Welcome to the December issue of In-Touch with Keystone
I hope this issue of ‘In-Touch’ finds you well and not too busy leading into Christmas. It’s incredible how the years flash by, and 2018 has done just that.
This year marked our second anniversary after we launched Keystone back in 2016. We've passed some big milestones in 2018. We now look after various insurance needs for more than 350 people and families and have helped a number with their claims. Earlier in 2018, Annie Toohey joined Keystone as our Office Manager. Annie has considerable insurance experience and works 15-20 hours each week ensuring the office runs smoothly.
This year, I also registered with New Zealand's insurance industry regulator as an ‘Authorised Financial Adviser’ (AFA). Very few insurance advisers have taken the time and demonstrated the rigour required to earn this authorisation. This was done to stay ahead of the regulatory changes coming to all financial advisers in 2019 and beyond, enabling Keystone to remain focused with its delivery of service and advice.
We do try to stay in touch and provide you with relevant information. With the end of 2018 approaching, we send you the very best of wishes for a fantastic Christmas, enjoyable holiday and a prosperous 2019. Please take a few minutes to enjoy this newsletter, and we will be ‘In-Touch’ again in 2019.
How to keep your home secure this holiday season
Like many Kiwis, you probably enjoy getting away from it all over Christmas and spending some family time far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But while you’re spending a week or two relaxing on a far-flung beach, your home is sitting empty – a tempting target for burglars who are on the lookout for unoccupied homes over the holidays.
Thankfully, there are plenty of measures you can take to ensure that your home and possessions are safe while you’re taking a well-deserved break. Here are our top tips for keeping your home secure this holiday season.
Recipe of the month
No Chrismas turkey (or chicken) is complete without the stuffing. If you're looking for something a little bit different this year, or just don't enjoy the fuss of stuffing a turkey, Nadia Lim has the perfect recipe for you. Try these delicious bacon, apricot and sage stuffing balls that you can cook in your roasting pan. You can even make them gluten free!
What’s on in Auckland
Auckland is celebrating in style this summer with a huge range of fun activities for the whole family. Take advantage of the holidays and the long, warm evenings to check out some of these great events.
Get into the festive spirit with a visit to Sky City's Christmas Wonderland from now until December 24th. There are twinkling lights, the chance to see Santa, Christmas entertainment every Friday and Saturday evening, and daily a Christmas market from December 12th to 24th where you can do a bit of Christmas shopping.
Head to Auckland Museum any time during the school holidays to discover the Secret World of Butterflies, a dazzling interactive exhibit where you can view the spectacular Shannon Collection for the first time, learn amazing butterfly facts, and even create your own butterfly and release it into a beautiful virtual garden.
Street food fans won't want to miss Street Kai on Takutai on December 20th. Featuring 15 food trucks and restaurants, this central-city event gives you the chance to enjoy great food, live music, shopping at Britomart and free gift wrapping all day in the Atrium on Takutai.
Silo Park is the place to go for free summer activities and entertainment this holiday season. Kicking off on December 21st with Christmas festivities, including food trucks, games, music and movies, the fun runs right through until the end of March. Catch a movie at Silo Cinema, blow enormous bubbles, help build a gigantic cardboard city, or visit the annual Ice Cream Sundae Market.
International tennis returns to Auckland from December 31st to January 12th. The ASB Classicfeatures a fantastic lineup for both the women's and men's tournaments, with players such as Denis Shapovalov, Gaël Monfils, John Isner, Eugenie Bouchard, Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams.
Nothing is more quintessentially summer than the sound of leather on willow. Cricket fans can catch the Black Caps playing Sri Lanka in the exciting T20 format on January 11th at Eden Park.
January wraps up the holiday period with the 179th Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta. Even if you're not joining the fleet for the main event, there are plenty of activities to spectate, including tugboat racing, dragon boat racing, waka ama and radio controlled yachts. Or watch the main event from one of Auckland's beautiful vantage points.
Thanks for reading!
There have been a number of changes within the insurance world in 2018, with the sale of three life insurers and significant financial services regulatory changes on the horizon. Thank you for trusting Keystone with your insurance advice needs this year. We look forward to providing you with continued support and assistance in 2019. Have a safe and happy holiday season.