The Investment Savings and Insurance Association (ISI) of NZ has appointed Peter Neilson as CEO.

Mr Neilson, an economist, was previously CEO of the NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development and was also a Labour government minister in the 1980s with portfolios including finance and revenue.

ISI Chairman Sean Carroll says Mr Neilson’s appointment signals the association’s intention to focus more on issues such as underinsurance and retirement income and savings.

He says ISI and the finance sector need to take a bigger role in public debates such as how the country prepares for an ageing population.

“The recent tragic events in Christchurch and Japan have highlighted the value of making forward provision for the uncertainties in life and ensuring people have adequate coverage for the risks they face,” he said. 

“Most New Zealanders recognise the need for us to make better provision for retirement. The ISI is gearing up to ensure the best solutions are identified and enduring cross party support is found for them.”

As CEO of the Council for Sustainable Development, Mr Neilson led advocacy for pricing carbon, a levy on solid waste and mainstreaming sustainable business practice.