A number of life companies have responded to the Christchurch shooting tragedy, where attacks on two mosques last Friday killed 50 people and left at least 50 injured.
AIA/Sovereign stated it has set up a dedicated customer care team to provide timely, important life and health insurance assistance to affected customers.
AIA/Sovereign CEO, Nick Stanhope says, “It’s been a difficult few days for New Zealand and for all New Zealanders. Our company prides itself in being there when it really matters. This time matters.”
He added: “If any of our customers, their family or loved ones have been affected by this tragedy, we ask that they reach out. We have staff on stand-by to help.”
Chief Customer Officer, Sharron-Moana Botica said, “The effects of Friday’s tragic event in Christchurch will continue for some time. We have started this service with the hope that we can do what we can for our customers and their families in the immediate term. We are here to help.”
AIA/Sovereign customers affected by this event are asked to call 0800 500 108.
Fidelity Life has also confirmed it has set up a dedicated support for impacted customers and advisers who have any questions about their Fidelity Life insurance protection following last Friday’s events.
“We’re deeply shocked and saddened by the events in Christchurch last Friday, and extend our sympathy and support to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy,” said Fidelity Life Chief Distribution Officer, Adrian Riminton, in an update to advisers.
“Here at Fidelity Life we believe everyone’s equal as Kiwis and that’s why we celebrate New Zealand’s diversity with a passion.”
Fidelity Life Support Contact:
Claims enquiries: 09 300 8980 or 09 300 8960 After hours: 021 188 7574
Customer hotline: 0800 203 750
In an advisers update sent on Monday, Partners Life Managing Director, Naomi Ballantyne, urged their advisers who may have been affected to contact them so they can offer their support through the coming days, weeks and months.
“Myself and my Partners Life team are heartbroken for the people of Christchurch, and are very relieved that the majority of Christchurch advisers we have managed to contact over the weekend, and their staff, are safe,” she said.
She said they hope the advisers they are yet to make contact with are also safe.
“As you become aware of any clients who have been affected, please let us know so we can work out with you how we can best support them, be that through a fast track claims process, grief or trauma counselling, or through premium holidays, for example.”
AMP Wealth Management New Zealand CEO, Blair Vernon, commented: “Our thoughts are with all those impacted and our AMP and AdviceFirst teams in Christchurch, and indeed our people right across New Zealand, continue to stay close to our clients and communities to provide care and support in the aftermath of this tragic event.”
Asteron Life Executive Manager, Life Distribution, Graham Hill, said their focus is on being there for their people and any customers who need to claim with them.
“We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events in Christchurch last week,” said Hill.
“We’re extremely proud of the way our people, particularly our teams in Christchurch, have been looking out for each other and it’s important that we all continue to support each other as the effects of the attack are felt over time. I encourage any advisers who need support to reach out to their BDMs or the rest of our team to talk.”