Claims management group Crawford & Company says it has appointed Godfrey and Company as its representative in New Zealand under a partnership arrangement between the two parties.

The partnership provides an entry point for Crawford to expand into New Zealand following the growth of its business in Australia. It also extends to the South Pacific Islands.

“The decision to form a relationship with Godfrey and Company was a logical step in our business growth strategy and builds upon the geographical footprint of Crawford’s 43 offices in Australia,” President Australia Tim Jarman said.

“Our global footprint and empowered teams give us the reach and agility to meet the changing needs of the industry.

“This new arrangement will optimise our presence in key locations, facilitate further growth and help us restore and enhance lives, businesses and communities in both Australia and New Zealand.”

Godfrey, one of the largest commercial adjusters in New Zealand, is a “perfect fit” for Crawford, Mr Jarman said.

“Their commitment to technical expertise, quality, service excellence and innovation matches Crawford’s own commitment to set industry benchmarks globally.”

Godfrey says its strengths in the New Zealand and South Pacific Islands markets will be a pillar of support for Crawford’s growth ambitions, enabling the claims management giant to “realise their ambition of geographical representation, no matter where their clients are based”.

Godfrey has a network of offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Queenstown providing a full range of commercial loss adjusting services.

It specialises in handling large, complex, commercial claims for the insurance industry, as well as project managing uninsured or below-excess losses for self-insured organisations.