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Media Releases
Health resolutions for your pet in 2022
Instead of setting lofty New Year’s resolutions for yourself, how about setting some quality health goals for your pets? Of course, you could do both – putting yourself and your fur family on the path towards the best 2022 yet… CLICK HERE
1/1/2022
Be alert for dietary pet hazards these holidays
Christmas is almost here, but along with the fun and extra time we get to spend with our fur kids, the festive season does come with an increased risk of them eating things they shouldn’t. Over the last year almost 10% of our claims in NZ for dogs were due to accidental ingestion… CLICK HERE
13/12/2021
PD Insurance partners with Healthy Pets New Zealand for better pet health
By joining Healthy Pets New Zealand as its Principal Partner for 2022, we’re helping improve the wellbeing of cats and dogs in New Zealand. Our support means greater resources will be available to an important local charity that focuses on better lives for Kiwi pets…. CLICK HERE
2/12/2021
Control our pets to protect our wildlife
Summer is almost here and as the days warm up our pets are just as keen as us to spend more time outdoors. However, their innate tendency to stalk and injure wildlife mean it’s our responsibility to ensure they’re kept under control, to protect our precious native species... CLICK HERE
25/11/2021
Heavy pets aren’t healthy pets – Pet Diabetes Month
With more than half of all dogs and cats globally being overweight, medical and emotional damage from pet obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Obesity in animals can cause complications in almost every system in the body, including the life-threatening condition of diabetes... CLICK HERE
25/10/2021
Springtime frolics bring hazards for fur babies
The warmer days of Spring bring nature bursting forth in all its flowering glory, but these delights mean pet owners must be on high alert for allergy and poisoning risks to their pooches and moggies. See a vet now if yours is showing signs of allergy distress – before it worsens… CLICK HERE
4/10/2021
Your pet and COVID – what you need to know
With the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 now here, you may’ve wondered if your pet’s susceptible to it. We explore this in our media release and discuss what happens with pets if you go into MIQ, how separation anxiety may be a concern when lockdown lifts, and more… CLICK HERE
30/9/2021
Get your purebred pup from ethical origins
There’s nothing quite like the sting of discovering you’ve been sold a poorly bred pup for way more than its true value. These handy tips will help you ensure your pet buy is above board, pooch withstands any scrutiny, and you have a problem-free purchase…. CLICK HERE
22/9/2021
How to protect yourself from a dog attack
Despite thousands of years of conditioning making them man’s best friend, some dogs still have wild instincts. With one third of NZ households having a pet dog it’s not unlikely you could find yourself a potential victim of a dog attack. Here are tips on how to deal with the situation… CLICK HERE
31/8/2021
Kiwis putting up pets for adoption during taxing times
With an evolving economic climate and lifestyle changes putting strain on New Zealanders, beloved pets are increasingly being given up for adoption. According to HUHA, societal shifts brought on by COVID, such as financial pressure and mental wellness issues, are top causes… CLICK HERE
26/7/2021
Splitsville & the increasingly popular pet prenup
A prenuptial agreement has become almost a standard feature of divorce, making life easier by bringing certainty in difficult times. However, the one area where many ex-couples lack certainty is with the fur babies. If divorce is on the cards, who gets to keep the dogs and cats?… CLICK HERE
14/7/2021
Take Your Dog to Work Day research reveals so much
A survey of ~800 Kiwis unearthed startling news – just over half of those who are allowed to bring a dog to work wouldn’t move to a better job if they couldn’t BYO dog! And, almost one third of those whose workplace doesn’t allow dogs would take a pay cut if it meant they could… CLICK HERE
28/6/2021
Helping children cope with losing a pet
The death of a treasured companion is something every pet parent knows they must prepare for and face as an inevitability. But for younger family members, dealing with this unfortunate reality can be especially traumatic…. CLICK HERE
24/5/2021
How to choose the right pet for your household
Cat person? Dog lover? These questions have no right or wrong answers, but they should be explored in detail by those looking for their very first pet. For the ultimate happy relationship, a pet needs to suit its parent’s lifestyle. Read our suggestions in this… CLICK HERE
30/4/2021
PD Insurance stresses importance of a pet godparent
With many seniors choosing an animal companion to share their golden years, there’s an uncomfortable reality that must be faced: what becomes of your pet should you pass away? Enlisting a pet godparent may sound quirky, but it helps safeguard their future… CLICK HERE
24/4/2021
Easter pet staycation, pet hotel or pet passenger?
Kiwis love to travel, and any borders being closed doesn’t mean most will be sitting at home over the Easter break. But what to do with the fur babies? Here are our tips to help you make an informed choice about holiday pet accommodation… CLICK HERE
29/3/2021
‘Love Your Pet Day’ survey shines light on pet parents
While our pets should be loved and appreciated daily, this Saturday is officially set aside as international ‘Love Your Pet Day’. But just how much and in what ways do New Zealanders love our dogs and cats? PD Insurance has done the mahi to shine a light on the topic… CLICK HERE
16/2/2021
Health resolutions for your pet in 2021
Instead of setting lofty New Year’s resolutions for yourself, how about setting some quality health goals for your pets? Of course, you could do both – putting yourself and your fur family on the path towards the best 2021 yet… CLICK HERE
4/2/2021
Holiday blues may equal pet separation anxiety
With a rush of New Zealanders set to return to the office after the summer holidays,
pet parents are facing up to a new reality that may include a tougher time for
the furrier members of the family – pet separation anxiety... CLICK HERE
29/1/2021
Tech and pets: modern gadgets for savvy pet parents
While nothing beats throwing a stick on the beach, the massive march of technology into every aspect of daily life presents unique opportunities for better pet parenting. While technology can’t ever replace quality time with your pet, it can help with play and care… CLICK HERE
14/12/2020
8 tips to protect your pet from the summer sun
With a long, hot summer upon us, pet owners are urged to be extra mindful of their pet’s health and safety. Unusually warm weather can quickly take its toll on furry family members, who aren’t well equipped for dealing with blazing heat… CLICK HERE
24/12/2020
Pet parent particulars: females vs males
Never mind the truth about cats and dogs, when it comes to pet ownership there are marked differences in approaches between men and women. Our research suggests women take the ‘pet parent’ rather than ‘pet owner’ approach more to heart than men do… CLICK HERE
9/12/2020
Holiday pet accommodation tips for pet parents
Kiwis love to travel, and the border being closed doesn’t mean most will be sitting at home all summer. But what to do with the fur babies? Here are some tips on how to house them while you’re away on holidays (or if you’re taking them along)… CLICK HERE
7/12/2020
10 considerations before giving pets for Christmas
With the season to be jolly upon us, animal lovers might be tempted to share their joy by putting a puppy or kitten under the Christmas tree. However, PD Insurance is advising Kiwis to avoid the urge unless 100 percent sure it’s the right gift to give… CLICK HERE
17/11/2020
Six simple steps to keep pets safe during Guy Fawkes
Guy Fawkes is coming… along with the bangs, whistles and shrieks of fireworks. Sure, it’s exciting for some, but terrifying for others, especially if they have no idea what’s going on – like animals… CLICK HERE
4/11/2020
Pet obesity a weighty problem in New Zealand
With National Pet Diabetes Month coming up in November and cuddly Labrador Drax making headlines in New Zealand this week after getting stuck in a dog door, PD Insurance says it’s a good time to health check your pet… CLICK HERE
21/10/2020
New pet insurance provider, PD Insurance, enters NZ
PD Insurance has launched into the New Zealand market as a specialist solely focused on pet insurance. It combines digital technology with simple, affordable, quality policies, making it easy for pet owners to obtain an online quote and insure their cats and/or dogs fast… CLICK HERE
08/10/2020
Survey reveals: pets helping Kiwis deal with pandemic
Research completed last week of 1,000+ New Zealand pet parents reveals the vast extent to which their fur babies have provided comfort throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, New Zealanders have been returning the favour by saving more animals via adoption… CLICK HERE
05/10/2020
Other Media
Company backgrounder
Find out about New Zealand pet insurance specialist PD Insurance… CLICK HERE
05/10/2020
PD Insurance fact sheet
Find out about what makes PD Insurance tick and why pet insurance is a no-brainer… CLICK HERE
05/10/2020
Media Assets
- To come...
Media Contacts
Leandri Smith
The Mailroom Communications
- +64 27 365 9003
- [email protected]
Brand Assets
Executive Information
Michelle Le Long
Chief Operating Officer New Zealand, Pacific International Insurance
Michelle Le Long brings a proven background in executive leadership to the organisation. A results and customer-driven insurance industry leader, she has a track record of delivering challenging financial and non-financial business goals.
Experienced in delivering change and building relationships, Le Long joins the company after serving as head of Youi New Zealand. She took the helm at Youi after the company had sanctions imposed on it and suffered significant reputational damage. Le Long is credited with turning the company around by implementing significant changes to its compliance regime and controls, as well as the performance measures designed to put the customer at the centre of decision-making.
A flexible and creative thinker, Le Long relishes the challenges of being a disruptor and innovator continuously seeking opportunities to bring differentiating solutions to the New Zealand market. She is a strategically focused executive who elicits top performance through staff mentoring, recognition, backed by a well-rounded multi-stakeholder focus.
A Member of the Directors Institute of New Zealand, Le Long has held a multiple of Board and Chairperson positions and responsibilities within the industry. Passionate about ‘all things New Zealand’, Le Long describes herself as an armchair rugby referee especially keen on local summers, a nice glass of sauvignon blanc, fishing, boating, spending time with family/friends and her new puppy Buster the British Bulldog.
Visit Michelle’s LinkedIn Profile here.
