From start-up to standout: Initio’s next chapter with IAG New Zealand
From a bold idea to a bigger future
If you’ve been with initio for a while, you’ll know we like to do things differently.
What started as two mates – Sam and Rene – deciding they would have a crack at building an online insurance platform from scratch has grown into one of New Zealand’s most trusted ways to insure homes and rentals. We’ve picked up awards, earned more than 4,500 five-star reviews, and built a team that’s proud to make insurance simple, fast, and transparent for thousands of Kiwis.
Rene Swindley & Sam Brook, co-founders of initio.
We’ve always believed insurance could be smarter – that you shouldn’t have to wait on hold, fill out endless forms, or wonder what your policy actually covers. So we built technology that made it easier.
Taking the next step, together with IAG New Zealand
Now, we’re entering a new chapter.
Our long-time underwriting partner, IAG New Zealand (through its NZI brand), has taken a 49% ownership stake in initio. We retain 51%, with our local leadership team – the same crew you know – still running the business and steering our direction.
This partnership builds on more than a decade of working together and reflects IAG’s confidence in initio’s technology, innovation, and customer experience model. It’s a vote of trust in what we’ve created – and in where we’re headed.
We’re proud of our team, the innovation that flows through the business, and the recognition that comes with hard work.
What this means for you
Let’s make this simple: if you’re an existing customer, nothing changes – your policy and cover stay just as they are.
You’ll still:
- Use the same website and dashboard you already know
- Get instant quotes and manage your cover online
- Talk to the same friendly, local team
What does change is what we can do next. With IAG NZ’s support, we’ll keep growing and improving the platform – rolling out smarter tools, faster claims, and more features designed around you.
Building something new for New Zealand
As part of this partnership, initio will power a new digital NZI agency for brokers – built on our platform. It’s the first of its kind in New Zealand, and maybe even the world.
Globally, traditional broker-sold personal insurance is shrinking – in places like Australia, it’s almost vanished. But this new approach flips the model.
Customers of brokers will be able to enjoy the ease of a direct digital platform while still getting advice and support from their broker behind the scenes. It’s the best of both worlds – personal service meets digital convenience.
Why IAG NZ invested in us
IAG NZ is New Zealand’s largest general insurer, known through brands like NZI, AMI, and State. They:
- Insure one in every two Kiwi households
- Protect over NZ $1.07 trillion in assets
Their investment combines IAG’s scale and underwriting strength with initio’s agility and innovation – unlocking opportunities for smarter platform features, data-driven pricing, and real-time policy visibility.
It also marks a broader trend in the industry: insurers partnering with insurtechs to deliver better experiences for customers.
The heart of initio stays the same
We might be growing, but what makes initio special hasn’t changed.
We’re still a New Zealand-owned and led insurance provider. We still pick up the phone, fix problems fast, and obsess over making things simpler.
Whether you’re already insured with us or just getting to know us, our focus is the same – helping Kiwis protect what matters most.
Looking ahead
With IAG NZ’s backing, we’re in the strongest position yet to keep innovating for Kiwi homeowners and landlords.
Thanks for being part of our journey so far. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Still here when you need us
No matter how much we grow, getting help from us will always stay simple. You’ll still reach our friendly local team whenever you need support.