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Russell Hutchinson Opinion

Pricing and reviews: regulatory interest in Australia may emerge in New Zealand too

Monday 20th of April 2026

We have just been through the busiest period for base rates changes, we think, that the New Zealand market has ever seen.

In Australia, calls for insurer transparency have intensified following investigations into premium hikes and product design. APRA has critically examined premium rises in life insurance, focusing on whether insurers have addressed issues previously raised by the regulator. APRA highlighted concern over fairness, transparency, and product design.

It is important to consider each type of issue.

Transparency is raised because labels like “stepped premium” do not always clearly convey to clients what is going to happen with their premium – and how combinations of age-related increases, inflation, and base rate changes can mean big increases in cost.

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