Forward Thinking. Forward Planning.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“Alistair tactfully pointed out to Damian that “if anything should happen, wouldn’t you want to know that Sue would be looked after?” Put like that, Damian changed his mind and took medical insurance cover; never dreaming that in three years he’d be making a claim on it.”
When I met my husband 10 years ago, he didn’t have any life or medical insurances in place. It just wasn’t on his radar. He was young, fit and never went to a doctor for anything. In fact, he was pretty adamant he didn’t need any insurance. I, on the other hand had taken a more cautious approach. I’d been referred to Alistair years earlier, by my brother, when I was purchasing my first apartment in Auckland. Alistair had guided me through the process of getting the right insurances in place. He was very easy to talk to and took time to understand the ins-and-outs of my life (risk and exposure as they call it in the industry), and to tailor the correct amount and types of insurance to suit. He made sure I wasn’t paying for anything I didn’t need, and I never once felt like he was doing a hard sell. He also walked me through several hours of paperwork which was a great help. His patience is definitely a strong suit.
When Damian and I got married Alistair tactfully pointed out to Damian that “if anything should happen, wouldn’t you want to know that Sue would be looked after?” Put like that, Damian changed his mind and took medical insurance cover; never dreaming that in three years he’d be making a claim on it.
Our lives took an unexpected turn when Damian found a small lump on his head. He went to the specialist and the diagnosis was not good. Stage 5 melanoma left us utterly stunned but we were determined to deal with it. A large lump was removed, and as a precaution five major lymph nodes around the site, all testing clear, were also removed. We were so relieved, and over time, we just got back to life as normal again. Damian had his regular 3-monthly check-ups but overall things were great for nearly two years. Unfortunately, they didn’t stay that way. During one of his PET scans, a secondary melanoma tumour showed up in his lung. The news that it had in fact ‘travelled’ came as a huge blow to us both. Hearing this was so much harder the second time round. We were very distressed and anxious; I was overwhelmed. Amongst all of this Alistair supported us with the insurance process. He was there at the initial stages, lodging the claim, checking in on us regularly. He is a genuinely caring person and it has been a four-year journey with us. He has been incredibly respectful of what we have been through and we are forever thankful for the calm, reassuring and patient way he assisted us. No words can even come close to explaining how grateful we are, and what a difference it made to have him on our side.
Damian’s trauma insurance paid a significant lump sum on the claim. That alleviated financial pressure that would have otherwise compounded the stress of this difficult time. It meant we could pay off our mortgage and be flexible with work commitments. It also meant we were in a better position to fully focus on Damian’s recovery. Thankfully, Damian has responded very positively to immunotherapy called Keytruda that works with his immune system. He has just completed two years of treatment and is currently clear of all cancer. We are excited about a good future ahead of us.
In telling our story we hope that others will be aware of how quickly life can change, and of the immense value in having good insurance in place. We hope that our recommendation of Alistair as an outstanding advisor and a genuinely kind and caring person, gives others the confidence to talk with him, and to benefit from his insight and knowledge. We highly recommend that you do.
Sue O'Connor & Damian Malloy
Auckland
“As difficult as the heart surgery was, there was never a concern around the insurance or finances. The claim was managed in a streamlined manner and was overall an incredibly positive experience.”
A good insurance broker earns their keep at the time of claim; Alistair’s that guy, someone you can rely on to be there when it counts. At BDO we know this from experience; he’s passionate in the way he conducts business and we really feel like he’s on our team. I initially met Alistair in 2007 when I joined BDO. My previous broker had on-sold his business and the new provider left me feeling more like a number than a person. Alistair was the exact opposite; he took time to understand my requirements and to set the right policies in place.
In 2017, during a routine medical examination, it was discovered that I had a leaky aortic valve. Effectively, I was a ticking time-bomb, and when medication failed to be effective open-heart surgery was my only option. The insurance I had put in place with Alistair played out exactly as it should, and Alistair was immediately on-board ensuring it did. He liaised on my behalf with AIA (then Sovereign) and took care of the myriad of paperwork, ensuring I received everything for which I was covered. This meant that Medical Insurance took care of the significant cost of the surgery, Personal Income Insurance and Personal Trauma Insurance ensured my family’s financial wellbeing remained consistent, taking stress off my wife (she’s a big fan of Alistair’s now too!). Personal Trauma Insurance also provided cardio rehabilitation which gave me confidence to gradually start exercising. BDO also had trauma cover for me as Managing Partner, so the firm was not adversely affected by my 10 weeks of downtime.
In 2018, BDO Wellington requested a review of options for our new group medical scheme for our 130 staff. As our broker, Alistair facilitated the development of a tailored medical scheme that offered our staff and their families the high quality, robust cover they so deserve and appreciate. Alistair got us three quotes and we settled on Accuro, implementing it in 2019.
Throughout my dealings with Alistair, both as a broker to the firm and personally in making a claim, he has been an absolute pleasure to deal with. As difficult as the heart surgery was, there was never a concern around the insurance or finances. The claim was managed in a streamlined manner and was overall an incredibly positive experience. I felt very supported and couldn’t fault the process at all. I’m now back on my bike and running the hills again. Without a doubt, I’d recommend Alistair in a heart-beat!
Mark Bewley - Managing Partner
BDO Chartered Accountants
Wellington
“Throughout the ups-and-downs of recovery it’s been such a relief to know that our livelihood has been covered. The right insurance has given us confidence and peace of mind that the best outcome will be achieved.”
As small business owners, my husband Kevin and I were referred to Alistair by our accountant at Marshall and Heaphy. We found Alistair extremely easy to talk to and it was obvious that his product knowledge was extensive. We had a very open and honest conversation with him about our needs, and that’s what started the journey for us. We liked how he talked on our wavelength; with examples we directly related to. He was genuinely interested in us and the implications that an accident or illness could have on our lives and business. He helped us identify areas where we were exposed to risk. He was also conscientious to ensure affordability came into the equation. We felt very confident proceeding with his recommendations. It included life cover, income and mortgage protection, and trauma. Little did we know that we’d be calling on it within five years!
As a bricklayer, Kevin’s enthusiasm and passion has been the driving force behind the success of his own business since the age of 19. When an accident occurred in his 50's it necessitated a claim on our insurance. We never really thought a situation like this would occur, but the best decision we had made in hindsight, was to proceed with Alistair’s well-structured recommendations.
Throughout the ups-and-downs of recovery it’s been such a relief to know that our livelihood has been covered. The right insurance has given us confidence and peace of mind that the best outcome will be achieved. Throughout our dealings with Alistair he has shown integrity, compassion, professionalism (and humour). Alistair is not only a valuable asset to the insurance industry; he has also been an invaluable person to us. Our recommendation comes from the heart.
Lynda and Kevin Tucker
Greymouth
“The frustration and psychological beating that goes with something like this is a huge hurdle, but I know without a doubt that I’ve been fortunate to have income protection insurance, and what a difference that has made.”
Medical events like my spinal stroke simply happen out of the blue. There’s nothing I could have done to avoid it, but having the right insurance in place was, in hindsight, the best thing I had done.
I’d always lived my life at full speed; I never got sick and I’d never been in hospital – so when I found myself in a wheelchair at 49 - I was nothing short of devastated. There hadn’t been any warning signs; I simply got up from a chair in June of 2017 and experienced a spontaneous spinal stroke that left me unable to walk and with severely limited arm and hand movements. I had my 50th birthday two weeks later, in the hospital, far, far from where I’d imagined I’d be on my 50th . Seeing my own reflection in the window of the Burwood Spinal Unit, I realised I wasn’t indestructible, this sort of thing can happen to anyone, at any time.
It’s taken five months to regain my mobility and to learn to walk again. The frustration and psychological beating that goes with something like this is a huge hurdle, but I know without a doubt that I’ve been fortunate to have income protection insurance, and what a difference that has made. It was something I’d set up through Alistair Holt Ltd 15 years prior and reviewed periodically with him to ensure it remained relevant as my accountancy career evolved.
When the stroke happened, Alistair took over the management of my claim immediately. His perspective and wisdom about the impact of my condition on my business and on my family were absolutely amazing. His advice at the time was invaluable. He was available to us anytime, answering whatever questions we had, and he handled all the conversations and paperwork with the insurance provider. He ensured I received the full policy entitlement which included a significant lump sum payment whilst in the hospital and income cover whilst off work. It meant I could focus on the challenging new job of getting out of the wheelchair, with the assurance that our family remained financially secure. It also meant my wife could take time out from her work to support me, and that our daughter was assured that Dad was positive and focussed on getting better. Insurance can’t fix a medical problem, but it certainly alleviates financial stress and gives choices about how the recovery is handled. I was fully supported to optimise the recovery phase with extra physiotherapy and occupational therapy also available through insurance. I never felt pressured, only encouraged, to take whatever time I needed to get back on my feet.
I am now back at work full-time. A little older, a lot wiser, and certainly looking forward to celebrating my 51st in grand style. Alistair has without a doubt been the single most supportive person throughout this experience and we are incredibly grateful for his remarkable service.
Roger Shackelford - Partner
Staples Rodway Chartered Accountants
Wellington
“We have every confidence in his ability to undertake a thorough business risk analysis and to advise appropriately.”
Alistair Holt has been engaged by McLaren Guise Associates to carry out insurance and financial planning on our behalf, over the past twenty years. We consult with him to determine the right type and amount of insurance cover required for us and our business, and also refer clients to him when their need for insurance advice arises. We have every confidence in his ability to undertake a thorough business risk analysis and to advise appropriately.
Alistair has a good understanding of both the insurance industry and the commercial world in which he and his clients operate. He has an extensive tool chest of insurance products and aims to tailor a package to suit specific need. Alistair implemented shareholder cover for us at McLaren Guise and recommended personal policies in terms of life and income protection.
Although we have never actually made a claim, the insurance has always been there in the background. It provides a level of financial security for us, for our families, and also for the twenty employees who rely on us to continue operating the business. The aim has always been that should a crisis arise there is a plan and funds available to resolve the issue. We believe it is all about risk management whereupon eventually you will call upon cover at some point in your life.
I have always found Alistair very willing to engage in robust debate, and consider him to be a very sincere person.
Richard Guise - Director
McLaren Guise Associates Ltd - Chartered Accountants
Auckland
“A double lung transplant isn’t what anyone plans for. I was in my early 40s. I thought I was bullet proof.”
Truth was, I’d been making excuses for my low energy levels for a long time but I knew something was wrong. By the time I went for assessment my lungs had collapsed and were only functioning at 30%. When they dropped to 12% I was put on a waiting list for a transplant, then in February 2009 I got the call.
The next day I was on the operating table. Things did not go well, one lung was infected and I contracted a superbug. I was in hospital for 8 months post transplant due to various infections and other issues that arose. As a small business owner, unable to work, away from home and supporting a family, I was immensely relieved to have insurance in place. Alistair’s foresight and experience had matched me up with a policy that was exactly suited for me. When I made the claim Alistair advocated on my behalf when I was least capable of doing so. My situation was quite complicated and didn’t fit all the tidy boxes but Alistair sorted it. I cannot imagine how difficult things would have been without this support and the insurance to draw upon. It took a huge problem off my plate.
Insurance continues to support my recovery as I am now only able to work 2 – 3 hours a day; rehabilitation is ongoing and I’m only ever one cold away from the possibility of ending up in hospital again. Alistair keeps in contact with me about my needs and how the insurance policy is working for me. There’s no financial benefit in that for him, he’s just totally professional. I’ll admit he tells bad jokes so he’s not perfect; but the amount of dedication and care he has shown is absolutely commendable. He understands people and he understands insurance—and that’s the very best mix to have on your side when it's needed.
Michael Burry - Director
TLC IT
Christchurch
“Alistair has been a professional colleague for over 10 years. He has indepth specialist knowledge of insurance products that are designed to protect business owners’, and this makes him an integral part of the individual Buy/Sell Agreements we construct for companies and partnerships.”
Alistair is very focussed on his role and has a multidisciplinary approach. He understands the complex needs of shareholders and business owners and has the skills to liaise on a very professional level with the client’s accountant and ourselves as lawyers to ensure the best outcome for the client. Constructing a Buy/Sell Agreement that will effectively support a business in the event of death, illness, trauma or injury to a shareholder is a complex process. Alistair is like the hub of the wheel that ensures all parties are on-board. He’s proactive in keeping things moving forward and bringing the process to a conclusion.
Alistair’s extensive experience ensures the policy and legal arrangements underpinning the Buy/Sell Agreement are set up so that should a claim be made, the policy will respond effectively and meet the expectations of the client. Alistair is very thorough in the initial set-up and from a practical sense ensures all bases are covered. As a broker he has a very good relationship with the underwriters of the policies so that in the event of a claim, it is actioned quickly and efficiently.
On a personal level I have always enjoyed Alistair’s outgoing and friendly style. He is a person of high integrity who is very honourable in his work and in the best interests of his clients.
Simon Price, L.L.B - Partner
Malley & Co Lawyers
Christchurch
“Our clients are busy people who want to ‘set and forget’, so getting it right is imperative.”
Alistair is very focussed on his role and has a multidisciplinary approach. He understands the complex needs of shareholders and business owners and has the skills to liaise on a very professional level with the client’s accountant and ourselves as lawyers to ensure the best outcome for the client. Constructing a Buy/Sell Agreement that will effectively support a business in the event of death, illness, trauma or injury to a shareholder is a complex process. Alistair is like the hub of the wheel that ensures all parties are on-board. He’s proactive in keeping things moving forward and bringing the process to a conclusion.
Alistair’s extensive experience ensures the policy and legal arrangements underpinning the Buy/Sell Agreement are set up so that should a claim be made, the policy will respond effectively and meet the expectations of the client. Alistair is very thorough in the initial set-up and from a practical sense ensures all bases are covered. As a broker he has a very good relationship with the underwriters of the policies so that in the event of a claim, it is actioned quickly and efficiently.
On a personal level I have always enjoyed Alistair’s outgoing and friendly style. He is a person of high integrity who is very honourable in his work and in the best interests of his clients.
Steve Sudbury - Director
Sudbury & Co, Chartered Accountants
Whangarei
“There was a lot going on with one partner undergoing chemotherapy, and a business to operate… this very difficult time was managed in a way that supported both the practice and my business partner.”
My business partner was diagnosed with cancer, aged 42. From the moment it became likely that there would be a claim, Alistair worked closely with us all. He guided us through the claim process and liaised between us, the insurer and our solicitors. There was a lot going on with one partner undergoing chemotherapy, and a business to operate, however with the foresight of the Buy/Sell Agreement and the use of insurance funds, this very difficult time was managed in a way that supported both the practice and my business partner, just as we had agreed 10 years earlier. The insurances gave us choices which we would not otherwise have had. My business partner was able to focus on his treatment and the well-being of his young family, and the practice was able to continue operating and to pay out the funds for his shareholding.
If we hadn’t spent time up-front strategising with Alistair, and getting the right agreements and insurances in place, we might not have had the right level of cover or the right type. Alistair’s expertise in working with business people enabled us to have the right cover. His experience in handling claims and what happens when things go wrong meant the insurance performed exactly how it was needed and covered all practicalities. It alleviated financial stress for everyone involved, at an already stressful time.
Alistair is a conscientious professional. Just as we are professional, we like to work with advisers that display those same qualities.
Toni Owen - Managing Partner
Focus Chartered Accountants
Whakatane
“Having the right insurance in place is also assisting me with transitioning back into my work as a Lead Partner for KPMG.”
Ill health certainly wasn’t on my agenda when, as a result of knee re-alignment surgery at 51, I developed life threatening deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. Like most people I didn’t see it coming, but no one’s immune to these things and I’ve had to deal with ongoing medical complications which eventually lead to 6 months off work.
Fortunately, I’ve had the back-up of exceptionally good insurance cover which Alistair put in place when he began acting for me 8 years ago. With my wife, family and firm to support me, the income protection insurance has provided the financial resources to ensure the family’s lifestyle remains consistent whilst I focus on recovery. Thanks to this insurance, my stress-levels during this very difficult time have been well managed.
Alistair has been extremely professional and supportive throughout this process, always responsive to our questions and in clarifying the fine print. His skill and knowledge base in setting us up with the right type and amount of cover initially, meant things have run smoothly when we needed to claim. He’s been a great intermediary to have on our side. His personal commitment to getting the best outcome for us, together with his good communication skills have certainly met and exceeded our expectations.
Having the right insurance in place is also assisting me with transitioning back into my work as a Lead Partner for KPMG. The insurance claim allows for me to go back in stages as I recover and for the on-going support of both an Occupational Therapist and Medical Physiologist.
Shaun Adams - Lead Partner
Restructuring and Insolvency Services, KPMG
Auckland
“Simply put it gives everyone involved choices. That could mean time out to focus on recovery, bringing in someone else at a senior level, or paying out a shareholding.”
Anticipating the best but preparing for the worst is just good business sense. It’s the kind of advice we not only give to our clients, but also put into practice for our own accountancy firm. By being proactive with insurance we are prepared for worst case scenarios that could affect either director from continuing to work. Alistair Holt Ltd is the company we refer to for expertise in this type of insurance.
Alistair has a genuine understanding of our needs as business owners, and of our desire to protect and provide for our families should anything adverse occur on the health front. With his advice we’ve implemented a Shareholder Buy/Sell Agreement that is underpinned by insurance. The agreement defines how insurance monies would be applied if a claim is made. We also have a Stakeholder Agreement which appoints an independent stakeholder to facilitate the insurance proceeds as determined in the Buy/Sell Agreement. Simply put it gives everyone involved choices. That could mean time out to focus on recovery, bringing in someone else at a senior level, or paying out a shareholding. It also makes it easier on families which is very important too.
I often recommend clients review their insurance needs with Alistair because I know he’s 100% professional and that he’ll give them advice that is totally honest. If they don’t need to make any changes he’ll say as much, or if they do, he’ll make positive suggestions that will work in their best interests to secure their financial future.
Sue Merriman - Managing Partner
Marshall & Heaphy Ltd, Chartered Accountants
Greymouth
“I personally wasn’t big on the idea of insurances at that time, and quite frankly thought it was a bit unnecessary.”
As Managing Director of MBD Contracting, a privately owned civil construction company based on the West Coast of the South Island, I run a crew of 28 employees specialising in road works, bulk earthmoving and rail maintenance. We first met Alistair about 4 years ago as a team of four directors. I personally wasn’t big on the idea of insurances at that time and frankly thought it was a bit unnecessary. On Alistair’s advice however, we put in place a Shareholders Agreement and life insurances for each of the directors. Little did we know that within a year we’d be using the Shareholders Agreement to guide us through the exiting of one of the directors, and then within another year a second director would be claiming life insurance when diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was a very tense time for everyone. Having the right insurance and a Shareholders Agreement in place made a huge difference. There would have been a lot more stress, heartache and financial difficulties if we hadn’t. The life insurance paid out on the initial diagnosis of the cancer which gave the recipient and his family more certainty about their financial future. With the Shareholders Agreement in place, the company had a pre-determined process around how the shareholding was managed, and the policy provided the financial resources to pay out the shareholding. We could carry on with the business. Alistair’s support during this time was very reassuring and extremely efficient.
I’m now a real convert to the benefits of insurance. It would have been a very different story for our company, our families, and our employees if we hadn’t of had the right insurance and Shareholder Agreement in place. We’re very grateful that Alistair got us on-board when he did, and that he had the foresight to structure everything so it was spot on when needed. Alistair’s very knowledgeable and thorough; he knows what’s needed for a business to survive the inevitable ups and downs that happen in life. We highly recommend him.
Darren Richardson - Managing Partner
MBD Contracting Ltd
Greymouth
“Alistair provides real life examples to help me understand risk assessment and to make pro-active decisions around how I would like things managed should an insurance claim be necessary.”
Alistair lives and breathes insurance, so I know I’m getting up to the minute, good, sound advice from him. He’s been my personal insurance broker for over ten years, and I’m very secure and confident in his abilities and in his approach. He’s a professional, and as such maintains a loyal and sustainable client base.
Over the years, as my professional and personal circumstances have chopped and changed, Alistair has remained a valued adviser who has grown with me. He readily provides real life examples to help me understand risk assessment and to make pro-active decisions around how I would like things managed should an insurance claim be necessary. He keeps in touch regularly to ensure my needs are the right fit for what’s currently happening in my life, and he maintains a big picture approach for my best interests over the long term. There has never been any churning of policies through different providers. Alistair remains loyal to the incumbent provider because that is what supports his clients best, and I respect that. Alistair is an affable character, a very real person, and a person of integrity. He’s neither aloof nor arrogant, but personable and a straight-up operator, which funnily enough is a very rare breed.
Andrew Spencer
Spencers Chartered Accountants & Advisers Ltd
Auckland
“We’ve got a solid structure in place to support the business through the invariable ups and downs of life.”
There aren’t many people who I’d unequivocally recommend when it comes to people’s personal well-being and finances, but Alistair is certainly one of them. I trust him implicitly as a business adviser, and wouldn’t think twice about referring him to anyone.
I met Alistair 20 years ago, initially for life insurance. Over the years this has grown, as my business needs have evolved with various expansions and joint ventures. Logging transport is well known as an industry of high risk and high cash flow, where there’s a lot of capital on the line also. Alistair has been a valued business adviser over the years. He’s taken the lead in guiding us through the process of setting up a Shareholder Agreement, Buy/Sell Agreement, and with succession planning. It probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise. We’ve got 80 staff depending on us to get it right, and Alistair has been instrumental in ensuring we do. Thanks to him we’ve got “We’ve got a solid structure in place to support the business through the invariable ups and downs of life.” a solid structure in place to support the business through the inevitable ups and downs of life. He’s also been a huge help with personal insurances, the family estate, and in advising on retirement planning and investments.
Alistair adds value where a lot of people in the insurance industry don’t, or simply can’t. As an Authorised Financial Adviser he makes us aware of any legal ramifications and limitations of his advice, and makes sure we have a thorough understanding of what we’re putting in place.
Alistair’s track record is impressive and it speaks for itself, but at the end of the day he treats everyone the same no matter who they are. He’s extremely conscientious and would never sell anyone something they couldn’t afford. He also keeps in touch regularly and shows a genuine interest and understanding of our business. He’s often in the area so we sit down and review things several times a year.
Warwick Wilshier, Managing Director
Williams & Wilshier Transport, Rotorua & Paragon Haulage
Gisborne
“Alistair has clearly demonstrated his knowledge of the insurance industry and has made the policy relevant to a professional services firm like BDO.”
Alistair Holt Ltd has acted as an insurance adviser for the BDO Group since 1998. The BDO Group policy has been specifically structured for BDO needs with the assistance and support of Alistair. Alistair has clearly demonstrated his knowledge of the insurance industry and has made the policy relevant to a professional services firm like BDO. He has always acted in our best interests, keeping us current and providing new options should we need to consider them. When claims have been made, Alistair has managed them professionally and in a timely manner, including facilitating early pay-outs on a policy when appropriate. This has been hugely beneficial. Alistair is a broker who gets results promptly. He demonstrates a genuine understanding of people’s needs which has helped alleviate stress and pressure in difficult circumstances.
Personally, I have used Alistair Holt Ltd for my own insurance requirements and have always found him to be informative and easy to get along with. He provides good follow up relevant to my insurance requirements. I have personally recommended him and have no hesitation in continuing to do so.
David O’Connor, Chairman
BDO New Zealand
Auckland