Graham Brown
I joined the Hazlett board in October 2015 and have been board chair since 2016. My background is in Agribusiness and Farm Accounting as a founder of Brown Glassford and Co based in Christchurch. Working with a strong team of very capable people whose aim is to deliver results for farmers has been the focus of my working career and is therefore a strong fit for my role as director of Hazlett Ltd. The farming sector faces unique challenges in relation to climate, fluctuating market prices, environmental and other regulations and those servicing the sector have to understand these issues and be able to deliver solutions. Hazlett does this by having a great team and a wonderful culture and it is a privilege to be involved.
Edward Sparrow
Ed joined the Hazlett board in March 2024. He is a commercial advisor and works with various businesses and corporates, helping them navigate change through growth and expansion. His background is in corporate banking and finance, having had leadership roles both in New Zealand and overseas. Ed has a passion to help businesses and has advised, managed and implemented multiple transactions across a broad range of clients and industries. Ed maintains a portfolio of interests, including undertaking commercial advisory and governance roles.
Angus Hazlett
Growing up as a child I always wanted to be part of the stock and station industry and join other family members who were involved in Hazlett. Whilst I enjoyed growing up in a number of different places all over New Zealand, my schooling was completed in Canterbury. Whilst my now wife Vicky and I made the move to the North Island as Hazlett continued to grow, I still call Canterbury home. I started my career in the industry in 2013 with another Livestock company before joining the Hazlett team at the end of 2016. I love playing my hockey in the winter and enjoy summer BBQ’s and a bit of boating over the warmer months.
Mike Lay
Rural business is close to my heart, having grown up on a farm and continuing to work closely with farming and agribusiness. I am a founder, owner, and Managing Director of a rural-based accounting firm in Canterbury and servicing clients throughout the South Island. I hold numerous directorships and bring extensive governance experience across education, commercial business, and sporting organisations. I am currently Chair of Canterbury Rugby and recently stepped down after more than five years on the Crusaders Board. I am a Chartered Fellow of both the Institute of Directors and Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
It is a privilege to have joined the Hazlett team, a business with a strong focus on its people and delivering exceptional service to its customers. Outside of governance and business, I am an avid sports fan. I am married to Pauline and we have three adult children.
Melanie Brooks
Mel took the helm of the Hazlett Team in February 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience in finance and banking, gained from over 18 years in the industry in New Zealand and abroad.
Most recently, she led MHV Water, one of New Zealand’s largest farmer-owned cooperative irrigation schemes, where she drove significant advancements in infrastructure automation and water security resilience. Reflecting on her seven and a half year tenure at MHV Water, Mel says, “I was privileged to witness firsthand the evolution of environmental best practices among our farmers and work closely to build resilience into our infrastructure network. I’m thrilled to join the talented and multi-disciplined Hazlett Team, whose expertise spans livestock, agronomy, funding, and insurance.”
When not leading the team, Mel loves spending time with her family – partner Chip and children Ollie and Toby. As an outdoor enthusiast, she makes the most of New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty, enjoying activities like hunting, water skiing, snorkelling, jet boating, and biking, alongside more traditional sports as a participant, volunteer and parent.
James Smith
James joined the Hazlett Insurance team in January 2021, having worked in insurance since 2008. He has had roles in major New Zealand and London-based brokers in disciplines including technical claims management, risk management, business analysis, broking team management and corporate-level broking.
Canterbury born and bred, James completed a commerce degree at Otago University and then worked in ACC before moving to his first insurance broking role in Wellington. He then spent six years in London with an independent broker in the corporate risk market.
Home beckoned however, and he returned to Wellington, taking a role in a major insurance company’s corporate team, but the draw of Canterbury was always strong, and he returned to take up a leadership role in a prominent brokerage. The Hazlett Insurance role provides a welcome opportunity, working in a smaller, high-service focused team dealing directly with large clients.
Anna Archbold
Growing up in the small rural community of Fairlie in South Canterbury, Anna spent her teenage years working holiday and after-school jobs in the rural sector. After high school Anna completed a Bachelor of Social Science at Lincoln University, and on completing this she took a role for a local Christchurch insurance broker in 2007, in which she stayed for 17 years.
Her broking experience is extensive and diverse, having undertaken commercial, domestic and rural broking and support, as well as delving into staff management, credit control and accounts.
Anna joined the team at Hazlett Insurance in January 2024, taking the role of Office & Compliance Manager. Outside of the office Anna enjoys sporting pursuits, including rugby, cricket and snowboarding, although she does mention that her participation in rugby is now much more from the sideline than it used to be!
Peter Buckley
Peter brought some 27 years of experience in the insurance industry to Hazlett Insurance when he joined in 2017, including 10 years in the United Kingdom in the Lloyds of London market as a broker. Canterbury born and bred, he originally started in the banking and finance industry here and then in Perth, followed by a couple of years working in the outback for a mining company client before he headed for the UK.
He also brought a deep appreciation of the worth of old-fashioned client service. His role now is almost entirely that of a rural specialist: “I like what I do and who I do it for.”
Peter has done a lot of sports coaching over the years – basketball, skiing and mountain biking. He is still a keen sportsman but “… more of a spectator these days.”
James Richards
James joined the Hazlett Insurance team in July 2020. Having grown up in Christchurch, captaining the 1stst XI at Christchurch Boys High School for two years and later graduating from Lincoln University, he took up a role as a business account manager and then a broker support role in a large brokerage. The opportunity to become a broker stayed out of reach however, so when a broker’s role at Hazlett came up, he leapt at the opportunity.
James started out providing cover for smaller businesses but progressed rapidly to the point where he is now servicing large commercial clients.
He has played rugby and cricket for most of his life and remains an avid sports fan; these days he enjoys playing golf. James has a son, Walter, born in 2023.
Jake Darling
Having grown up around farming in the Wairarapa, and also in Nelson, Jake moved south to study at Canterbury University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2014. He has lived in Christchurch ever since. He joined the Hazlett Insurance team in July 2021 after five years at another broking firm, where he worked primarily in the rural and commercial space.
Jake is now enjoying being part of the Hazlett Insurance team providing, as he says “… fit-for-purpose insurance solutions for clients.” He is still servicing both rural and commercial, and concentrates on building relationships in both sectors. He is an avid sportsman, playing cricket as well as “… hacking my way around the golf course.”
Croydon Roberts
In August 2022 Christchurch-based Atlas Insurance Brokers merged with Hazlett Insurance. Atlas had been operated since 1989 by Croydon and his father John. Croydon was attracted to Hazlett as he saw it, as well as having far greater back-office capacity, the business shares his own ethos of commitment to quality service and enduring client relationships.
It’s a case of full circle for Croydon. His career started in Hastings in the late 1970s with stock & station firm Dalgetys who moved him to Auckland. From there Croydon shifted to the head office of a large insurer of the day that, in turn, transferred him to Christchurch.
The most recent development sees him back working within a farm servicing organisation again – when he is not hunting and fishing on Stewart Island with his son, something they have been doing for many years.
Peter Gallagher
Peter joined the Hazlett Insurance team in September 2024. Before this, he was a senior broker with another large brokerage.
Peter has been working in the insurance industry since 2008. Over the years, he has held various roles with both insurers and brokers. His experience includes handling claims, working in underwriting, and engaging in business development.
Peter’s extensive background and diverse skill set make him a valuable asset to the Hazlett Insurance team. His commitment to the industry and his broad expertise ensures that he provides exceptional service to his clients.
Russell and Callum Forward
Russell has lived most of his life in the greater Christchurch area. He attended Christchurch Boys’ High School, is a qualified boilermaker welder, and currently lives in Rangiora with his wife, Katherine. He has been in the insurance industry since 1988—initially as a life insurance agent for National Mutual, then as an independent broker. In 1996, he founded Forward Planning Ltd.
Russell has played many sports, predominantly rugby for Burnside, and golf off single figures. He later transitioned to coaching kids’ rugby for the old Rangiora Rugby Club, and later, Saracens.
A keen motor racing enthusiast, Russell collects vintage cars and motorcycles. He is “Pop” to four grandchildren and a self-confessed “closet builder,” having built 12 homes over the past 40 years.
Forward Planning Ltd provides clients with access to life, health, and disability insurance, as well as a range of home, contents, car, business, and rural insurance products. Russell’s daughter, Kelsey, joined the business in 2011, followed by his son, Callum, in 2020.
In April 2025, Forward Planning partnered with Hazlett Insurance as a sub-agent. Kelsey is now employed directly by Hazlett, focusing exclusively on Forward Planning’s clients, while Callum and Russell continue to run Forward Planning from their offices. This partnership has proven to be a great fit, as both Forward Planning and Hazlett are family businesses with complementary philosophies.
Callum balances work with his passions for golf, hunting, cars, quads, motorcycles, and life on his small ranch in Sefton. He holds a New Zealand Diploma in Fire and General Insurance (Level 5) and is working towards the same qualification in life, health, and disability insurance during 2025 and 2026.
Kent Lloyd
Kent moved to Christchurch from Auckland in 2009 to study at Lincoln University where he gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree and joined Hazlett Insurance in March 2020 to take up the Claims Manager role.
Prior to this he spent five years emersed in the Vero claims team working on the substantial complexed challenges of the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes.
At Hazlett he is enjoying the opportunity to operate with clients on a more personal level, including on-farm if that is the best approach. His greatest satisfaction is in negotiating outstanding claims results.
When not working Kent enjoys his passion for following most sports and continues an active involvement in social football.
Silvana Ionita
Silvana hails from Romania. She moved with her parents and siblings to New Zealand in 2004.
She joined a large insurer in 2007, working firstly in data entry but progressively rising to more senior positions. Seven years later she joined a global insurance broking company as an account executive where she became hooked on insurance broking. She joined the Hazlett Insurance team in March 2019 as a broker sales support.
Continued personal and professional growth is a priority for Silvana. She enjoys assisting clients with their insurance needs and finding solutions that better suit their requirements.
Macee Cuthbertson
Macee moved to Christchurch in 2017 to study marketing at Lincoln University. After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce, she jumped into the insurance industry, working for a large insurer.
At Hazlett, she started as a broker support for a rural and commercial broker and has now transitioned to an associate broker role.
Macee enjoys meeting new clients, seeing what makes each business tick and assisting with tailored insurance packages to protect their interests.
Erin Henley
Erin joined the insurance industry in Christchurch in 2010 just before the Canterbury Earthquakes and was with a large broking company for 13 years. She is an experienced Broker Support who has a broad knowledge of insurance coverage from domestic and SME business to corporate accounts.
Erin completed a Diploma of Insurance Broking via ANZIFF (Australia New Zealand Institute of Insurance & Finance) and brings this knowledge and her previous experience to Hazlett, having joined our team in February 2024.
Erin enjoys supporting the team and strives to provide the best outcomes for clients.
Emma Batey
Emma grew up in Christchurch, attending Cashmere High School. She recently gained a Bachelor of Communication from Massey University.
Emma joined Hazlett in a newly formed role supporting James Richards. Emma already feels like a part of the team, bringing her great attention to detail to the role.
Outside of work you will find Emma playing and coaching football for Halswell United, or spending time with her family and friends.
Olivia Jack
Growing up on a deer and beef farm in South Canterbury and attending Timaru Girls’ High School, Olivia developed a strong connection to the rural community. She joined the Hazlett Insurance team in June 2025, supporting our Rural Brokers.
Olivia graduated from Lincoln University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture). While studying, she also worked part-time at KPMG as a Junior Advisor.
Now stepping into the insurance industry, Olivia is enthusiastic about serving the rural and commercial sectors through day-to-day interactions with clients.
Outside of work, Olivia is a keen equestrian, enjoys running, and values spending quality time with her friends and family.
Abby Wilkinson
Abby joined Hazlett in July 2025 as a Broker Support. Prior to this, she built a diverse skill set at a larger insurer, with a strong focus on domestic lines.
Born and raised in Christchurch, Abby brings both local insight and a personable approach to her role. She’s now excited to step into a new challenge supporting a commercial broker – leveraging her skills while continuing to grow within the industry.
In her spare time, she enjoys getting outdoors, travelling and spending time with her family and friends.
Tabatha Cook
Tabatha grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Hokitika on the West Coast before coming to Christchurch for boarding school. She attended Canterbury University and graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, double majoring in Public Health and Society and Policies.
Tabatha began her career in recruitment within the insurance sector, where her passion for working with people and understanding their needs quickly developed. After building a strong background in recruitment, career consulting, and management, she has now transitioned into insurance with Hazlett. She brings a people focused approach, along with a genuine desire to learn and grow within the insurance industry and a commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for her clients.