NZ insurer Farmers Mutual Group (FMG) has moved its head office – and one third of its staff – to Wellington.

FMG is New Zealand’s largest general insurer for the rural sector, with 36% of the market.

FMG CEO Gordon Smith told Sunrise Exchange News 40 staff members are moving from the old Palmerston North head office to Wellington. “The key reason for the move is because we’ve had active business growth of 60% over the past four years and it makes sense to be in a corporate area.”

Mr Smith says access to specialised expertise was needed to sustain its growth rate, and Wellington offers law firms, financial expertise and Government contacts within easy reach.

“It is also important because Palmerston North is a provincial area and it’s hard to attract the insurance professionals we require with the right mix of technical and management skills,” he said.

FMG’s executive management team, product underwriting, marketing, financial management and human relations team have moved into new offices in the capital, while the majority of its operations, such as support services, a call centre, the claims department, IT and finance remain in Palmerston North.