ŌCHT communities benefit from innovative charitable insurance scheme
ŌCHT digital coach Cameron (right) has helped hundreds of ŌCHT tenants get connected safely, with funding assistance from the Insurance for Good charitable commercial insurance initiative.
A smarter approach to a necessary expense is unlocking new opportunities for ŌCHT tenants and communities .
A partnership between ŌCHT and Raizor is helping turn the routine business of insurance into lasting community benefit.
Through the Insurance for Good programme, ŌCHT has received more than $40,000 in donations to support its community engagement work — funding that’s helping deliver programmes which improve digital inclusion and wellbeing for hundreds of tenants.
ŌCHT’s community engagement lead Pollyanne Peña says the donations allow the Trust to go beyond the basics and deliver initiatives that build confidence, connection, and independence.
“Our aim in all our work is to empower tenants to live well in their homes,” Polly says.
“These donations support us in our mahi for our tenants and wider community.”
How Insurance for Good works
Insurance for Good is a charitable commercial insurance initiative developed by social enterprise Raizor, in partnership with Gallagher Insurance, one of New Zealand’s leading brokerage firms.
Every business that joins the programme donates 15% of Gallagher’s brokerage commission to a charity of their choice — every year they remain a client, and at no extra cost.
Raizor founder Jared Thomas says the model transforms a necessary business expense into something far more meaningful:
“When a business comes to us, we connect them with the most experienced Gallagher broker for their particular risk profile. That improves their advice, typically sharpens their pricing, and ensures their insurance cover is truly fit-for-purpose.”
“Then, when Gallagher is appointed, 15% of their brokerage commission is earmarked for the client’s chosen charity. It’s an ongoing, no-cost contribution that continues for as long as they remain a client.”
Since its launch, Insurance for Good has generated more than $1.7 million in ongoing donations, supporting over 50 charitable organisations throughout New Zealand.
Enduring community impact
ŌCHT digital coach Cameron (left) provides free one-on-one digital training for ŌCHT tenants, to help people make the most of opportunities online.
ŌCHT has received over $40,000 through the programme since Gallagher independently folded its commercial insurance policies into the initiative four years ago.
This flexible funding has been a game-changer for ŌCHT’s digital inclusion programme, which is improving historically low rates of internet access and engagement in tenant communities.
It’s helped expand access to the ŌCHT–Skinny Jump free internet programme, supported a full-time Digital Coach, and enabled over 100 digital drop-in sessions for tenants.
“Web access has grown to 70% from 41% in 2020,” Polly says.
“We’re tackling the skills and motivation gap to help tenants engage with online services — from health and education to banking, employment, and social connections. The difference to people’s confidence and wellbeing is huge.”
ŌCHT also provides free community-based digital training sessions targeted to the 35% of tenants aged 65 and over, and last year supported 212 individual tenants across those sessions.
It distributed 27 devices to digitally excluded tenants and supported 278 tenants to complete their annual survey online.
“Tenants report reduced stress knowing there is someone consistent, capable, and patient available to help,” Polly says.
“The service closes the skills and motivation gap, helping tenants achieve increased confidence and a better quality of life.”
A partnership that multiplies good
Jared says ŌCHT’s success perfectly demonstrates the purpose of Insurance for Good:
“It’s an insurance solution that produces visible results — better cover and advice for clients, and tangible community outcomes for charities.
By simply reviewing your insurance through the programme, your organisation can create ongoing, passive funding for any cause you care about — just like ŌCHT has.”
He adds that the model creates sustainable, long-term revenue for charities — funding that remains stable even when traditional corporate giving declines.
“It’s a snowball effect of ongoing good. A small change in how businesses manage their insurance can have an incredible ripple effect in the community.”
Be part of the change
If you’d like to explore how your organisation can turn a routine business cost into enduring community support, contact ŌCHT or visit Raizor Insurance to learn more.
