FSC Awards 2025 finalists announced: innovation and ESG sector leadership on the rise

The Financial Services Council of New Zealand is pleased to announce the finalists for the FSC Awards 2025, celebrating excellence, innovation, and community impact across the financial services sector.

“This past year has brought economic challenges, but the resilience and commitment of our sector shine through,” said FSC CEO Kirk Hope. “The popularity of the Contribution to Community, Innovation, and Team of the Year categories reflects our collective drive to support New Zealanders and grow together.” 

Finalists in the Contribution to Community and Innovation categories exemplify how financial services can directly grow the financial wellbeing of Kiwi communities. 

“We congratulate all entrants and finalists for their outstanding work. The judging panel faced a tough but inspiring task in selecting from such high-quality entries,” Mr Hope added. 

The winners will be announced at the FSC Awards Dinner on Thursday 11 September, during the final night of the FSC25 Conference: Transforming for Tomorrow. Tickets can be purchased here.

The event will feature a keynote address from Hon Scott Simpson, Minister for ACC and Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

The FSC Awards Dinner is proudly sponsored by PwC New Zealand. 

FSC Awards 2025 Finalist List

Contribution to Community Award – sponsored by PwC New Zealand 

• Milford Foundation, Milford Asset Management: The Milford Foundation has granted over $8 million to charity partners, with another $8.6 million set to grow for future giving. The Milford Foundation also sponsors 46 undergraduate students and raised $242K for Cyclone Gabrielle relief. 

• Banqer High Sponsorship, Partners Life: Partners Life collaborated with Banqer to develop the 'Banqer High Personal Risk Insurance Expansion', a high school insurance education module to teach students risk management and protection. Partners Life funds $100K annually, helping 750 students access Banqer High free or at a reduced cost. 

• Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga: Since 1987, this iwi organisation has helped whānau thrive. Partnered with Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission and Te Puni Kōkiri in Sorted Kāinga Ora, this by-Māori, for Māori initiative empowered 2,500+ Māori households with financial skills and home ownership pathways via a culturally rooted, community-led model. 

• Family Violence Economic Harm Service, Good Shepherd New Zealand: Provides support service to victims of economic abuse linked to family violence. Every $1 invested delivers $3.49 in measurable social value.  

• Simplicity Foundation: Tackles environmental, youth, and community challenges with $9.7 million in grassroots giving. Member-driven impact includes forest planting, food rescue, and youth employment support - with annual voting on Christmas charity grants. 

Emerging Trailblazer Award – sponsored by Swiss Re 

• Anita Los’e: Head of Group Life, Fidelity Life 
• Henry Wiseman: Actuarial Insights Manager, Partners Life
• Tim Elliot: Head of Insurance Enablement, Fidelity Life 
• Zoë Robinson: Head of International Visitors, nib New Zealand 

Excellence in ESG Award – sponsored by PwC New Zealand 

• BT Funds Management NZ: BT, as a part of Westpac NZ, is committed to net zero emissions by 2050. Its Sustainable Investment Policy spans four pillars - exclusions (e.g., weapons, tobacco, fossil fuels), ESG integration, stewardship, and climate solutions—guiding its active, responsible investment approach. 

• ANZ New Zealand: ANZ’s 2025 initiative deepens efforts to prevent modern slavery across operations and lending. A pilot at Hastings Branch equipped frontline staff to support 5,000+ migrant workers and businesses in high-risk sectors, with 91% of participants reporting stronger awareness and response skills. 

Workplace Savings Award

• Alan Langford: Trustee, Reserve Bank of New Zealand Staff Superannuation & Provident Plan 
• John Crossman: Chair of Directors, Shell New Zealand Pensions Limited

Innovation of the Year Award – sponsored by PwC New Zealand 

• MAS: Preventative Health Programme, where MAS introduced breast and bowel cancer screening for members and staff who don’t meet age requirements for free screening in the public health system. 

• Simfuni: Policy Activation System (PAS) API, designed to relieve the burden of legacy administration systems to make way for real-time connectivity and visibility across the entire insurance lifecycle. 

• Lifetime Retirement Income: Lifetime Home, New Zealand’s first and only debt-free home equity release product, offering a fresh approach to retirement income. 

• nib New Zealand: my nib digital health app, empowers members to manage their policies and wellbeing through new features like Balance and Symptom Checker, providing proactive health guidance and easing pressure on the public system. 

• AIA New Zealand: contact centre modernisation project, which retired outdated systems for a seamless upgrade to Genesys Cloud and Salesforce CX Cloud, streamlining service and improving experience. 

Excellence in Wellbeing & Inclusion Award – sponsored by Swiss Re 

• AIA New Zealand  
• Partners Life
• Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Whai Rawa

 Team of the Year Award – sponsored by PwC New Zealand 

• Corporate Trustee Services - Supervision Team, Public Trust 
• Adviser Learning Transformation Team, Southern Cross Health Insurance 
• Commercial Team, Fidelity Life

Chair’s Award for Service to the Industry 

• Gail Costa: Former Chief Executive Officer, Chubb Life Insurance New Zealand
• Trisha Edmonds: Former Head of Distribution, ANZ Investments

ENDS 

Notes:

• View the full conference programme here. 
• For media passes to the Conference or to attend the FSC Awards Dinner, please contact esther.zhuang@fsc.org.nz. 
• Purchase tickets to attend the FSC25 Conference and FSC Awards Dinner here.