Two years ago, Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods left devastation in their wake, creating one of the biggest challenges rural New Zealand has ever faced.
As communities rebuilt, FMG stood shoulder to shoulder with its clients, paying out over $300 million in claims—the largest response in its 120-year history. But as time passes, the true story isn’t just about the claims processed or the numbers recorded.
It’s about how a New Zealand-based mutual, built on the strength of its members, was uniquely positioned to provide support beyond financial assistance. It’s about resilience, connection, and how communities came together to weather the storm and rebuild stronger than before.
The Upton’s property after Cyclone Gabrielle
Two years on, the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods is still felt, but so too is the strength of the communities that endured them.
Recovery Manager Jacqui McIntosh says FMG continues to invest in its members, ensuring that rural New Zealand remains resilient in the face of future challenges.
“We don’t just exist to pay claims; we exist to support and strengthen rural New Zealand, and when the worst happens, we’ll be there. You could say it’s been a tough time for many. But looking back, what stands out is not just the challenges but how people pulled together. Farmers, growers, rural businesses, everyone played a role. And as a mutual, our role was clear: to make sure our clients could get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”
FMG’s approach extended far beyond managing claims. It was about listening, understanding, and ensuring those affected felt supported.
One employee remembers the empathy needed in the days and weeks following the events. “I vividly remember a client walking through our office doors. He just looked devastated. He didn’t know what to do or how to comprehend what had happened to him. He just said, ‘I’ve lost everything. I need help.’ And that’s exactly why we’re here.”
In the months following, FMG launched ‘Dinner on Us,’ which donated family-sized frozen meals to Farmlands stores across Gisborne and Wairoa that were handed out to those in need; they also supported Farmstrong’s ‘Getting Through’ book, collecting stories and learnings from farmers and growers who faced the devastation head-on.
Then, as time passed and people got back on their feet, they partnered with Farmstrong to deliver 12 comedy shows across some of the hardest-hit rural regions. These events gave farmers and their families a much-needed chance to step away from the stress, connect with their communities, and simply share a laugh.
FMG Rural Manager Annabelle Gourlie delivers meals in Matawai
These initiatives, along with the in-person support, saw the company awarded the Cooperative/Mutual of the Year at the Cooperative Business New Zealand Awards. Jacqui says this acknowledgment recognises the dedication of the FMG team. “Our employees live and breathe FMG’s values, promising to be there for our clients and members in the good times and the bad.”
Unlike traditional insurers, FMG’s mutual structure means every dollar of profit is reinvested back into its members and the wider rural community. In the 2023/24 financial year, FMG recorded a $76.7 million after-tax profit, a stark contrast to the previous year’s $17.5 million loss, largely due to the catastrophic weather events.
Jacqui says this recovery allows FMG to continue to strengthen its financial position, ensuring it remains ready for the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. “2023 was a year to forget, a year to reflect, and most certainly a year to learn from.
This is especially important when it comes to ensuring your property is well insured and that you understand how that insurance will work for you when the very worst happens.”
Greg and Hamish – Family Finds a Way
About FMG
Formed by farmers for farmers 120 years ago, FMG is New Zealand’s leading rural insurer providing risk advice and insurance solutions for farmers, growers, commercial businesses, the lifestyle sector, and residential clients.
They are proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated and their focus is on helping their clients to achieve their goals.
As a mutual organisation, FMG is all about giving rural New Zealanders a better deal, and part of this involves reinvesting all profits back into the business and its communities to keep premiums as low as possible and ensure the future sustainability of the organisation.
