Each week, we round up the most relevant New Zealand stories shaping work, income, and wellbeing—covering policy changes, insurance sector moves, claims trends, workplace health updates, and expert commentary. Get a clear, concise recap with plain-English takeaways and what it could mean for your livelihood. Independent and easy to follow, this weekly wrap helps busy professionals, self-employed Kiwis, and primary earners stay informed and prepared, minus the noise.
This Week:
This week: AMP Lifes former NZ policyholders are proposed to move to Asteron Life with no change to benefits flagged; flood‑hit customers in Kaikōura and Waitaki can apply for temporary premium relief while keeping cover active; cyber fraud continues to climb, with losses and coverage grey areas between cyber and crime policies—small businesses should review wording and security; and research shows many homeowners are raising excesses without fully understanding them, a reminder to check income protection settings like waiting periods. Visit income-protection.co.nz for comparisons and a quick eligibility check.
Hello and welcome to the Income Protection NZ Weekly News Wrap, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 26 July 2026.
First, a change on the life insurance landscape. Former AMP Life policyholders in New Zealand are proposed to move across to Asteron Life under a restructure. Independent actuarial reports say benefits arent expected to change and the new statutory fund would be set up in sound shape. If you hold one of these legacy policies, watch for formal updates and keep your adviser in the loop so your cover, including any income protection benefits, continues smoothly.
Meanwhile, flood‑affected customers in Kaikōura and Waitaki have been offered temporary premium relief by a major life insurer. Eligible policyholders can apply for a short premium waiver while keeping their cover in place, with applications open until early October. If recent weather has hit your income, talk to your adviser promptly—keeping protection active through a rough patch can help safeguard your monthly bills.
On cyber risk, new data shows online fraud rising sharply, with scams increasingly delivered through trusted platforms. The National Cyber Security Centre, or NCSC, recorded multimillion‑dollar losses this year, and many incidents fall into grey areas between cyber and crime insurance. For self‑employed Kiwis and small firms, check how your policies treat social engineering and authorised payments, and use layered security like two‑factor logins. Staying covered and reducing downtime both support your ability to keep earning.
And a quick insight on household insurance behaviour thats relevant to anyone weighing policy settings. Fresh research finds many homeowners have lifted their excess to trim premiums, yet about two in five dont know what excess they carry. The same trade‑offs exist in income protection—waiting periods and offsets can lower costs, but they change how long youd need to self‑fund before payments start. A short review with an adviser can align settings to your savings buffer and cash‑flow needs.
Thats it for this week. For clear comparisons and a fast eligibility check, head to income-protection.co.
z and start your free Income Protection assessment. Im Paige—thanks for listening, and take care out there.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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