Melbourne-based insurer Associated Marine has made its debut in the New Zealand market, setting up a four-person team of specialists in a new Auckland office.

MD Adrian Norman says he has been very pleased with the welcome given to the company by senior brokers who attended the company’s official launch in Auckland last week.

He says the establishment of direct operations in NZ after many years servicing its clients from its Australian offices ­arose from requests from within the market for Associated Marine to become more involved there.

“It’s a vibrant market, and well suited for us,” he said. “The NZ economy is heavily weighted towards exports, and we believe there’s a place for a marine insurer with specialist expertise to really make a difference for brokers and their clients.”

He says Associated Marine, a Zurich subsidiary, will offer the full range of its marine products and services in NZ. The Auckland office is being run by Ross Lawrenson, who was formerly with the company’s international branch.