We know the Contracts of Insurance Bill is coming, so you need to start. The best starting point is being fully prepared.  Focus on learning compliance strategies. Additionally, explore Insurance and Consumer Law, liability policies, and risks associated with the Commerce Commission. Review current dispute resolution mechanisms, analyse emerging litigation trends, and examine recent case studies that highlight key issues in insurance disputes. Understand the implications of recent legal decisions on insurance contracts and gain guidance on navigating these challenges in daily operations.

Presenters

Colin Hunter, Senior Associate, Hesketh Henry
Colin graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Law (Hons) and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court in 2016. He specialises in civil litigation, with particular expertise in maritime and insurance law. Colin excels at complex legal analysis and cross border claims. Colin has experience across a broad range of trade and transport disputes. He has acted on cargo (wet and dry), international trade, collisions, fires, ship repair, ship arrest and charterparty disputes. Colin has acted for many New Zealand insurers with respect to professional indemnity, directors and officers, income protection, construction works, property, life and disability, and marine insurance. He also has experience with offshore insurers and re-insurers to provide advice on New Zealand insurance law and registration as a New Zealand insurer. Colin has successfully argued before the High Court and supported litigation in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He is a creative problem solver with strong legal knowledge and a pragmatic negotiation style. Prior to being a lawyer Colin was a jazz musician. He has given his time to teach Burmese refugees and students in need. He has a passion for cooking and has regularly cooked for Auckland’s homeless population. Colin has been a member of the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand since he was a law student. He has given talks at the branch and national conference on marine insurance and admiralty issues.


Catriona Grover, Partner, Financial Markets, Dentons
Catriona is a partner in our Financial Services team with more than 20 years’ experience. She specializes in investment funds, insurance, financial adviser arrangements, fintech and financial services regulation. Catriona provides advice on all aspects of the Financial Markets Conduct Act including licensing, establishment of managed investment schemes, disclosure documentation and ongoing compliance. Catriona advises insurance clients in relation to insurance policy and marketing documentation, adviser and distribution agreements and governance processes with a focus on conduct and culture. She also advises on the design, implementation and regulation of new fintech products and services including cryptocurrency and other digital assets. Catriona is at the forefront of financial services reforms including the current financial advice provider licensing framework, conduct licensing for financial institutions, climate reporting disclosures and the Insurance Contracts Bill. Catriona works with many of New Zealand’s leading fund managers, banks and insurance companies as well as a range of smaller and boutique companies. Catriona’s experience in the financial services sector brings a depth of knowledge and awareness of industry practice to her clients. Her advice is tailored to take into account a client’s specific circumstances and offers clear and practical answers.


Jane Brown, Head of Insurance, New Zealand Financial Markets Authority
Jane is Head of Insurance at the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority/Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko. Jane worked in local government insurance, with a focus on covering professional liability risks and underground infrastructure. Jane has an LLM (Hons), a BA majoring in French, is a Senior Associate of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance and is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.


Dr. Emma Gabor, Principal, Gabor Law
Dr Emma Gabor is the principal of Gabor Law, a boutique law practice based in Wellington resolving insurance disputes. Prior to setting up her own firm in September 2020, Emma worked for five years as Claims Counsel at IAG New Zealand, New Zealand’s largest insurance company. Prior to that, she worked for seven years in a national law firm where she advised leading insurance companies. Since starting her own firm, she has represented claimants against insurance companies, and has worked closely with insurance brokers to get the correct entitlements for their clients. Emma has a PhD in insurance law from Victoria University of Wellington and is the founder and co-president of the Women in Insurance network in Wellington.