About LADUCA Auckland

Devi Uka has been in the life insurance industry over 30 years across New Zealand and Australia. Her speciality is training, auditing and guidelines in the underwriting discipline. Whilst in Australia she was a Board member of ALUCA for over 6 years and led the Education Working Group which created an industry certificate in Underwriting and Claims.

Devi is the Chairperson of LADUCA Auckland and with the committee is keen to create a programme of events that contribute to the professionalism and professional development of Underwriters, Claims Assessors and Claims Managers.

With 10 years of experience in the insurance industry and a strong scientific background in pharmaceuticals, Tasha brings a unique perspective to underwriting and risk assessment. As a Principal Underwriter, she combines hands-on medical laboratory expertise with industry knowledge to deliver clear, fair, and timely assessments. She is passionate about building collaborative partnerships with advisors and clients to ensure tailored, effective insurance solutions.
As the Vice Chairperson of LADUCA and a long-standing committee member, she is committed to ongoing learning and development. She is dedicated to supporting and guiding the committee to strengthen its foundation, fostering professional growth and creating valuable networking opportunities for members.

Alistair brings over 20 years of experience in the life insurance industry starting in New Business, then Underwriting and on to his current role in UWQA. 

Alistair is passionate about improving customer experiences by improving Underwriting outcomes. Working on process improvement/efficiency, underwriting capability and sustainable claims practices.

Andrew brings 20 years of experience in the Life Insurance industry, having worked across a variety of roles from Underwriting Automation Specialist to frontline Underwriting. His ongoing engagement with advisers and clients has enabled him to build extensive expertise and a well-rounded skill set, which he applies to deliver thoughtful and informed underwriting decisions.

Over the past two years, Andrew has contributed as a member of the LADUCA Auckland Committee, where he has gained valuable insight and experience from collaborating with fellow committee members. He has recently taken on the role of Treasurer.

Zoe has been in the Life Insurance industry for 6 years and has held a range of positions within New Business, Distribution & for the last few years Underwriting. With an Undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science, having completed the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services Life, Disability and Health Insurance Level 5 & her experience over several years within the industry & communicating with advisers & clients, she has built up a wide range of skills & knowledge, & provides a broad perspective which she applies to her Underwriting. Zoe has been on the LADUCA Auckland Committee for 2 years & has gained invaluable experience & knowledge from other members of the committee, allowing her to progress & take on the role of Events Lead. Zoe is passionate about providing opportunities for her peers to grow & develop through the LADUCA events by curating a well-rounded, diverse & interesting Events calendar for our members to enjoy & learn from.

Megan Johnson brings over 20 years of experience in the life insurance industry complemented by time practicing as a Registered nurse.  She has worked as both a Senior Underwriter and Claims Specialist across all benefit types.  By blending strong medical expertise, effective communication and global insights Megan is passionate about developing best practices, strengthening team capability and improving processes through fresh perspectives.

Raffi Rassam is an experienced insurance and claims leader with a strong focus on strategy and operational excellence. He brings deep expertise across to insurance claims, with a career spanning frontline operations, transformation initiatives, and cross‑functional leadership.

In his current role, Raffi works closely with internal teams, advisers, reinsurers, and external partners to improve claims outcomes, uplift capability, and strengthen trust across the insurance ecosystem. He has led complex initiatives involving process improvement, risk management, fraud mitigation, and the application of digital and data‑driven solutions within claims environments.

Raffi is known for his pragmatic approach, clear communication style, and ability to bridge operational detail with strategic intent. He is passionate about improving customer experiences during critical life moments and contributing to industry conversations on integrity, efficiency, and sustainable claims practices.

Mike Butler has a particular interest in the human body, its anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport & Health and Post Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching, adopting a meaningful pedagogical approach through working alongside New Zealand’s (Aotearoa) youth as a Physical Education & Health educator. Being a firm believer of knowledge is power and strengthening my knowledge within the life insurance industry, striving to better understand the connection between safety, health and well-being and the application of occupational medicine to support all New Zealanders during their time of medical vulnerability.

Aimee is a Claims Management Professional with over 16 years insurance and reinsurance claims management experience across New Zealand and Australia.

In 2019 Aimee joined Swiss Re as a Claims Specialist and is passionate about sharing global insights and best practices with the New Zealand market.

Aimee’s work experience involves specialist skills in all areas related to claims management with a particular interest in end to end claims process and claims capability.

Clare brings over 25 years of extensive industry experience, with a strong focus on technical risk assessments for high-value clients. Since joining MRA in 2009, she has taken on key responsibilities including leading global internal and external quality audits, conducting evidence-based retrospective underwriting reviews, and managing MIRA page analysis and updates. Clare is also an accredited CPLI associate with ALUCA.