Rothbury only financial firm in New Zealand’s top 5 workplaces

Recognition highlights people-first culture and client trust

Rothbury only financial firm in New Zealand’s top 5 workplaces

Insurance News

By Roxanne Libatique

Rothbury Group Ltd has been identified as one of the Top 5 Best Workplaces for medium to large businesses in New Zealand for 2025, according to the results of the Great Place to Work survey.

The insurance brokerage stands out as the only financial services firm to achieve this status, joining other recognised employers such as Hilton, Specsavers, Salesforce, and DHL.

The company’s leadership attributes this recognition to a sustained focus on cultivating a positive workplace environment.

Emphasis on workplace culture and employee engagement

Managing director Roger Abel said the company’s strategy has prioritised people and culture.

Creating a strong, people-first culture is our proudest achievement. We’ve probably invested more energy into that than into strategy and that’s been a meaningful choice,” he said.

Rothbury’s approach to workplace culture is reflected in its client service metrics. The company’s net promoter scores, which measure client satisfaction and loyalty, are reported to be more than twice the industry average.

Abel noted that high staff engagement has a direct impact on the quality of service delivered to clients.

“From the beginning, Rothbury has been about real people doing meaningful work,” he said. “This recognition is a celebration of every person who’s helped shape our journey.”

Company milestones and ongoing investment

The workplace recognition coincides with Rothbury’s 75th year of operations. The company employs more than 500 people across its New Zealand network.

According to company leadership, Rothbury continues to invest in its staff, clients, and communities, maintaining a values-driven culture that has supported its long-term presence in the insurance sector.

Annual awards spotlight internal achievements

Shortly before the workplace recognition was announced, Rothbury held its Annual Awards 2025 as part of its Leaders Forum.

The event is designed to acknowledge individuals and teams who have demonstrated excellence in commercial broking and client service.

The following were recognised in key categories:

Commercial Broker Support Service Excellence:

  • Winner: Melissa Benge, Hawkes Bay
  • Runner Up: Mel Lindsay, Northland
  • Second Runner Up: Paula Sewell, Hawkes Bay

Emerging Broker of the Year:

  • Winner: Tracy Lau, Asian Broking
  • Runner Up: Narissa Rhodes, North Shore
  • Second Runner Up: Liam Winn, Northland

Commercial Broker of the Year:

  • Winner: Amanda Cook, Hawkes Bay
  • Runner Up: Steve Pyke, Capital City
  • Second Runner Up: Kelvin Ho, Asian Broking

Broking Branch of the Year:

  • Winner: Southern Lakes, led by Jason Bodmin
  • Runner Up: Asian Broking, led by Vincent Hsu
  • Second Runner Up: Otago, led by Ursula McEntyre

Looking ahead

Rothbury’s leadership has indicated that the company will continue to prioritise its people and culture as part of its business strategy.

The recognition from the Great Place to Work survey and the outcomes of the Annual Awards are seen as indicators of Rothbury’s ongoing commitment to both its workforce and its clients in the New Zealand insurance market.

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