The Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand’s (IBANZ) new President Nick Cressey says the Christchurch earthquakes, new regulation, education and governance are among the issues facing the organisation over the coming year.

Auckland-based Mr Cressey, who is a director of Insurance Brokers (International) Ltd, says IBANZ is lobbying hard to keep down compliance costs of new industry regulation.

He says IBANZ is also working to increase benefits to members and on further development of professional education through IBANZ College.

Underwriters have become more focused on governance following the collapse of Auckland-based broker Herbert Insurance, and Mr Cressey says a “huge amount of work” is being done to develop technical courses and programs that will assist brokers and also be recognised by the NZ Qualifications Authority.

Brokers have been on the receiving end of consumer frustration following the Christchurch earthquakes, with insurers not writing new cover and delays in getting the thousands of claims assessed. Mr Cressey says this will be a continuing challenge for the industry.

Duane Duggan of Crombie Lockwood and Tony Bridgman of Marsh are the new IBANZ vice presidents.