Chubb Life Insurance New Zealand has awarded its 2025 Actuarial Scholarship to Danielle Bernacchi, marking 10 years of the programme supporting emerging insurance professionals.
The scholarship provides recipients with hands-on experience at Chubb Life NZ and a $5,000 prize toward their studies. Bernacchi, who is pursuing a double major in finance and actuarial science at Victoria University of Wellington, becomes the 10th student to receive the award since its inception in 2015.
According to a news release, Bernacchi developed her interest in mathematics during her time at Auckland’s Pinehurst School, where teachers encouraged her to explore actuarial science as a career path. Victoria University of Wellington remains the only institution in New Zealand offering actuarial science as a degree programme.
“I’ve always been a numbers person, but since studying mathematics at university, I’ve found it can be very theoretical,” Bernacchi said. “What drew me to actuarial science was being able to see the practical outcomes of our work.”
She added that the field allows her to apply mathematical skills to real-world scenarios. “While the maths might be hard, it’s really rewarding to see the real-world applications of the skills and knowledge I’ve developed, especially when they help businesses and individuals make informed decisions about managing risk and planning for the future,” she said.
Lee-Ann Du Toit, Chubb Life’s chief actuary, highlighted Bernacchi’s qualifications for the award, noting her ability to balance academic achievement with professional experience through multiple industry internships.
“Being able to collaborate and convert complex insights into practical management actions is a critical skill in actuarial science, and Danielle exemplifies these skills,” Du Toit said. “Her ability to balance her impressive academic record with several industry internships demonstrates her outstanding commitment to herself and the broader field.”
The scholarship forms part of Chubb Life NZ’s collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington’s actuarial science programme. Du Toit emphasised the company’s commitment to raising awareness about actuarial roles within the insurance sector.
“The Chubb Life Actuarial Scholarship is one of the ways we support young people to learn more about what is a lesser-known but vital role in the insurance industry,” Du Toit said. “We were the first insurer in New Zealand to offer this award for students, and it’s heartening to see each of the previous winners excel in their careers.”
Bernacchi will begin her actuarial career in January 2026.
What other ways can insurers inspire young professionals to pursue careers in actuarial science? Share your insights in the comments below.
