People get into their vocations in different ways – some by choice, some by accident, some by coincidence. My situation is no different! Having initially started as a forester with the NZ Forest Service, eventually rising to company secretary of the NZ Forestry Corporation group of companies, I changed direction after the State’s forests were sold off in the 1990s. Then followed a series of Chief Executive roles at the Cement & Concrete Association of NZ, Federated Farmers of NZ and the Motel Association of NZ. I also owned and operated my own business, Theo’s Greek Taverna, while living in Wellington.
Working with people and the wider community
After moving to Auckland in 2005, I freelanced in several consultancy roles before forming UProtectNZ Insurance Service with my wife Cristina. This was an excellent platform to continue our commitment to helping people and the wider community. We continued to help others in the same way that I have done for many years – whether leading national conservation campaigns, serving on recreational committees and councils. More recently, I’ve been helping businesses grow through The Networking Group, or chairing the Silverdale Business Association during its drive to successfully establish the Silverdale Business Improvement District.
Sound advice & peace of mind
UProtectNZ has provided a great platform to help people by providing quality insurance advice and creating security and peace of mind for individuals, families and their businesses.
Supporting our community has been a major driver for us. Being the founder and organiser of the annual Greek Extravaganza fundraiser for Harbour Hospice since 2017, under the auspices of the Rotary Club of Orewa-Millwater, it’s been incredibly satisfying to have raised $137,525 over that time for this amazing community service.
I love making my clients happy and derive a lot of pleasure from helping them.
It’s what I do!
Theo Simeonidis
UProtectNZ Insurance Services
Helping feels good
Now, being well past the so-called ‘retirement age’, people ask me why I still do what I do. My answer is simple: “For the pleasure from helping people.” Even as I write this article, presently in Motueka, on a South Island break, I remain fully accessible and committed to helping my clients. Whether this involves lodging a medical claim for them, clarifying any aspects of their policies or advocating for their interests in dealing with the insurer, I’m available.