Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
As a director of McCaw Lewis Lawyers, Amanda Bedford leads the firm’s asset planning team, providing advice to clients on the structuring of their assets and assisting their families with the administration of estates.
While she thoroughly enjoys her legal work, what really excites her is the part she has in shaping the strategic direction of the firm with a staff of over 50.
Bedford is a significant contributor to the community and spends a considerable amount of time “giving back” with her governance roles. She is a trustee of ConneXu, a charitable trust established to support physically and intellectually disabled people; Angel Casts, a charitable trust established to support parents, family and whānau through the loss of a child by creating tangible keepsakes for bereaved parents; and Age Concern Waikato, an organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older people. She is also a board observer on the WEL Networks board.
In 2023, Bedford was recognised for her work in this space by winning the Emerging Directors Award for the Waikato branch of the Institute of Directors. She was also recently named as one of NZ Lawyer’s Most Influential Lawyers 2024.
6/586 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, 3204
021 498 494
amanda.hockley@mccawlewis.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/amanda-bedford-hockley-87a0ab92
mccawlewis.co.nz
Amanda Bedford
Director
McCaw Lewis Lawyers
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
2003
2011
2012
2023
Present
Joined McCaw Lewis
Admitted to the bar
2009
Director at McCaw Lewis Lawyers
2020
Institute of Directors Emerging Director Award winner for Waikato
2023
Trustee of ConneXu, Angel Casts, Age Concern Waikato, member of the Auckland District Law Society trust law committee, and board observer for WEL Networks
NZ Lawyer’s Most Influential Lawyer
Present
Recognised in the “preeminent” category in the New Zealand Family & Relationship Property Law Doyle’s Guide Rankings
Active member of the Ally Law international network, contributing to global legal discussions
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
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
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”