Five years ago, in the middle of a nationwide lockdown, Lockton New Zealand opened its doors with a bold vision: to build something different. Today, as the business celebrates its fifth anniversary, that vision remains as clear as ever.
Launched in September 2021, Lockton New Zealand began with a small team, immense ambition and a commitment to setting a new standard for clients across the country. For Lockton New Zealand CEO Craig Buckle, those early days were defined by a shared belief in what the team could achieve together.
"It was the ultimate trust fall and leap of faith," Craig recalls. "Starting a business with no income and no guarantees could have been daunting, but it wasn't. We had complete trust in the people around us and what we were trying to accomplish."
Despite launching during one of the most challenging periods in recent history, the team brought genuine enthusiasm and excitement to the opportunity ahead, supported by strong connections locally and backing from colleagues across the global Lockton business.
Staying True to the Vision
While much has changed over the past five years, Craig says the core vision has remained remarkably consistent.
"Lockton doesn't want to overcomplicate things. We've stayed focused on building the best culture, attracting the best people and delivering the best long-term outcomes for our clients."
That philosophy has guided the business through a period of significant growth, establishing Lockton New Zealand as a trusted adviser to organisations navigating an increasingly complex risk landscape.
When asked what he is most proud of, Craig's answer is immediate: the people.
"Being able to create, maintain and grow a superb team of dedicated insurance professionals. It's our people who have built credibility in the brand."
Building a Culture That Scales
Culture has been central to Lockton New Zealand's success from day one.
As the business has grown, Craig has deliberately focused on hiring talented individuals who bring diverse perspectives while aligning with the values that have shaped the organisation.
"As we grow, it's natural that there will be more diversity in thought, and that can be incredibly powerful when we remain open to new ideas and ways of doing things."
At the same time, maintaining a close-knit and supportive environment has remained a priority.
"It's always heartening to hear from new Associates that one of their first impressions is how welcoming and supportive the team is."
Asked what has impressed him most over the past five years, Craig points to the collective determination that has fuelled the company's growth.
"It's hard work building something from nothing. The effort the team has put into getting a new venture off the ground, while continuing to build and maintain momentum, has been truly extraordinary."
Helping Clients Navigate a Changing Risk Environment
Over the past five years, the risk environment facing New Zealand organisations has become increasingly complex.
From climate-related challenges such as flooding, storms and earthquakes, to supply chain disruption, geopolitical uncertainty and regulatory change, businesses are being asked to navigate an ever-wider range of interconnected risks.
Craig believes this is reinforcing the importance of trusted advice.
"There is absolutely still a place for an advice-based service model. The role of a broker goes far beyond transactional placement."
Instead, he sees brokers increasingly acting as strategic risk advisers, helping organisations better understand their exposures, improve resilience and make informed decisions about risk financing and insurance.
"The best brokers will bring together analytics, market knowledge, sector expertise and strong insurer relationships to help businesses anticipate emerging risks and respond with confidence."
For Craig, the most rewarding feedback from clients has been simple but meaningful.
"The quality of our people and their willingness to go the extra mile."
Expanding for the Future
2026 has been another important year for Lockton New Zealand, marked by the opening of a new office in Queenstown and plans for Wellington to follow next month.
While geographic expansion has long been part of the firm's growth strategy, Craig says people remain the driving force behind those decisions.
"Securing great talent has always been our top priority. We've been fortunate to bring exceptional people into the business in both Queenstown and Wellington, and they've been the catalyst for our expansion into those regions."
Looking ahead, Craig sees significant opportunities for continued growth.
"The opportunity in the areas where we believe we can add value is vast and largely untapped. We're investing now to support and drive our growth ambitions in New Zealand for the years ahead."
The Next Chapter
As Lockton New Zealand celebrates its fifth anniversary, Craig remains as energised by the future as he was in the beginning.
"We have only just begun. We are reinvesting to go again."
His priorities over the next 12 to 24 months are focused on creating the platform for the next phase of success while continuing to build a cohesive, collaborative team.
For those who have supported the business along the way, Craig has a simple message of gratitude.
"To the originals, thank you for your leap of faith. To the early adopters, thank you for trusting the vision for Lockton New Zealand. And to those who have recently joined us, thank you for the impact you will have as we look to the future."
Five years on from that lockdown launch, Lockton New Zealand's story is still being written. Built on trust, powered by people and focused on long-term value, the business enters its next chapter with the same ambition and optimism that inspired its beginnings.
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