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New Zealand’s women leaders in mortgage are successfully reshaping the future of advising for the next generation.
That’s the view of Leigh Hodgetts, country manager for the fledgling FAMNZ.
She has witnessed more ambitious women breaking into the field, establishing their businesses and transforming the sector in ways that weren’t possible even a decade ago.
“One of the barriers that has come down is flexibility; working from home and having flexible hours has made this industry quite appealing for women, particularly young women with families,” she says.
Despite a lack of New Zealand-specific finance and mortgage industry statistics on female representation, Hodgetts believes that the country’s small market size and cultural factors contribute to a work environment that may help women thrive more than in larger countries.
She says, “I think we share some of the same challenges as Australia or the UK with leadership representation, but I think we have adjusted and adapted.”
In its Advancing women leaders in the financial services industry, 2023 global assessment update, Deloitte found that while more women occupy the highest levels of industry leadership across regions, progress may slow or stagnate by 2031 if efforts to achieve gender equity are not accelerated.
Oceania, of which New Zealand is a part, is the global leader in female representation in financial services leadership roles and the only region projected to achieve a 30% share of women in C-suite roles, a threshold often regarded as a tipping point for substantive change.
NZ Adviser celebrates the 39 Elite Women of 2025, changemakers whose achievements and initiatives over the past 12 months have redefined what mortgage industry success looks like. The NZA team selected the winners after a rigorous review of the nominees’ standout contributions.
Their collective achievements reflect the growing trend FAMNZ’s Hodgetts has observed of women assuming leadership roles, mentoring others and building businesses that emphasise financial expertise and genuine client relationships.
“The word ‘trailblazer’ comes to mind when I think about elite women,” she says. “It’s somebody who stands out and is committed to excellence, is innovative and leads with integrity while creating pathways for others, particularly women.”
Hodgetts has observed increasing numbers of women in senior leadership roles across New Zealand’s diverse mortgage advice sector.
“I’m not too concerned that we’re falling behind,” she says. “I think it’s more a matter of keeping moving forward and doing well, ensuring these trailblazers bring other women along the journey and share their success.”
This year’s women leaders in mortgage are doing just that and more, such as:
championing diversity
empowering others through education, advocacy and mentorship
balancing professional excellence with meaningful community contributions
spearheading initiatives that enhance client experiences and organisational growth
driving innovation and implementing impactful industry improvements
Dalene Pistorius: “This industry takes time to master. Establishing a connection with clients is crucial. Equally important is self-acceptance for new advisers; understanding your limitations and where you can provide the most value is vital. It’s about remaining authentic and true to your values and principles.”
Tazmeen Khan: “I used to be a mobile mortgage manager for a bank before taking on this role, and I’ve noticed that women in this industry don’t seem to be putting themselves out there. If you look at many women brokers, they aren’t active on social media, which I think is a missed opportunity. I’m very active on LinkedIn, constantly posting and putting myself out there. I’m not afraid to blow my trumpet because, honestly, no one else will do it for you. I think women need to embrace self-promotion and confidently showcase their skills because so many are exceptional at what they do.”
Jacqui Hemi: “There will be many challenges, especially as a business owner, wife and mum. The balance is a juggle and sometimes really difficult. I’ve found planning is key to staying organised. To be successful, you’ve got to put your mind to it, back yourself and give it a go. The only risk you will ever regret is the one you didn’t take.”
Gina Mckenzie: “Being a mortgage adviser is not just about giving someone a product and walking away. It’s about the whole journey, the service and being there to guide them along the way. I stay in touch with clients and ask what has changed in their lives, as financial needs are always changing. I can truly say many of my clients are like proper friends because I’ve kept that connection alive.”
Zebunisso Alimova: “As women, we’re people pleasers and want to help everyone. But sometimes, you just can’t help everyone. There’s also a lot of hard work in this industry, where you feel like you’re ‘on’ 24/7. Find the balance so you don’t burn out.”
Elyce Peters: “When you first get into the industry, make yourself available. Answer the calls, book the appointments and be willing to meet with people. Building genuine relationships with your network is key because they will become the foundation of your success. And most importantly, be genuine with your clients. I’m very open and honest with mine. I have four kids under seven, so it’s not uncommon for people to get an email that says, ‘Elyce is making dinner right now; she’ll call you back after hours.’ I work split shifts; I start in the morning, then take a break for dinner, homework and bedtime, and then I return to work. This career has allowed me to be a present mum while still growing a business. Even though I often work from home, I get to be there to see my kids take their first steps and experience all those little moments that matter. And for me, that makes it all worth it.”
Laura te Kaat: “Form genuine relationships, friendships and grow your networks. And never shut up about what you do, who you are and why you do it. Be proud of what you do.”
Louise Taylor: “Networking is crucial, especially in the beginning. You have to go out there, build relationships, and actively find business. Over time, it shifts: people begin referring others to you, and eventually, the business comes in more naturally. But that doesn’t happen right away. For the first few years, you have to hustle, put in the effort and bring in the business yourself. It’s definitely more than a full-time job; there are long hours. But what I love most is the flexibility. We all have family and different interests. My kids are a bit older now but still need my time. This career allows me to put my family first when I need to. Of course, there’s a trade-off. Sometimes that means answering emails at 10 p.m., but if it gives me the freedom to take an appointment during the day, then it’s worth it.”
The Elite Woman’s finance career began by happenstance, ironic considering how much she has enjoyed an industry she once thought wasn’t for her.
“I always had this idea that I was averse to numbers and everything associated with them,” Pistorius says. “But once I entered the financial sector, I discovered there’s so much more to it than just a couple of digits.”
Now, as Link Financial Group’s (LFG) advisory operations manager, she finds fulfilment in supporting a team of advisers who are breaking barriers, dedicated to helping more New Zealanders become financially resilient, and committed to achieving their property goals.
One of her standout accomplishments is:
the development of LFG’s professional development (PD) plan builder, which delivers training programs across PD workshops, CRM, compliance and regulatory frameworks and general adviser education
Pistorius immigrated to New Zealand after working at a reputable South African firm in the early days of her professional journey. After finding her footing, her affinity for compliance, the regulatory aspects of the sector and education fueled her upward career trajectory.
Her proudest career moment is her progression to leadership and her current role, an achievement made possible by the nurturing and challenging environment fostered by LFG and NZHL Group, which LFG joined in 2022.
“I’m fortunate to work in a business that encourages continuous development,” she says. “I find immense joy in supporting advisers and ultimately the New Zealand homeowners they assist, the true value of which I believe often goes unrecognised.”
Strategies for success
Tenacity, diligence and a “can-do” attitude have driven Pistorius upward. She believes doing the hard yards will pay off.
She also emphasises commitment to the following for hitting goals and targets:
finding joy in your work
maintaining a clear vision of what you want to achieve
breaking the stigma on what your day needs to look like
“Whether it’s aspiring to be the CEO for more flexibility to spend more time with your family, it’s achievable in the mortgage advisory industry,” she says. “If you set your own goals, work hard and are persistent, as with most things in life, you can achieve them.”
Ambitious goal-setting comes naturally for the director and financial adviser, whose determination and strategic efforts enabled her to exceed a commission target she set for herself within the first six months of launching her business in May 2024.
“I worked hard towards that goal, networking and building relationships, and achieving it by Christmas Day was such a proud moment,” Khan says. “I believe if you’re good at what you do, you should achieve your goals. About 95% of my business now comes from word of mouth.”
Another milestone moment came when she learned she had been named to NZA’s Elite Women of 2025 list. Her brokerage was also shortlisted in the New Brokerage of the Year category at the 2025 New Zealand Mortgage Awards.
Among her efforts to lift others in the industry are:
going above and beyond in mentoring an aspiring mortgage adviser on her journey to completing her Level 5 studies, shouldering transportation costs and dedicating significant time to help her mentee succeed
Strategies for success
Providing excellent customer service is paramount to smashing every goal Khan sets for herself, evidenced by what she has achieved in the past 18 months:
closed over 100 transactions, exceeding her targets and strengthening her reputation
built strong client relationships, leading to a 30% increase in referrals
embraced new technology and market analysis tools, enabling better insights and tailored lending solutions
Fluency in Hindi has also helped Khan connect with potential clients, especially in Tauranga, which has an influx of Kiwi fruit workers who have settled in the region.
She prides herself on responsive, proactive client communication, which, along with her nearly three decades of banking experience, helps to instil trust and confidence in her expertise.
“I treat everyone equally, whether they are a CEO or work at a supermarket,” she says. “It gives me so much satisfaction knowing I’ve helped someone into their home. Because, for Kiwis, the biggest dream is to own their own property.”
Surrounding herself with mentors, allies and peers has provided the guidance, encouragement and valuable insights needed to make a positive start in the industry.
Being open to continuous learning, new ideas and experiences ensures Khan’s knowledge and skills remain relevant as she helps clients achieve their goals.
“By owning your journey, you can pave the way for yourself and inspire others to do the same,” she says.
The renowned firm’s advisers process in excess of $1 billion in loans for Kiwis each year, and a trio of their team has been recognised by NZA.
After landing a banking job straight out of school, the mortgage adviser joined Mike Pero Mortgages five years ago and hasn’t looked back.
Starting as a loan writer and, six months into the role, she was entrusted to open the company’s namesake franchise in Taranaki and has been helping clients achieve their goals ever since.
Her performance and leadership were also acknowledged with a Mike Pero Community Adviser of the Year award in 2024, recognising her local community support through initiatives such as sponsoring youth sports teams and local events.
With a reputation for authenticity with clients, Hemi draws on her innate ability to communicate, listen and build strong relationships to propel her business forward. In 2024, she hit a milestone of writing over $50 million in home loans, helping approximately 150 families achieve their goals.
Other strategies and personal qualities that set her apart are:
building trust and rapport to foster long-term relationships, enhance client satisfaction and retention and drive sustainable growth
engaging with local schools, sports clubs and events to support community involvement
“I’ve had a lot of women coming to me after a separation, and I think at that fragile time in their life, they really needed someone who’s going to listen to them, take it all in, and show understanding and empathy,” she says. “They don’t just need a mortgage broker; they need a guide, someone to hold their hand, and as women, we, thankfully, have those skills.”
A stint as a finance manager for a small racing club and experience as a travel agent stoked her passion for customer service and first-rate client experience.
Now a mortgage adviser at a Mike Pero Mortgages franchise in Central Otago/Wanaka, she remarks that guiding clients through their biggest and most exciting decision of home ownership remains the most rewarding aspect of her role.
As a woman in the industry, Mckenzie believes there’s an opportunity to challenge the status quo and bring a bit of personal flair to the role.
“We understand that the small details are important, like remembering the names of a client’s children or their pets,” says Mckenzie. “Those kinds of things make a big difference.”
Other strategies that fuel her success include:
forming genuine, authentic connections
bringing energy and personality to client relationships
ensuring the client is heard and understood
She won the Mike Pero Mortgages Growth award, was named Loan Writer of the Year and contributed to her team’s recognition as Franchise of the Year 2024 and Regional Brokerage of the Year 2024 at the New Zealand Mortgage Awards.
For the Kapiti-based mortgage adviser and franchise owner, empowering clients to step into their own homes when all hope seemed lost has shown her that mindset is a powerful force.
She is a two-time Elite Woman award-winner and earned Adviser of the Year in 2023 and 2024 at the New Zealand Mortgage Awards.
Her empathy and expertise have helped clients – particularly women – from financial dependency to independence by providing knowledge, education and advice that makes a positive difference in their lives.
Alimova has earned client trust and loyalty through a dedication to the following:
prioritising integrity and unwavering support
championing financial inclusion for clients and supporting other female advisers to thrive
“I think the most rewarding thing is empowering people to go from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I can actually do this’,” she says.
The firm is on a prolific winning streak, celebrating a trio of female advisers named to NZA’s 2025 Elite Women list. The multi-award-winning, all-female brokerage’s collaborative and team-oriented culture proves fertile ground for excelling professionally, where everyone works towards shared goals with equal passion.
Being client-focused has also been important to co-founders Holly Sullivan and Peters.
“When we started the company, it wasn’t just about building a business; it was about creating something that supported both our team and clients,” head mortgage adviser Peters says. “For me, success is all about the people. That’s our main focus: helping others and giving our time. A simple five-minute phone call can make a huge difference.”
For the mobile mortgage adviser, who was also named one of NZA’s Global 100 top mortgage professionals in 2024, helping a growing roster of clients achieve their financial dreams and goals remains rewarding.
“2024 was a massive year,” she says. “I’m now in a privileged position to pay that forward.”
In the past 12 months, te Kaat has:
assisted 92 families, individuals and friends in achieving their financial goals
reached a milestone in November 2024 by helping her 700th client
Over 70% of her clientele are first-time homebuyers, whom she supports with tailored services and a compassionate approach. Te Kaat proactively engages with clients at every stage of their financial journeys, providing guidance on debt reduction, savings and future planning.
For another mobile mortgage adviser, continuing to serve clients’ unique needs at different stages of their lives has been hugely satisfying.
“A big highlight for me is when people come back to you,” she says. “I helped one of my first home loan clients with The Mortgage Girls buy his first investment property. We’ve kept in touch, which shows I’m here for the duration.”
Taylor joined the brokerage during the challenging COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. But, undeterred, she quickly became Level 5 qualified and began seeing clients almost immediately.
With years of banking experience, she seamlessly transitioned to mortgage advising, where she has since helped over 200 clients achieve their financial goals, including 64 in 2024 alone.
Her difference-making service involves:
making the effort to meet all potential clients, regardless of financial situation
“Over time, things change; their finances improve, their savings grow and they contribute more to their KiwiSaver,” she says. “And before they know it, they’re in a position to buy a home. They remember us because we were the ones who gave them the time when no one else did.”
For Peters, the last few years have felt “surreal” as recognition poured in for the positive impact the brokerage and its staff have made in setting the gold standard for everything from customer service to operational excellence.
“It’s mind-blowing to me because I think about it like we’re the little mortgage girls,” she says. “What’s cool is seeing our team succeed and our office as a whole; that’s super rewarding.”
Like her fellow Elite Women, Peters’ approach to client service and satisfaction has fueled repeat clients, some of whom are second-generation customers.
“I’ve got clients that now I’m helping their grandkids, and you become part of their network, their family and their journey,” she says. “It’s so rewarding. I feel like what we do is make dreams come true.”
As a parent of four young children, she has helped to create a workplace where women can thrive by fostering a family-like atmosphere and inclusive work culture with robust policies that allow team members to enjoy personal and family life without compromising service quality.
The Mortgage Girls three winners share similar mindsets and strategies that have enabled them to make their mark in a competitive market.
They have established themselves as professionals who care about what their clients want to achieve and are passionate about helping the next generation of women mortgage advisers succeed.
Known for her strategic and analytical approach, te Kaat has strengthened her industry influence through several key strategies:
eschewing competitiveness in favour of doing her absolute best every day
setting goals, breaking them down into microsteps
“I always want to do more myself and more for my customers, and it’s that sort of level-up mindset that keeps me going,” she says.
Peters, known for her honest and courageous conversations, recollects a story of walking into an adviser conference with partner Sullivan in the last decade and not only the youngest guests in the room but two of the few women.
“I do see change happening in the mortgage sector in New Zealand, where more women and diversity are coming in, which is fantastic,” she says.
“I strongly believe in diversity because women bring a different perspective to mortgage advising. It’s not about being better or worse, just different. We can connect with different types of clients, and more advisers giving quality advice means more Kiwis receiving better financial guidance every day.”
Taylor prioritises ensuring clients fully understand the mortgage process. Her commitment to education, communication and personalised support sets her apart.
“Sometimes, someone needs more time to reach their goals, and I work with them to set goals for the future,” she says. “Even though they’re not a client, I’ve gotten referrals because I’ve helped them.”
NZ Adviser invited mortgage professionals from across the country to nominate their most exceptional female leaders for its annual Elite Women 2025 list. Nominees had to be working in a role that related to, interacted with, or in some way impacted the industry and should have demonstrated a clear passion for their work.
Nominators were asked to describe the nominee’s standout professional achievements over the past 12 months, initiatives and innovations, and contributions to the mortgage industry.
After a thorough review of all the nominations, the NZA team narrowed down the list to the final 39 Elite Women who have made their mark in the industry.