Cyber specialist Emergence Insurance has expanded into New Zealand, opening an Auckland office that will be headed by long-term industry professional Fraser Walker. 

“Like Australia, New Zealand has been subject to serious cyber security breaches and we’re ready to offer high limits and proven capability to the nation’s brokers,” Emergence CEO Troy Filipcevic said. 

Mr Walker has 18 years’ experience in the industry, including more than a decade with AIG, where his most recent role was Head of Client and Broker Engagement at the New Zealand operations. 

Since 2021, he has been Head of Risk and Insurance at Construction Cost Consultants, a role that includes hosting and presenting educational sessions to broker networks throughout New Zealand.  

Mr Walker, who starts as Emergence NZ Business Development Manager on July 17, says he will be travelling across the country to engage with brokers. 

“We need to earn our stripes here, so it helps having someone local who understands the nuances of the New Zealand market and can offer our strong proposition to the market,” he said. “Cyber insurance uptake is in its infancy in New Zealand but gaining momentum.” 

Initially, brokers can access the Cyber Event Protection policy for SMEs, which has limits up to $NZ10 million ($9.2 million), and the Cyber Enterprise Solution and Cyber Excess policies, with limits up to $NZ20 million ($18.3 million).  

Emergence NZ, which has capacity provided by Lloyd’s, has joined the New Zealand Underwriting Agencies Council.