About LADUCA Auckland

LADUCA is a forum primarily for the ongoing education and professional development of our Membership of life and disability claims and underwriting professionals as well as providing an environment to share knowledge on industry issues and network with like-minded professionals.

A similar group operates independently in the Auckland region under the same name however it is important to note that the associations operate and are governed independently.

Australia has a similar but far larger association, ALUCA. Membership to ALUCA is open to New Zealand based Life and Disability Underwriting and Claims professionals. To find out more about ALUCA you can visit the website www.aluca.com.au

Devi Uka

 Technical Underwriting Manager

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.

Tasha Quane

Senior Underwriter

Tasha started her Underwriting journey in 2015. With a background in Science, studying Pharmaceutical Chemistry, working in the Biotechnology industry and working within both a Quality Control and Molecular diagnostic laboratory setting she saw the transition to Underwriting as an opportunity to utilise her skills and knowledge of the medical industry in a new & challenging way.

Tasha’s first experience with LADUCA was as a speaker having presented on the topic of potential new treatment for Type 2 Diabetes being explored within the Biotechnology industry. Having a passion for ongoing learning & development and wanting to support the committee she has been a part of LADUCA for many years.

She is keen to continue to support and drive the committee to ensure a solid foundation to provide professional growth & development and networking opportunities.

Jesse-Lee Ashwell

Secretary

Jesse-Lee embarked on her insurance career in 2012, in medical claims across various health, life, and general insurance providers in New Zealand. In 2016, she joined nib New Zealand, where she transitioned into the Underwriting field, further expanding her expertise in the industry.

Jesse has been a member of the LADUCA committee for over 5 years.

Aimee Patterson

Claims Manager

Aimee is a Claims Management Professional with over 13 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 client training and workshops.

Zoe Hancox

Underwriter

Zoe is new to Underwriting but has worked in the life insurance sector with Asteron Life for 5 years, holding various roles in the New Business and Distribution spaces. Zoe studied Biomedical Science and last year obtained her New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services Life, Disability and Health insurance Level 5 which has provided a solid base for the start of her Underwriting career.

Zoe is new to the LADUCA committee and is looking forward to supporting and helping further develop LADUCA Auckland, whilst taking the opportunity to learn and develop from her peers in the committee and in the wider insurance sector through the LADUCA Auckland events.

Brent Bidlake

Underwriter

Brent has been working in the health insurance industry since 2008 in various roles including claim approval and medical assessment before settling into underwriting in 2012.

He has a nursing background which provides a solid health and medical background for his underwriting practice.

He has served on the LADUCA committee since 2013.

Salesh Narayan

Salesh has been in the Life Insurance Industry for over 12 years with experience in IP Claims Management, Claims Financials and Finance.

He is a Chartered Accountant and serving on the LADUCA committee as a Treasurer since 2023.