Fidelity Life announces 2023 adviser award winners

Auckland-based Maurice Trapp of Maurice Trapp Group picked up Fidelity Life’s lifetime award, announced at the life insurer’s Engage 2023 adviser event. The award recognised Trapp’s 20 plus years of experience and strong commitment to the industry.

Friday, September 22nd 2023, 10:00AM

by Andrea Malcolm

Team of the year (L-R): Fidelity Life business manager Kirsty Michell, Total Life director Mark Breen, Total Life managing director Craig Kura, Fidelity Life chief sales & service officer Bronwyn Kirwan , Fidelity Life head of distribution Mel Beattie, Total Life head of risk James Pearson.

Starting out as an adviser in the 80s, he has recruited and mentored many new entrants, with his namesake business now employing more than 80 staff.  

Alongside building a successful advice business, he has given back to his other passion of rugby, as chair of the NZ Rugby Foundation, board member and president of Auckland Rugby and president of New Zealand Rugby. He was also on the board of Diabetes NZ until August 2022.

Breakthrough adviser of the year was Kylie Connor from Mainland of Timaru for modernising her financial advice business and continuing to upskill and be involved in the wider industry.  

“Kylie gives holistic and tailored advice solutions that are fit-for purpose, simple to follow and breaks down the advice and insurance process so customers can easily digest it at every stage.  Becoming a recent shareholder of Mainland, she’s putting her customer-centric approach and business know-how to great use, playing an integral part in shaping the advice business’ Future,” said Fidelity Life chief sales and service officer Bronwyn Kirwan.

The Cary Veenhof Award in honour of a former Fidelity Life business manager and awarded to an adviser for strong values, respect to insurance partners and outstanding customer service went to Insurance Design’s Anthony Gobbie of Auckland.

“Anthony provides exceptional long-term service to his customers, reflected in his customer relationship NPS of +80, he is consistently towards the top of Fidelity Life’s scoreboard. His personable and empathetic approach is well respected by his customers, peers and insurance partners.”  

Team of the year was won by Total Life led by Craig Kura of Invercargill.  This award went to the team with a great strategy and brand, underpinned by a strong leadership team to deliver outstanding advice solutions.

“Total Life, under Craig’s stewardship, has become a business with a national presence, providing staff with a clear vision and exceptional support to set them up for success,” said Kirwan.

“Total Life also has a strong presence in their community, partnering with local businesses and associations to create a positive social impact, sponsoring events such as the Kids Day Out Variety Show for Heart Kids Southland, Surfing for Farmers and Total Life Kids TRYathlon.”

The Gordon Watson Trophy in honour of Fidelity Life’s founder and awarded to an adviser who champions the company’s customer led values, went to Brett Pearce of Pearce Financial Services, Auckland.

“Brett uses his extensive experience to expertly guide and inform customers on appropriate insurance protection.

“Following in his grandfather’s, father’s and uncles’ footsteps, his pedigree and passion for the industry sees him keep up to date with new developments and be a reliable source of information to his customers. ”

Kirwan said advisers have been a central part of Fidelity Life’s story since our inception in 1973.

Tags: Fidelity Life