advice. The session will also cover how to customise Businessmonster to align with your business’s specific requirements and workflows.
Introduction to Kiwimonster - Monday, 12 May 2025 11:30 am-12:00 pm
In this session, we demonstrate how Kiwimonster helps advisers meet their clients’ KiwiSaver needs using tools to assess risk profiles, compare funds, show retirement projections, and produce client-ready reports. Kiwimonster Research (coming soon) will enhance this process with in-depth fund research, tailored recommendations, and the ability to generate personalised KiwiSaver Statements of Advice—supporting more informed and professional advice delivery.
If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz
Happy Crunching!
Introducing our new Quotemonster Masterclass
We're excited to announce our brand-new Quotemonster Masterclass series designed specifically for experienced Quotemonster users who want to deepen their understanding of our tools and rating methodologies.
We're excited to announce our brand-new Quotemonster Masterclass series designed specifically for experienced Quotemonster users who want to deepen their understanding of our tools and rating methodologies.
Who Should Attend?
These sessions are ideal for advisers who have been using Quotemonster for a while and have already completed our "Introduction to Quotemonster" session.
Session Details
Date: Thursday, 17 April 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
What You'll Learn:
An overview of key research tools
Standalone Head-to-Head comparisons
Effective use of Checkmonster
Managing complicated quote scenarios
Deep dive into our rating methodologies
A behind-the-scenes look at our database
Insights into our rating review process
Don't miss the opportunity to join our inaugural session hosted by Russell Hutchinson!
How to Register:
To secure your spot, please email us at info@quotemonster.co.nz and our team will respond with an invitation link.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Fidelity Life celebrates its latest 20 Career connect graduates
Last week, Fidelity Life held a celebration to honour its latest 20 Career Connect graduates. Each graduate has successfully completed their Level 5 qualifications in life, disability, and health insurance.
Last week, Fidelity Life held a celebration to honour its latest 20 Career Connect graduates. Each graduate has successfully completed their Level 5 qualifications in life, disability, and health insurance.
Anna Devereux; Women in finance scholarship recipient (Dunedin)
Ashlee Cuttance (Dunedin)
Awhina Scott; Pounamu scholarship recipient (Christchurch)
Briar Evans (Auckland)
Caitlin Hayward (Morrinsville)
Christabel Bertie (Auckland)
Grace McIntyre; Rural scholarship recipient (Dunedin)
Harpreet Rehal (Auckland)
Jenny Silva; Kōwhai scholarship recipient (Queenstown)
Kim Forsythe (Invercargill)
Kirsty Gobbie (Auckland)
Leean Te (Auckland)
Marna Breetzke; Pāua scholarship recipient (Auckland)
Matthew Roxburgh (Dunedin)
Myja Gregory (Auckland)
Namrata Kumar (Auckland)
Shiwangni Mala (Auckland)
Sydnee Taylor; Toe Toe scholarship recipient (Christchurch)
Taylah Marr; Rāngi Po scholarship recipient (Christchurch)
Vanessa Jones-Dutton (New Plymouth)
This year, 95% of Career connect graduates were women, and a quarter of the group identifies as Māori or Pasifika.
Michelle Doyle, Head of Solutions said
"More than 60% of the graduates who asked for introductions to adviser businesses have already landed jobs, excited to start careers that help New Zealanders protect what matters most.”
Since its inception in 2023, Career connect has had more than 200 registrations for 70 course places, welcomed 47 students and helped almost 40 people gain their Level 5 qualifications in life, disability, and health insurance.
Submissions to be part of the 2025 intake of Career connect closed earlier this month with nearly 70 applications from a diverse group of candidates across various ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds.
More news:
Expressions of interest for Partners Life New Adviser Training Course open
mySolutions webinar 'Navigating the future ' 2 April
FSC webinar 'How financially resilient are Kiwis?' 29 April
Adviser refunds income protection premiums in FSCL dispute
Steve Wright on potential implications of government’s plan to use private health care facilities for public health treatments
Good Returns has an interesting article by Steve Wright considering some of the implications of what may happen if the government goes ahead with their reported plan to consider using private health care facilities to reduce elective surgery waiting lists.
Good Returns has an interesting article by Steve Wright considering some of the implications of what may happen if the government goes ahead with their reported plan to consider using private health care facilities to reduce elective surgery waiting lists. Aside from the obvious benefits of kiwis on public health waiting lists potentially getting treated quicker, Wright considers some potential downsides, from reduced pressure to improve public sector capacity, to the private sector becoming overwhelmed or people ditching their health insurance and the private sectors viability coming into question.
We think these risks are low, given the scale of the intervention proposed by Minister Brown – just $50m to be spent between March and the end of June. For context, ACC will purchase around $500m in surgery in the 2023/24 year, and the total New Zealand Health budget is circa $16.6 billion. For an individual who gets a needed surgery a little faster, we are delighted, but this intervention is unlikely to make a big impact.
More news:
Partners Life new training module ‘Fair Treatment of Customers’
Fidelity Life offers drought-affected Taranaki customers premium relief
The FMA is on track to approve 77 licence applications under CoFI regime
Finance Minister Nicola Willis is reassessing the capital held by banks