Primesure Newsletter: Autumn 2026

Kia Ora and welcome to our autumn newsletter

As we move into autumn, we are seeing continued change across the insurance landscape. Regulatory updates are coming into effect, insurers remain disciplined in their underwriting approach, and accurate valuations are becoming increasingly important.

In this edition, we outline an important change to the Fire and Emergency NZ levy that will affect commercial property policies. We also share a brief market snapshot, recognise a team member who truly lives the Primesure Way, and highlight one of our valued clients.

Our role remains straightforward — to help you navigate these changes with clarity and confidence.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Cheers,

Cam

Cameron Hollis, MD

Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) Levy Changes – Important Update

From 1 July 2026, the way the Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) levy is calculated on certain insurance policies will change.

For commercial and non-residential property owners, the most significant change is that the levy will now be calculated using the full building sum insured, rather than the capped indemnity values that were previously used.

Because of this change, some businesses may see an increase in the levy portion of their policy cost.

The Fire and Emergency levy is a government charge that helps fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand. It is separate from the insurer’s premium, although insurers collect it on behalf of the government as part of your policy payment.

Key points to be aware of:

• The levy will now be calculated on the full declared building sum insured

• The previous capped calculation method no longer applies to commercial property

• The levy applies to each insured location separately

Updated levy rates also apply across other policy types such as residential property, contents and motor vehicle policies under the revised framework.

We have prepared a short guide explaining the changes in more detail, including examples of how the levy is calculated.

Read the full guide here: https://www.primesure.co.nz/news/fire-and-emergency-nz-levy-...

We continue to see steady underwriting discipline across the commercial market.

• Insurers are scrutinising risk quality and claims history more closely

• Accurate declared values are becoming increasingly important

• Cyber and social engineering claims remain active within the SME space

Competition still exists, but well-presented risks with clear information are achieving better outcomes.

Engaging early ahead of renewal allows time to structure cover appropriately and avoid last-minute pressure.

Claims Support – When You Need It Most

If something happens that may lead to a claim, we recommend contacting us as early as possible.

Early notification allows us to guide the process, help gather the right information, and work with the insurer to keep things moving smoothly.

Supporting clients through claims remains one of the most important parts of what we do.

The Primesure Way

Our Primesure Way Recognition Programme celebrates the team members who consistently live our values of accountability, teamwork, and commitment to doing great work for our clients and each other.

This quarter’s recognition goes to Catherine (Cat).

Cat was nominated by several members of the team for the way she supports those around her.

Whether it’s helping someone work through a process, stepping in to assist when things get busy, or simply taking the time to make sure people feel supported, Cat is always willing to lend a hand. Her positive attitude, consistency, and willingness to go the extra mile make a real difference to the team. Congratulations Cat, and thank you for everything you bring to Primesure.

Find out more about the values behind this programme HERE

The Primesure Harbour Tour

We’re pleased to be the named sponsor of the 2026 Primesure Harbour Tour, a nine-round golf series hosted by North Golf and running from March through November across participating clubs.

With monthly prizes and an overall competition format, the Tour brings together club members from across the region for friendly competition throughout the season.

For entry details, visit northgolf.nz.

This quarter we are pleased to highlight Caroline Panesar of Soul Direction.

Caroline delivers workshops, retreats and one-to-one sessions focused on stress release, energy management and personal development. Her evolving workshop structure, including the Inner Fire Horse series and stress release programmes, reflects a thoughtful and accessible approach to wellbeing.

In addition to individual sessions, Caroline also offers corporate wellbeing and massage sessions, supporting organisations that want to promote healthier, more balanced workplaces. Caroline can visit you and your team onsite and tailor a solution to meet your needs.

Operating clinics across Auckland, Caroline continues to grow her client base while adapting her services to meet demand in a structured and professional way.

To learn more about her workshops and upcoming events, get in touch:

Mobile: 021 077 4807

Website: www.soul-direction.com