Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
Matthew Orange is an Associate at Fortune Manning and a standout in the firm’s civil litigation and transport law practices.
Recognised as one of New Zealand’s few specialist transport lawyers, his clients include numerous transport companies, fleet operators, truck drivers, couriers and taxi proprietors. Matthew regularly attends court defending transport operators against regulatory measures taken by the New Zealand Transport Agency and the police under the Land Transport Act, Road User Charges Act and Heavy Motor Vehicle Regulations, among other legislation.
Beyond his work in transport law, Matthew handles a wide array of commercial disputes. He frequently represents clients in a variety of courts and tribunals, as well as in mediations and arbitrations, dealing with issues in contract, equity, property and public law. He increasingly shapes Fortune Manning’s litigation strategies and is known for his ability to simplify complex legal and factual issues into clear, concise and compelling arguments.
In recent years, Matthew’s practice has taken on an increasingly international approach. In the past 12 months, he has acted for clients based in Taiwan, Pakistan and Fiji. In the latter case, he defended one of Fiji’s largest construction firms in arbitration proceedings held in Auckland against claims of negligence and breach of contract.
Outside of the law, Matthew is committed to promoting free speech in New Zealand and the ethical treatment of animals.
Level 3, 25 Teed Street, Newmarket, Auckland
+64 21 214 5126
matthew.orange@fortunemanning.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/matthew-orange-a439b7b4
fortunemanning.co.nz
Matthew Orange
Associate
Fortune Manning
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Milestones
“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2016
2018
2019
2021–2022
2023
Admitted to the bar in New Zealand
Joined Fortune Manning as a solicitor
2016
Promoted to Senior Solicitor at Fortune Manning
2018
Promoted to Associate at Fortune Manning
2019
Joined Keegan Alexander as an Associate
2021–
2022
Returned to Fortune Manning as an Associate
2023
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
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