Specialist international insurer Ironshore has opened an Auckland office as it steps up investment in the New Zealand market.

Operating as a branch of Ironshore Australia, the office will be led by Asia-Pacific Regional Manager Agriculture Robert Solloway.

Mr Solloway was part of reinsurance underwriter Novae’s agriculture team, which recently merged with Ironshore’s agribusiness group.

Ironshore Australia MD Katherine Simmonds told insuranceNEWS.com.au more staff will be based in New Zealand in future.

“Gradually, we will build out as we go,” she said. “Investing in New Zealand is part of our strategic plan for growth.

“We see it as an appealing market and complementary to our Australian business.”

She says New Zealand was formerly served from Australia, but there is a need for a local presence.

Ironshore Australia underwrites specialty business lines including mergers and acquisitions and tax liability, political risk, trade credit, marine, terrorism, and fine art and specie.