Team MBE

Electrical & Machinery Causation Specialist

martin.croucher@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
With a background spanning telecommunications, marine engineering, and loss adjusting, I’ve always been driven by the challenge of solving complex technical problems. My passion lies in understanding how things work—whether it’s the intricate systems of a ship or the automation behind power generation. Bringing this technical knowledge into the loss adjusting world allows me to assess claims with a deep understanding of engineering and design, ensuring fair and informed outcomes.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
I began my career as a telecommunications and radio technician, where I gained strong fault-finding and repair skills at the circuit board level. My move into marine engineering led me to ship and superyacht design, specialising in integrating automation, power systems, and monitoring equipment. My expertise also extends to CNC machinery, where I’ve developed skills in design-to-manufacture processes. Since 2008, I have applied this technical background to loss adjusting, initially handling fire and general claims before focusing almost exclusively on complex technical claims.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
Assessing a complex failure in a marine power system required a deep understanding of automation controls and electrical integration. A malfunction had led to a significant claim, and by leveraging my experience in ship system design, I was able to pinpoint the cause of the failure. My detailed analysis provided clarity on the technical issues, ensuring all parties had the information needed for a fair and well-informed resolution.

Senior General Adjuster

phil.buckman@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
A career in engineering and loss adjusting has given me the opportunity to combine technical knowledge with investigative problem-solving. Understanding how mechanical systems operate—and why they fail—has always been a key interest. Loss adjusting allows me to apply this expertise to real-world situations, ensuring that claims are resolved with accuracy and fairness for all parties involved.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
Between 1982 and 1997, I worked in mechanical engineering, gaining both trade and tertiary qualifications while manufacturing, installing, commissioning, and maintaining early-stage wool processing equipment throughout New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. In 1997, I transitioned into loss adjusting, where I have spent the past 25+ years specialising in machinery breakdown claims across engineering, food processing, and the rural sector. I hold a Diploma in Loss Adjusting and Chartered Loss Adjuster status with AICLA. My ability to quickly understand mechanical operations helps in identifying causes of failure, evaluating damage, and ensuring reinstatement costs are accurately reviewed and adjusted.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
Assessing machinery breakdowns across industries such as engineering, food processing, and the rural sector comes with unique challenges. Determining the cause of failure requires a careful approach, as the outcome can significantly impact the claim resolution. I enjoy applying my engineering and loss adjusting experience to navigate these complexities and support the Team MBE in delivering fair, outcome-focused solutions.

Loss Adjuster

ashley.mupariwa@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
I’ve always been interested in the technical and investigative aspects of loss adjusting. My keen interest in understanding how things work leads me to approach claims, diving into the intricate details of machinery and processes to uncover their root causes. This technical curiosity, combined with a proactive and driven mindset, makes me well-suited for handling mechanical breakdown and fusion claims.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
I hold a Diploma of Loss Adjusting, am a Senior Associate of ANZIIF, and an Affiliate of AICLA. My qualifications, alongside extensive hands-on experience with both domestic and commercial claims, provide a strong foundation for navigating the complexities of technical claims. I bridge the gap between insurance principles and real-world challenges, ensuring claims are handled with precision and care.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
A notable claim I handled involved investigating a food chiller failure for Foodstuffs, resulting in spoiled produce worth $80,000. This required collaboration with service providers and repairers to identify the root cause of the system failure. Another interesting case involved a matrix unit breakdown due to a power surge, where distinguishing between wear and tear versus mechanical failure demanded technical expertise. In both cases, my attention to detail and outcomes-focused approach helped achieve resolutions that satisfied both the insured and the insurer.

Loss Adjuster

courtney.syverston@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
With over 20 years of experience in the motor and engineering industry, I’ve always had a genuine passion for machinery. I value the strong relationships I have built and continue to build with both repairers and insurers. No two claims are ever the same, so no two days are either. I find it especially rewarding to use my technical knowledge to explore alternative repair options rather than defaulting to replacement.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
I hold a New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (2000) and a Warrant of Fitness Inspectors accreditation. Before I moved into loss adjusting, I owned a mechanical and engineering workshop, where I developed valuable skills in time management, relationship building and managing customer expectations.

After relocating to the Manawatu, I worked at a local European dealership where I expanded my electrical and HVAC expertise, progressing to the role of Service Manager. I have always had a strong interest in insurance, and my background and hands-on industry knowledge mean I can add meaningful value to every claim I am involved with.

What is an example of a claim you have handled?
One particularly interesting claim involved a major surge event at a food processing plant, which significantly affected several automated machines. The plant used highly specialised equipment that required assessment and repair by specialist engineers from overseas. While awaiting their arrival, I proactively took steps to understand the plant’s operations and supported early remediation efforts to mitigate any revenue loss.

Loss Adjuster

joy.koolen@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
As a child, I was always curious about how things worked, and I had a particular fascination with making things tick again—like the time I managed to fix my grandfather’s watch. While it didn’t last long, the excitement of restoring something to life sparked a deep interest in mechanical systems. This curiosity has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to fuel my passion for understanding and solving mechanical breakdowns.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
Before transitioning into insurance, I spent 20 years as a dairy farmer, where I gained firsthand experience with pumps, motors, and irrigators—learning how to repair them during emergencies, often outside of normal business hours. My career in insurance began at IAG in Loss Adjusting support, later moving to FMG, where I specialised in mechanical breakdowns. My farming background combined with my insurance experience provides me with a practical understanding of the technical challenges involved in claims, particularly in farming, orcharding, viticulture, and commercial industries. This blend of experience allows me to approach claims with both technical know-how and a problem-solving mindset.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
One of the most recent claims involved vehicle impacts with power poles in rural areas, resulting in damage to both farm equipment and domestic appliances. Another interesting case involved a truck delivering a tiny house in Auckland, which brought down low-lying power lines, causing an outage and damaging appliances in the street. In both instances, I was able to investigate the causes, assess the damage, and help bring about fair and efficient settlements, with the claims ultimately settled at $30,000 and $15,000 respectively.

Loss Adjuster

lisa.gibson@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
I have always been fascinated by the intricate workings of complex equipment and the challenge of uncovering the “why” behind machinery and electrical breakdowns.

Every claim presents a puzzle—an opportunity to delve into the details, piece together evidence, and truly understand the mechanics of failures. This investigative approach allows me to provide clear, well-reasoned explanations that help customers navigate the claims process with confidence.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
With over 25 years in the insurance industry, I have managed a wide range of claims, from domestic and commercial to liability and machinery breakdown. In recent years, my focus has been on technically complex claims, particularly those involving electrical and mechanical failures. This has allowed me to build a strong understanding of engineering principles, failure analysis, and the broader implications of equipment breakdowns. My ability to connect the technical aspects with the practical impact on customers ensures a thorough and balanced approach to every claim.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
A machinery breakdown claim involved a critical piece of equipment that had unexpectedly failed, causing significant operational disruption. By carefully examining the interconnected components, assessing wear and tear, and analysing failure patterns, I was able to determine the root cause and provide a clear, evidence-based report. This not only helped the customer understand what occurred but also contributed to an efficient and fair resolution.

Senior Loss Adjuster

lyall.ohalloran@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
I’ve always had a passion for understanding how things work, particularly in the mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical fields. My background as a qualified Aircraft Engineer Tradesman has given me extensive knowledge of complex systems, which has been further enriched by my experience managing retail sales for motorcycles and cars across the North Island. Outside of work, I spend my time restoring and repairing classic motor vehicles with my son - a hobby that keeps my mechanical skills sharp and fuels my enthusiasm for the industry.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
Since becoming a Loss Adjuster in 2000, I have specialised in motor-based products, applying my technical expertise to problem-solve complex claims. Over the years, I have handled a wide range of motor and machinery losses, including those with significant consequential loss components. My experience extends to rural building claims, as well as Marine Hull repairs and total loss claims, where my hands-on knowledge as a boat owner and day skipper licence holder has been invaluable.

Chartered Loss Adjuster

maddie.stubbins@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
An interest in electrical and mechanical systems has shaped both my personal and professional life. From an early age, I was building and programming computers, flying racing drones, and rebuilding motors—starting with an engine strip-down and rebuild alongside my father. Loss adjusting gives me the opportunity to apply this technical mindset to real-world challenges, investigating failures, understanding how systems interact, and working alongside experts to deliver well-supported claim outcomes.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
Since becoming a Loss Adjuster in 1998, I have specialised in technically complex claims, earning my Senior Associateship with ANZIIF and Chartered Loss Adjuster status with AICLA through years of study and continuing education. As an AICLA Committee member, I am committed to strengthening the skills and connections of the New Zealand Loss Adjusting community. I manage claims across the Eastern and Western Bay of Plenty, particularly those involving coolstore compressor and refrigeration machinery failures. In addition to my technical expertise, I bring hands-on experience in emergency response as an active Medical First Responder for FENZ, with training in medical, rescue, and fire- related matters.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
A claim involving a power fluctuation at a recording studio required a detailed technical investigation after it was alleged to have caused the failure of a high-end tube amplifier, only available from Ukraine. By working closely with an audio technician to inspect and test the equipment, I was able to demonstrate that the failure was external to the machine. This led to an accurate and agreed assessment that was accepted by the insurer, ensuring a fair and well-supported resolution.

Loss Adjuster

neil.stacey@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
Understanding how and why things work has always been a driving force in my career. With a strong interest in mechanical and electrical systems, I enjoy the challenge of investigating failures, identifying root causes, and ensuring claims are assessed with accuracy and fairness. Every claim is an opportunity to apply technical expertise and problem-solving skills to deliver clear and well-supported outcomes for all parties involved.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
Since starting my career in the automotive, mechanical, and electrical insurance industry in 1999, I have acquired over 25 years of experience handling a wide range of complex claims. I take pride in delivering fair and balanced assessments, ensuring that insurers, brokers, and policyholders receive well-reasoned and transparent claim resolutions. My background in mechanical and electrical systems gives me the ability to assess failures in detail and provide expert guidance throughout the claims process.

Chartered Loss Adjuster

peter.mcintyre@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
I have always had a deep interest in anything mechanical, whether it’s working on early American cars, collecting automotive memorabilia, or tinkering in my garage workshop. This passion for mechanics and problem-solving led me to a career in loss adjusting, where I can apply my technical curiosity to helping clients navigate the complexities of machinery and electrical breakdowns.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
With two trade qualifications, Advanced Trade Coachbuilding and Advanced Trade Panel Beating, I began my career in the insurance industry in 1999. Initially, I worked as an MV Assessor before moving into domestic and commercial material damage loss adjusting. Over time, I advanced into Machinery Breakdown, Electrical Breakdown, and Service & Repair claims. I am a Senior Associate of the Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusting and a Senior Associate of ANZIIF (Diploma of Loss Adjusting). My extensive experience in the field has allowed me to work on numerous complex claims, gaining valuable insight into the technical aspects of machinery and electrical systems.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
I was recently involved in a Machinery Breakdown claim at a manufacturing site, where an overhead gantry crane motor failed. Another interesting claim involved a commercial spray bake oven, where electronic controllers and a meter board failed. Each of these cases required in-depth technical investigation, where I worked closely with specialist engineers and expert repairers to identify the cause of the issues and assess the extent of the damage. Both claims required careful communication with the Insured and Brokers to ensure fair and accurate settlements.

Senior Loss Adjuster

peter.williamson@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
I have always been enthusiastic about anything that has a motor or electrical component. With 20 years of hands-on experience in the Motor/Engineering business and having been a Loss Adjuster since 1996, specialising in motor claims, it’s a world that has always intrigued me. This curiosity and interest have strongly influenced my choices in both education and my professional career.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
My career includes five years as an A Grade Automotive Technician, along with extensive work on heavy diesel and diesel electrical equipment at NZR, where I also gained valuable experience in hydraulic systems, compressors, and motors. I am qualified as a Diesel/ Electrical Fitter and can work on electrical systems up to 25,000 volts AC. This includes inverters, generators, compressors, pumps, and DC electrical components. Additionally, I had the opportunity to commission the North Island Electric Class 30 locomotives to run on the North Island’s 25kV electrification line—an achievement I’m particularly proud of.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
While no single claim stands out, I find the most challenging aspect of my work to be determining whether a failure was due to an internal or external fault. This distinction can significantly affect settlement outcomes and is often central to ensuring a fair and reasonable resolution, subject to the policy response. The process of working through these complexities is exciting and fulfilling, as it allows me to deliver the best outcomes for the insurer.

Loss Adjuster

richard.wooding@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
A career in mechanics and a lifelong passion for machinery have given me a strong foundation in understanding how mechanical systems function—and why they fail. Loss adjusting provides the opportunity to apply this technical knowledge in a practical way, ensuring accurate claim assessments and fair outcomes for all parties. I enjoy the challenge of investigating failures, identifying causes, and working towards effective claim resolutions.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
From 1997 to 2019, I worked as a mechanic, specialising in a wide range of motor vehicles and machinery. During this time, I obtained a New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (NZCE) and became an NZTA Warrant of Fitness inspector. The latter eight years of my career were focused on European vehicles, deepening my technical expertise. Since joining McLarens in 2021, I have handled claims involving residential and commercial refrigeration, HVAC, hydro power stations, pivot irrigation systems, bore and surface pumps, pleasure craft, and light and heavy vehicles. My ability to assess mechanical failures, determine the extent of resulting damage, and manage claims with elements of business and farm interruption is a key asset to Team MBE.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
A pivot irrigator suffered a corner arm collapse, which was traced to a mechanical failure of the drive motor and a malfunctioning electrical safety system that should have shut the system down before the collapse occurred. A farm interruption claim was subsequently lodged, requiring drawing on both mechanical and electrical expertise to reach a clear conclusion.

A bore pump failure required a detailed cause identification and assessment of resulting damage versus wear and tear exclusions. This involved reviewing technical reports in detail and working through the implications for repair costs and policy cover.

A hydro power station failure involved extensive cause investigation and engagement of specialist hydro engineers to fully understand the cause and guide the insurer on the policy response.

Senior Loss Adjuster

stephen.dillon@mclarens.co.nz

What drives your passion for this work?
From a young age, I’ve always been curious about how things work, whether it was pulling apart motors and appliances or restoring motorbikes and cars. In my spare time, I continue to fuel that curiosity by learning to service and repair valve amplifiers, working on an amplifier project. Loss adjusting allows me to combine my technical interests with problem-solving, helping to find fair and accurate outcomes for claims. Being part of McLarens’ specialist technical team aligns perfectly with my passion for learning and striving for the best possible results.

What expertise and experience do you bring?
I’ve been in the loss adjusting field since 1993, with extensive involvement in electrical, mechanical, machinery, and motor claims. Over the years, I’ve attended various courses, including i-Car collision repair, and am currently working towards a Diploma in Loss Adjusting. I’ve handled numerous Machinery Breakdown/Fusion claims and enjoy collaborating with my team to find the best resolutions. My hands-on experience with electrical and mechanical systems, combined with my ongoing learning, ensures I approach each claim with a detailed, knowledgeable perspective.

What’s an example of a claim you’ve handled?
I’ve recently worked on several irrigation systems and pivot irrigators, where I was tasked with identifying the cause of failure and assessing the resulting damage. One key claim involved the replacement of a complex switchboard system for a distillery, which was settled for $250,000. This case required a deep understanding of the technical components and their integration, which ultimately led to a successful outcome for the client.