Suncorp prides itself on empowering its people to bring their whole selves to work – celebrating what makes them, them. In this series, we meet some of the Group's inspiring people – highlighting their sometimes unique pursuits outside of work, and how Suncorp supports a meaningful work/life balance. Welcome to the Sun Chasers series.
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Sun Chaser Nick Meister is Executive Manager of Business Property in New Zealand. He proudly leads diverse and innovative teams across business insurance, risk surveying and construction and engineering from the Suncorp Auckland office.
Mr Meister’s teams support a broad range of business customers’ interests - from a tradesperson's tools to multi-million-dollar commercial buildings and infrastructure projects. They work closely with distribution teams, partners and brokers to deliver business underwriting solutions and explore preventative and proactive ways to reduce risk for New Zealand businesses.
“As one of the largest insurers in New Zealand, my ambition for our area is not only to protect businesses by providing cover when things go wrong but to actively help identify and mitigate risks, enabling customers to operate sustainably and thrive in an ever-changing environment,” Mr Meister said.
Nick Meister pictured with members of the Vero NZ team. Left to Right - Mikayla Dixon (Manager Business Underwriting Solutions), Grant Langdale Hunt (Leader, Business Underwriting Solutions – Southern) Tracey Cossill (Manager – Customer Risk Solutions), Nick Meister, Jake Hewitt (C&E Portfolio Manager), Petr Dorofeev (Portfolio Manager – Bulk Business), Claire Riach (Manager, Portfolio & UW Strategy), John Moss (Portfolio Manager – Business).
Interestingly, his drive to deliver great outcomes and build high-performing teams didn’t begin on land, it started on the Waitematā Harbour. His passion for boating and the maritime community led him to a career in insurance, and it continues to inspire the work he does today.
A close connection to the marine community inspired a journey in insurance
Mr Meister’s early years were spent on Auckland’s North Shore, where he was involved in rowing, fishing and sailing on the Waitematā Harbour. A role as an insurance broker kickstarted his interest in insurance as he discovered the industry's role in protecting communities in some of their most challenging times.
Mr Meister explained: “I fell into insurance, as a lot of people do, but this role allowed me to stay connected to yachting and the marine community while discovering my passion for insurance. Christchurch’s earthquakes had just happened, and seeing how insurance can rebuild communities was an ‘a-ha moment’ for me. Insurance became more than a job - it was both a career and purpose.”
Over the next decade, Mr Meister’s career progressed from broking to underwriting and leadership roles, before joining Suncorp New Zealand, where he continues to pursue his passion for leadership and growth.
Suncorp New Zealand Executive Manager of Business Property Nick Meister
I love working at Suncorp and feel lucky to be part of such a talented team who are contributing to our ambition of becoming the leading Trans-Tasman insurer.
My role allows me to support our business communities, build resilience and create a platform for sustainable growth in New Zealand. I’m excited to be part of this journey.
Growing and leading a diverse team to success across the Tasman
Mr Meister has managed a team since early in his career, and he champions diversity, inclusion and innovation, including a focus on supporting neurodiversity in the workplace and attracting new talent into the New Zealand industry. He and his team also collaborate closely across the Tasman with their Australian colleagues.
“We want to innovate and do things differently. One of the strengths of the business is that we have created a strong talent pool and have portfolio expertise across ‘both sides of the ditch.’ Being that leading trans-Tasman insurer is something that resonates with both me and the team.
“The freedom for us to lean into our strengths in local markets and share two-way learnings with the team in Australia has created some great opportunities to better support our customers.”
(Left): View of Waitematā Harbour, Auckland. (Right): Nick runs a workshop with his team at a client’s premises in central Auckland.
Mr Meister credits his sporting background, particularly in yachting, for helping him lead his team.
“Yachting is a great analogy for teamwork. On a boat, everyone needs to work together seamlessly; you have to be flexible, responsive and in sync to make the boat go faster. You can’t sail in two different directions!
My role is to help steer the ship; to set the course informed by our strategy and give the team clarity on where we’re heading. But you don’t need to do every job yourself. Success comes from trusting, listening and empowering your crew to do what they do best... the analogy could go on!”
Leading while navigating life milestones and changes within the insurance industry
Mr Meister experienced significant life milestones in recent years, including becoming a parent for the first time, and is grateful for the support Suncorp has provided along the way.
Balancing both professional and personal milestones have been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for Suncorp’s support as well as our parental leave and flexible working policies, which make a difference for such important life moments.
Mr Meister also reflected on changing times for the insurance industry in recent years, with the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle highlighting the importance of insurance and opportunities for adaptation.
“The whole business stepped up, not only to support our customers during these events, but to also deliver big changes to our business, including responding to the inflationary environment, working closely with our brokers while also enhancing our underwriting practice, pricing models and risk surveying tools.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our team and business has achieved.”
Flooded roads and felled trees after Cyclone Gabrielle - Auckland, February 2023.
Industry recognition for his achievements and a time for reflection
Last year, Mr Meister was nominated as a finalist in the 2024 ANZIIF Awards - Young Insurance Professional of the Year award category. The award was open to people under 35 years old who had spent at least three years building their career in the insurance industry, and demonstrated outstanding commitment, achievement and passion in the New Zealand insurance industry.
“Being a finalist was an honour. It reminded me of why I have stayed in insurance — to support people, businesses and communities.
“Reflecting on my career journey so far, I’m proud to be part of an organisation and industry that is constantly evolving and making a difference not only in Aotearoa but across Australasia.”
