120 years through thick and thin

In March 1905, Otago Farmers' Union Mutual Fire Insurance Association, which would later become known as Farmers' Mutual Insurance Association, first accepted proposals and began selling insurance.

"The idea of becoming a mutual quickly caught on, with associations emerging in Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawke's Bay. This marked the beginning of a new era in rural insurance."

"It was also the very beginning of the business we are now, 120 years later," says FMG chief executive Adam Heath.

In the 1970s, these Mutuals started combining to form stronger organisations that could offer more products and in 1978, Farmers’ Mutual Group was established from a base in Palmerston North.

“We’ve seen two world wars, the rise of computer technology and artificial intelligence, major earthquakes and floods and more recently, the confronting nature of increasing climatic events on the planet," Heath says.

120 years is no mean feat for a business and Heath says it is no accident that the company has got to where it's at.

“Our country’s history reveals a primary sector that has always challenged the status quo, teamed up to pool resources, shared knowledge and capability and created something special. We are a product of this sector and mindset, borne from farmers and growers for farmers and growers," he says.

"We’ve watched our clients grow and evolve their businesses, purchase their first homes and begin families," he adds. "We’ve been there for the burglaries and the fender benders, and we were there for the life changing devastation of the Napier, Edgcumbe, Canterbury, Kaikōura earthquakes and Cyclones Bola and Gabrielle. These highs and lows have shaped FMG into what it is today."

The Mutual has seen a few iterations in its time but has remained true to its provincial origins, with 32 offices around the country and employees talking to farmers and growers every day.

You can still find FMG in Otago, where it all started. However, now the company offers insurance to both town and country with Commercial, Residential, Lifestyle and Life and Health options.

“One thing has not changed, and that’s putting our clients right when it has all gone wrong. We’ve been here for 120 years, and we intend to be here for another 120 more,” Heath concludes.