Tower Limited has posted a half-year net profit of $NZ19.9 million ($16.3 million) with a bold showing across its insurance portfolio.

General insurance net profit lifted 93% to $NZ7.7 million ($6.3 million) in the six months to March 31 while income from health and life insurance increased 37% to $NZ15.1 million ($12.4 million).

Underwriting profit bucked the general trend for insurers, surging by 151% to $NZ7.8 million ($6.4 million).

Investment income however fell 36% to $NZ2.3 million ($1.9 million).

Total profit for the same period last year was $NZ214.5 million ($176.1 million), due to $NZ198.8 million ($163.2 million) gained from demerging Tower Australia.