Jump to winners | Jump to methodology
New Zealand’s women leaders in mortgage are redefining what it means to succeed while their industry is in a state of flux due to challenges such as rising interest rates and inflation.
The awardees of NZ Adviser’s Elite Women of 2023 are trailblazing, business-savvy mortgage professionals setting new standards. Their determination is particularly impressive considering the gender disparity among the industry’s advisers, with women in the minority among the top sales performers, according to industry expert Charlotte Ireland, network manager of Mike Pero Mortgages.
“Women often must prove themselves more than men, especially when starting a business from scratch and building their client base,” she says. “Although it is a significant challenge, more and more women have been able to build top-notch companies over time.”
These Elite Women all possess an exceptional combination of skill, knowledge, drive and passion.
Eagleton has always been driven to succeed, but not at the expense of her family life and raising her children. Her decision to work only two nights a week remains in place today, even though her children are grown up.
Her accomplishments include:
“It’s pretty rewarding when you help a customer achieve their dream of buying their first home, especially when they have been told it’s impossible,” says Eagleton. “There’s probably no better job where you can go out and change people’s lives for the better.”
Empathy and compassion are common traits among this year’s awardees. Rapson Loans and Finance’s Reynolds proactively puts herself in her client’s shoes.
“Adversity gave me a greater understanding of people and the things they go through, and one of my Google reviews said I was so kind; that meant a lot to me,” she explains. “I see barriers and hurdles as a blessing and an opportunity.”
Reynolds started her career as a Westpac relief teller, progressing to mobile mortgage manager and branch manager before joining Rapson as a mortgage broker and financial adviser. She has mentored and supported colleagues along the way.
One of Reynolds’ nominators for this award noted her dedication to training and uplifting team members. This commitment extends to helping build a formidable network of industry-leading females in the mortgage world.
“I find the most joy in other people’s success, and I’ve always helped people get ahead,” she says.
Reynolds’ achievements include:
A focus on excellence in supporting clients and colleagues fuels prosperity for the mother-daughter partnership of Priority Loans and Priority Life awardees.
Kraakman’s high client referral rate and ethical standards drove her business to grow substantially. She has weathered the challenges in the mortgage industry over the past year.
“My biggest goal for last year was to keep my business going and keep all of my staff,” she says. “Other companies were getting rid of staff, but I didn’t because I knew the future would be worthwhile with them. I thought it was the right thing to do.”
Kraakman redefined the benchmarks for her firm’s success:
Her daughter, Keane, works to ensure her first home buyers are successful. Her adaptability and industry knowledge keep clients returning when they seek to upgrade or expand their property portfolios.
“It’s just about being open and honest with clients and looking at all possible solutions to make it work for them,” Keane says.
Keane returned to the mortgage industry in August 2022 after maternity leave, and despite the challenges of the past year, she
For aspiring women leaders in mortgage, this year’s awardees offer these pearls of wisdom:
Keen to pass on insight to help others progress in New Zealand’s mortgage industry, the four winners shared what was fundamental to their success.
And expert Ireland, who has 23 years of financial industry experience, emphasises how 2023’s Elite Women are continuously adapting and evolving.
“The industry is always changing; it’s dynamic, and there’s new legislation. Then there are new challenges to overcome with technology. It’s always changing, and it’s always different,” she says. “Some of the most successful people aren’t necessarily the loudest people. They’re the people who have a really good process and follow that.”
As part of our editorial process, Key Media’s researchers interviewed the subject matter expert below for an independent analysis of this report and its findings.
Charlotte Ireland
Network Manager of Mike Pero Mortgages
NZ Adviser invited mortgage professionals from across the country to nominate their most exceptional female leaders for its annual Elite Women 2023 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 NZ Adviser team narrowed down the list to the final 30 Elite Women who have made their mark in the industry.