Southern Cross Health Society has appointed Venasio-Lorenzo (Vena) Crawley (pictured) to the Southern Cross Medical Care Society board, effective Oct. 1.
Crawley, who will stand for election at the organisation’s annual meeting in December, steps into the role with a background spanning multiple industries and continents.
Crawley’s current governance roles include non-executive directorships at Variety Children’s Charity, Orion Group Limited, and Summerset Group.
He also chairs the Auckland University of Technology Business School Advisory Board and sits on the Institute of Directors Pacific Advisory Group.
His academic credentials include an international BA and MBA from Steinbeis University and the Berlin School of Creative Leadership, as well as further study at the Darden School of Business.
Chris Black, chair of the Southern Cross Medical Care Society board, said Crawley’s appointment would bring a new perspective to the board.
“Vena brings to the Society board considerable local and global experience in governance and business leadership roles alongside a genuine passion for seeing all New Zealanders having the opportunity to thrive and prosper,” he said. “We are a member-driven Friendly Society, and Vena’s passion for people alongside his breadth of experience will introduce a fresh perspective and diversity to our board and broader society.”
The board appointment comes as Southern Cross Health Society reports a sharp rise in claims for the financial year ending June 30, 2025.
The organisation processed 3.8 million claims during the period, a 16% increase from the previous year and the highest annual total in its history.
Chief executive Nick Astwick said the increase in claims was largely driven by ongoing challenges in the public health sector, which have prompted more members to use their health insurance for private care.
“There is clear evidence our public health system remains under pressure; we’re seeing members of all ages using their policies more than ever to access the private healthcare treatment they need, when they need it,” he said.
A significant share of Southern Cross’s membership is enrolled through employer-sponsored group schemes, with around 40% of its 950,000 members receiving subsidised cover via 2,600 participating employers.
During the reporting period, Southern Cross Health Society paid out $1.706 billion in claims, while premium income reached $1.811 billion.
The group returned 94 cents of every premium dollar to members through claims. Despite this, the organisation posted a net deficit after tax of $51.8 million, with the health insurance division accounting for $56.9 million of that figure.
Subsidiary investments generated a combined net surplus after tax of $13.9 million, and investment returns totalled $43 million.
Membership numbers remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease to 951,808, down 3,493 from the previous year. Astwick noted that the organisation had maintained membership levels despite broader economic headwinds.
