The New Zealand Underwriting Agencies Council (NZUAC) will hold its inaugural expo in October, aiming to connect brokers, underwriting agencies and insurance industry suppliers. 

NZUAC was established in February 2020 with the support of the Underwriting Agencies Council in Australia. 

It says the expo – to be held on October 25 at the Grand Millennium, Auckland – will showcase the “deep expertise and diverse skillset” of agencies.  

The group – which now has 50 members including supplier partners – has observed the growing success of similar expos in Australia. 

“Over the past three years, we have made significant strides in how we support underwriting agencies and enhance their representation in the marketplace,” Executive Director of NZUAC Nigel Edmiston said. 

“With considerable membership growth, new market entrants and previously unaffiliated agencies joining our ranks, we realised now is the time to connect brokers with our experienced members.” 

NZUAC says changing dynamics from recent weather events and subsequent losses has seen a “shift in reinsurer capacity support and risk appetite”. 

“This has presented opportunities for underwriting agencies to secure the right capacity and partner with brokers to support their client’s needs.  

“Additionally, the expanding specialist markets have opened doors for specialised underwriters such as cyber and accident & health, with NZUAC supporting the introduction of these diverse skillsets through its partner and supplier resources.” 

Click here for more information on NZUAC.