The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has welcomed confirmation from the New Zealand Government that insurance is one of the identified essential services to New Zealanders during the COVID-19 alert Level 4 period.
Tim Grafton, ICNZ’s CEO, says insurance is a vital service to support the financial resilience of New Zealand and is glad it has been identified as one of the essential services during this time.
“Furthermore, we commend the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and Financial Markets Authority, as part of the Council of Financial Regulators, who have today (25 March) provided greater clarity with a full list of registered insurers and essential supply chain functions after consulting with Government,” says Grafton.
“New Zealand insurers are committed to supporting their customers, especially during this time and have put measures in place to maintain their services. Should a service be required in person all necessary steps to ensure it is done in a way that limits or eliminates the risk of spreading COVID-19 will be taken.”
All ICNZ members have activated their business contingency plans, scaling up their work from home capacity to protect their staff and are well equipped to maintain their level of service to their customers.