Long Burroughs and Auckland Insurance joined forces back in 2017.
A perfect partnership, with the commercial and corporate expertise of Long Burroughs, paired with the experience and established platform of Auckland Insurance.
Now, nearly 20 years since Harvey and Chris Kerr founded Auckland Insurance, and after 5 years of flourishing alongside Long Burroughs, Chris will be stepping back from the day-to-day running of the business, handing over to the Long Burroughs team.
What a journey it’s been.
2003
INCEPTION
Harvey and Chris Kerr start Auckland Insurance.
HAPPY CHAOS
Harvey hustled, Chris stitched it all together and the business grew.
2015
TRAGEDY
Harvey was called up to the big wine tasting in the sky.
GOOD FIT, GOOD TIMING
Chris continued the business, in partnership with Geoff Long and David Burroughs of Long Burroughs Ltd.
LIFT OFF
Auckland Insurance flourished alongside Long Burroughs. The team, the service offering, the Parnel office, expanded.
2022
JOB DONE, WHAT’S NEXT?
Chris is now stepping back from Auckland Insurance, leaving the business and the clients she’s worked with in good hands.
Chris remains a member of the Long Burroughs team and will still be working with us from time to time, as she phases out of a full-time role, moving into an advisory, and assistance capacity.
This is an exciting time for Chris and a wonderful moment to talk to her about the experiences of 20 plus years in the insurance industry.
What are you most looking forward to in your next chapter?
Playing more bridge.
What is your favourite memory of the Auckland Insurance journey?
Gosh, it is hard to choose only one! Maybe being a finalist (twice) in the IANZ broker of the year. And when we finally got big enough to bring on another employee (Geoff) – that was quite a milestone at the time. Then there’s joining forces with LB and moving the office out of home and into Parnell.
What has been the biggest industry change you’ve witnessed in the last 20 + years?
The growth of technology which has helped hugely with the day-to-day business. For instance, we used to do all the scheme renewals by post. Then moved to doing it all by email, and now the whole process is automated.
What is the most interesting or obscure insurance claim you have seen or heard about?
The client had a warehouse and used it to store property from time to time. On the proposal he had noted that he sometimes worked on cars in the yard. The underwriter missed this and when a fire claim was lodged (started in the yard) the insurer initially declined it, but when the proposal was brought to their attention, they had to honour it. That’s why I always insist on having a proposal completed!
What is your favourite insurance policy and why?
Professional Indemnity, because I have been dealing with this for many years, and know the most about it.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the industry today?
Embrace technology, work hard and always put the client first. Hopefully by doing this you can enjoy all the dealings you have.
What is your farewell message?
It is with satisfaction and pride that I leave Auckland Insurance. From scrambling to fulfill Harvey’s well-meaning promises in the office at our family home, to seeing the company take root in Parnell and thriving as part of Long Burroughs, I have loved my job.
I have also loved working with my clients, some whom I’ve known for over 20 years. To see you all work so hard to grow your businesses, dealing with the struggles we all face in business from time to time, and finding success, has been an honour.
I thank you all for your support over the years and wish you all the best as I begin the next chapter of my life: working part-time, travelling, playing bridge, and spoiling my grandchildren.
Chris Kerr