Cura Update - Autumn/Winter 2025

Cura Team News

It's starting to really cool down now and the heat pumps and fires are roaring.  We have had a lot going on at Cura over the last quarter.  If you've been past the office you will see we are under a massive white enclosure while we are having repairs done on the roof.  Thanks to Kelly Konstruct for doing this project for us.  Working in the middle of a construction zone has been like trying to hold a meeting in a blender at times, but the reward of having no leaks far outweighs the short term challenges we have had to adapt too (or Wayne would say we have just been girly).

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Cura Achievements

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news Wayne has officially qualified as a Financial Adviser!

With an impressive A- average across his tests and assignments, Wayne’s dedication and drive helped him power through the qualification process. He was eager to return to what he does best: connecting with people, building meaningful relationships and helping turn dreams into reality.  

Wayne’s true strengths lie in understanding both people and money and with that in mind, we officially launch Cura's new service offering to our clients: KiwiSaver and Managed Funds.  If you haven’t reviewed your KiwiSaver in a while, need help meeting your financial goals, or don’t know where to start with saving or investing your hard-earned money give the office a call and book an appointment to see Wayne.

He’s looking forward to meeting with you, and we can’t wait to see him thrive in this next chapter.

Congratulations, Wayne, we’re incredibly proud of you!

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Cura Events

Cura turned 5

We had an amazing first week of April celebrating Cura’s 5th birthday!!

Starting the business in Covid wasn’t ideal but we got through that challenge and others, and I couldn’t be prouder of where we are today. It has been humbling to see how many businesses sponsored an advert in the River City Press in support of us, also the amount of comments and congratulations we had on social media and in person.

The last 5 years has taught me a lot about resilience, taking risks and opportunities, but most importantly staying true to who I am and what Cura stands for.

I am fortunate to work with such an amazing team who are dedicated, positive and passionate about doing the right thing for our clients. Rebecca and Keadie, you are both the best teammates and I’m forever grateful for the hard work you put in daily. I couldn’t do my job without you.

Wayne, you are my rock of support and I can’t wait to see you smash some goals in the business this year! It is so much fun getting to work with you everyday.

I want to say a BIG thank you to our loyal clients, our networking partners, our friends and family, because without you, our Cura family wouldn’t be where it is today!

I look forward to the next 5 years!

Pink Ribbon Ladies Night

We held our annual Pink Ribbon ladies night on the 22nd May and raised $1600 for breast cancer research.  It was a great night with lots of laughs and bubbles.  A big thank you to our raffle sponsors, without your support we wouldn’t be able to raise as much as we do.

Financial & Insurance News

New Zealand has long valued a public health system built on fairness, access and care for all. But lately, more and more Kiwis are asking the same question: is the system improving, or are we losing ground?

From Pharmac delays to overburdened hospitals and cracks in ACC, the reality is unfortunately becoming quite clear; the public system can no longer guarantee timely treatment. And that leaves many of us exposed.

Here’s what’s happening, and why now is the time to seriously consider having medical insurance in place to cover the gaps (if you don’t already).

Pharmac: Great in theory, too slow in practice

Pharmac, the government agency responsible for funding medicines, is often praised internationally for keeping drug prices low. But in doing so, it's also been painfully slow to fund modern, life-changing treatments.

• Over 100 recommended medicines still unfunded
• Cancer and rare disease treatments often excluded
• Public frustration growing over delays and lack of access

What does this mean for you? If you're diagnosed with a condition that requires a medication not funded by Pharmac, the cost can be crippling, and without private medical, can leave you in a hard position of trying to self-fund, or not having access.

Public Hospitals: The growing wait-list issue

Our public hospitals are packed. Staff are stretched, operating theatres are backlogged and patients are waiting longer than ever for treatment.

• Elective surgery wait times can stretch to 12–18 months or more
• Many are being told their cases are not "urgent enough" – We are placed on a priority list
• Te Whatu Ora restructuring has yet to show clear results

Even if your condition affects your quality of life, you might be waiting far too long for surgery or specialist care. With private medical in place, you have the ability to bypass the queue and get seen promptly.

ACC

ACC does a great job when it comes to accidental injuries, but it does have its limits.

• Only covers accidents (not illness)
• Delays in approval and treatment are common
• Mental health and long-term conditions often fall through the cracks

So, if you’re diagnosed with something serious that’s not caused by an accident - like cancer, a heart condition or arthritis - ACC won't help. This is where your own private insurance will kick in.

Where does this leave things?

While the public system is doing its best, it’s under too much pressure to deliver on its own and cannot afford to be solely relied on.

• Funding gaps
• Staffing shortages
• More people needing care, with fewer resources to deliver it

Why private medical remains invaluable

Private medical cover gives you:

• Access to timely surgery and specialist care
• Cover for treatments not funded by Pharmac (please check your specific policy to ensure you have cover for this, as some do not provide this cover)
• Peace of mind when the public system can’t deliver fast enough

But we also understand that cost is a real concern for many families.

There are ways to make medical insurance more affordable.

• We can focus on the big-ticket items like surgery, hospitalisation and non-Pharmac drugs while trimming extras.
• We can adjust your excess to lower the cost.
• If you already have cover but it feels too expensive, let’s organise a review. We may be able to restructure your plan to suit your budget without compromising essential protection.

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Cura's Winter Wellness Tip

1. Winter wellness tip: Layer up just like your insurance. One thin policy won’t cut it when things get frosty.
2. Stay warm and review your investments both should be well-covered and protected from sudden chills.
3. Boost your immunity and your KiwiSaver future you will thank you for the flu shot and the compound interest.
4. Keep moving even if it’s just shifting your insurance to better cover your winter adventures (or slips on the driveway).
5. Stay financially fit this winter: balance your hot chocolate budget with a regular review of your cover. Peace of mind pairs nicely with marshmallows.

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👋 Let’s chat

If you're not covered, or you're unsure whether your current cover still suits your needs and budget, now is the time to take a closer look.

Get in touch with us we’ll walk you through the options, keep it simple, and make sure you’re protected where it matters most.