UNCOVERING THE HIDDEN RISKS IN CONSTRUCTION & INSURANCE

Greg Ellis

MC

Every time Greg picks up his tools to build anything, insurers should quake in their boots. So it’s a good thing he doesn’t build stuff for a living! Instead, Greg has been an award-winning comedian, entertainer, and event MC for over 30 years. In the name of keeping conference attendees entertained, he’s done everything from tandem bungy jumping with drunks to dressing in drag. He probably won’t be doing any of that today - but who knows? Greg is still recovering from a 4-month renovation that lasted almost 3 years. So, while he doesn’t know much about building things, he certainly knows how to renew his construction insurance.

Andy Thomson

Managing Director and Founder

MRICS, FQSi, FNZIQS, Registered QS and RICS Registered Valuer

Construction Cost Consultants

With over 35 years in the construction industry—13 of those in main contracting—Andy Thomson knows a thing or two about what it really costs to rebuild. As the founder of Construction Cost Consultants, he's helped reshape how insurers, brokers, and banks understand construction risk. Andy’s not your typical Quantity Surveyor. He's a Chartered Surveyor, a Registered QS, a Fellow of the NZIQS, an RICS Registered Valuer—and someone who genuinely enjoys turning complex rebuild conversations into clear, actionable insights. You might’ve heard him on one of our podcasts, where the chat swings between serious industry challenges and the occasional well-timed joke (usually at Brett’s expense). Whether he's speaking to a room full of brokers or debating rebuild values over a cuppa tea, Andy brings honesty, experience, and a genuine passion for fixing underinsurance—before it’s too late.

Dani Simpson

Homeowner

Waihi Beach resident Dani Simpson will share a compelling, real-life account of the devastating impact of underinsurance after her family home was struck by a tornado in February 2023. Dani’s presentation will take attendees through her family’s journey - from the initial shock of discovering a significant rebuild shortfall to the emotional and financial toll of navigating the insurance claims process. She will detail the unexpected vulnerabilities they faced, stating, “It wasn’t until the claim that we realised just how exposed we really were.” Dani’s story highlights the challenges of dealing with loss adjusters and insurers, including a six-month delay in payout due to a protracted dispute with the insurance assessor. Through her experience, Dani will illustrate how gaps in insurance cover and the complexities of the claims process can leave homeowners at risk, even when they believe they are protected. Her session will provide valuable lessons for insurance professionals, emphasising the importance of accurate rebuild valuations, clear communication, and proactive client education to prevent underinsurance. Dani’s insights will help industry professionals understand the real-world consequences of policy gaps and inspire them to better support clients before disaster strikes.

Alex Harris

Lead Quantity Surveyor

MRICS and MNZIQS

Construction Cost Consultants

With a sharp eye for detail and a global perspective, Alex Harris brings energy and expertise to every project he touches. A Chartered Quantity Surveyor and the Lead Quantity Surveyor at Construction Cost Consultants, Alex has worked across commercial, residential, retail, and infrastructure sectors, first in London, and now here in New Zealand, where he’s helped shape some of the country’s standout developments. Alex is known for his strategic mindset and hands-on leadership, guiding teams through the full construction lifecycle and helping clients make smart, value-driven decisions. At BEYOND THE BUILD, he’ll be lifting the lid on his side of Construction Cost Consultants, tackling current market pressures and opportunities, breaking down the latest in construction costs, and sharing practical lessons from the field, including how to sidestep common project pitfalls and why early Quantity Surveyor involvement can be a game-changer. Expect clear insights, real case studies, and a fresh take on how to navigate today’s construction landscape.

Nathan McCullum

Managing Director

TPW

Nathan McCullum is a former international cricketer who proudly represented New Zealand as a Black Cap across a successful sporting career that spanned over a decade. Since retiring from professional sport, Nathan has channelled his leadership, discipline, and team-first mentality into business, now serving as Managing Director and co-owner of TPW – one of Auckland’s leading commercial construction and roofing companies. Under his guidance, TPW has grown into a trusted partner for high-profile property funds and asset managers across Aotearoa. Nathan brings a unique perspective on teamwork, performance, and resilience – on and off the field.

Brett Parekura

General Manager

Construction Cost Consultants

Brett began his career as an Civil Engineering Cadet in the small Central Otago town of Alexandra. He moved on to major commercial projects across England, eventually starting a specialist company restoring historic buildings which went on to be one of the largest in the UK and Europe. After returning to New Zealand and post-Christchurch earthquakes, he joined Construction Cost Consultants—despite warning Andy he'd be the worst hire ever. Andy might agree… but Brett’s still here! With over 40 years in construction, including a strong focus on insurance rebuilds, Brett brings the same enthusiasm and execution to Construction Cost Consultants as he has throughout his diverse and colourful career.

Chris Brebner

Director

TPW

Chris Brebner is a seasoned leader in New Zealand’s construction and fire protection industries, with over 15 years of experience delivering complex projects across the commercial, industrial, and insurance sectors. Chris began his career in fire protection with Argus Fire Protection, where he spent over a decade managing national key accounts. During this time, he built deep expertise in compliance, building services integration, and the unique pressures facing clients across property, retail, and logistics. His ability to navigate technical risk, meet tight deadlines, and keep stakeholders aligned positioned him as a trusted partner across the country. Today, Chris is a Director of TPW – a rapidly growing construction firm specialising in commercial fit-outs, industrial refurbishments, roofing, and insurance reinstatement work. Under his leadership, TPW has become a preferred contractor for major property funds and asset managers, delivering projects ranging from minor make-goods to full-scale building restorations following fire, flood, and seismic events. At Beyond the Build, Chris will draw on his experience from both sides of the fence – as a fire protection expert and head contractor – to explore how the construction industry can better bridge the gap with insurance providers, loss adjustors, and project managers to deliver faster, smarter, and more collaborative outcomes post-claim.

Jax Wilson

Head of Personal Lines Portfolio

Ando

With 23 years of experience in the insurance industry, Jax Wilson has navigated a wide range of market, economic, and natural disaster challenges. Specializing in Personal Lines Insurance, Jax leads the Personal Lines Portfolio at Ando Insurance, where the company primarily serves the Broker Channel. A solutions-oriented professional with a deep passion for Personal Lines, Jax’s extensive career has encompassed significant events including earthquakes, the pandemic, flooding, and, regrettably, multiple instances of clients losing their homes to devastating house fires. These experiences have underscored for her the critical importance of not only having insurance but ensuring that New Zealanders are adequately and correctly covered. The adequacy of coverage can significantly influence clients’ experiences during claims and shape their overall perception of insurance. Jax advocates proactively addressing potential issues before claims arise by focusing on underinsurance, ensuring accurate sums insured, and obtaining proper valuations. She believes these measures are essential for achieving better insurance outcomes for clients. In her session, Jax will discuss the importance of sum insured adequacy, the value of professional valuations, and share insights on the challenges faced at claims time when clients are inadequately insured.