Attention Club Rowers! Commercial and Rural Insurance Brokers are committed to supporting your rowing journey. C&R Insurance is offering 8 individual scholarships of $2,500  each to help cover club rowing costs for the 2026/2027 season . These scholarships are open to club rowers who have finished high school , at any skill level. Our goal is simple: reduce financial pressure so you can focus on training, performance, and enjoying the sport. If this sounds like you, read the

Starting university is a very exciting time and will bring many firsts. It’s a time to meet new people, gain independence and try new experiences, but it’s also a time to think about whether your teenager will be covered for any damages/expenses while they are away at university. To help you navigate this, let’s look at key areas of insuring students and what you can do to make sure your teenager is properly covered. Is your teenager covered while they’re away? Many families

Central Otago locals love the long, sun-soaked season here, but rising temperatures are also bringing a higher risk of fast-moving fires across our dry landscape. Hotter summers and longer dry spells are becoming more common across the world, and Central Otago is right at the sharp end of those changes. With more days climbing over 25°C each year, places like the Clutha Valley, Lake Dunstan and the Manuherikia are expected to see some of the biggest increases in heat by the e

With summer arriving, many of us are making plans for annual holidays and time with loved ones. Central Otago, with its stunning landscapes and influx of visitors, becomes especially busy during the festive season. Unfortunately, this increase in tourism also coincides with a rise in theft and burglary. According to NZ Police, burglary and theft made up 73% of crime in the Central Otago region in 2024, a reminder that rural areas are not immune to opportunistic crime. Simple

Uber has officially launched in Alexandra, bringing more options for food delivery and rideshare services across Central Otago. Whether you're excited about convenient meal delivery or considering driving for Uber or Uber Eats to earn some extra income, it’s important to understand what it means for your vehicle insurance. Thinking About Driving for Uber in Alexandra? While signing up to drive for Uber or other rideshare platforms is relatively straightforward, many drivers a

As with many industries, life and health insurance providers sometimes change their names, particularly following acquisitions or structural shifts. Here’s a helpful breakdown of recent insurer name changes and what they mean for your policy. Why are insurance companies changing names? In recent years, several life and health (L&H) insurers in New Zealand have been bought or sold. This trend is especially noticeable where banks have chosen to focus on lending and outsource in

Booking a winter escape? Make sure you lock in your travel insurance as soon as you book your tickets. Your policy covers you from the day it starts until the end of your trip so the earlier, the better. Why Travel Insurance Matters: Medical Claims in 2024 New data from Cover-More Travel Insurance shows that New Zealand travelers could face serious financial consequences if medical emergencies arise overseas. In their review of top travel insurance claims for 2024, Cover-More

I’m sure someone (usually meaning well) has told you that your car insurance won’t cover you if you have an accident while wearing jandals. This isn’t necessarily the case. Insurers can decline claims for several reasons, such as drink driving, texting while driving, or driving recklessly. While your jandals may not help with vehicle control if something goes wrong, they wouldn’t be the sole reason for an accident. While it’s not illegal to wear jandals on a motorbike or scoo

Frost-covered sheep grazing in Central Otago paddock 1. Prepare Livestock for Cold Weather Animals need extra care during winter. Ensure your livestock have access to shelter that blocks wind and rain. Check that barns and sheds are secure and dry. Provide additional feed to help animals maintain body heat, especially for pregnant or young stock. Monitor water sources to prevent freezing, using heated troughs or regularly breaking ice. 2. Inspect and Maintain Fencing Winter w

The Auckland storm and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have significantly impacted New Zealand's home and contents insurance market. These catastrophic events rank as the second and third-largest insurance events in the nation's history, leading to substantial financial implications and shifts in the insurance landscape. Key Statistics from the Insurance Council of New Zealand As of 1 March 2024, the Insurance Council reported the following claims: Auckland Storm : 59,067 claims, t

When diving into the world of insurance, it can sometimes feel like you need a translator to understand all the industry jargon. Let's break down some of the most common terms you’ll encounter, so you can feel confident and informed when discussing your policy. 1. Premium This is the amount you pay for your insurance policy. Think of it as your membership fee to stay protected. Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on your plan and preferences. 2. De

Insurance brokers play a vital role in the complex world of insurance, acting as intermediaries between clients and insurance companies. But are they worth the investment? Let's delve into the reasons why getting a broker can be a valuable asset. Deeper understanding of the insurance market Firstly, insurance brokers are experts. They have industry knowledge and extensive insurance advice that can be invaluable when navigating the myriad of options available. With their in-de

In the unpredictable landscape of life, financial stability is a paramount concern for individuals and families alike. While we often strive to plan for the future, unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or loss of income can swiftly derail even the most meticulously laid out financial plans.  This is where the importance of income protection, trauma and life insurance becomes profoundly evident, serving as crucial safety nets during financial hardship. Life Insura

Most of us own at least one car, but how many of us understand how to best insure our vehicles? Generally, there are three levels of car insurance, all including protection against most claims for damage that you cause to someone else. Third Party Only: This is really “Help, I damaged someone else’s stuff while driving and it’s my fault” cover. If you make contact with someone else’s property while driving (reverse into building, misjudge a car park, don’t see a car in front

As the winter chill recedes and the days lengthen, spring brings with it a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. This is the perfect time to ensure that both your home and business are prepared to embrace the warmer months ahead. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to check and address as spring approaches, while also integrating essential insurance considerations. For Your Home: 1. Exterior Inspection: Walk around your home and check for signs of damage caused by winter weathe

Cancer is something we would all like to avoid, but most of us are affected in one way or another during our lifetimes. The high likelihood of a cancer diagnosis in your inner circle – the Ministry of Health estimates that one in three New Zealanders will be affected by cancer – affirms the importance of having the right insurance cover. That means having peace of mind financially but also access to the best care in a timely manner. Insurance and Its Relevance While New Zeala

In today's volatile landscape of rising inflation, a sluggish economy, dwindling business confidence, and pervasive political and social uncertainty, it's easy to feel disheartened. These last few weeks, even the weather seems to conspire against us! Just as we know the fog is not permanent, we need to remind ourselves every period of downturn eventually gives way to an upswing. In the meantime, we can take steps to find assurance during times of uncertainty. Instead of frett