“It has been a difficult year for all concerned, and we saw these awards as an opportunity to recognise the industry”
Non-bank lender Bluestone has announced its sponsorship of the first ever NZ Mortgage Awards, which will recognise and celebrate the industry’s outstanding advisers, brokerages, BDMs, lenders, aggregators and service providers.
Commenting on the sponsorship, Bluestone’s head of sales NZ Susan Griffiths acknowledged that 2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone in the industry, and hoped the awards would recognise the professionals who have been doing tremendous work for their clients.
“It has been a difficult year for all concerned, and Bluestone saw these awards as an opportunity to recognise the industry and thank those advisers and industry peers who have shown tremendous resilience, going above and beyond supporting their customers while also dealing with their own personal journey,” Griffifths said.
“Looking back, the NZ industry has made it clear that they will not let a worldwide pandemic take over. Most businesses adapted very quickly, showing flexibility and innovation to ensure Kiwis are looked after. NZ bucked trends reported by economists and we are now seeing significant demand across the housing market.”
“It is also time that the advisers were formally recognised for their ongoing contribution to the mortgage market,” managing director NZ Peter Wood added.
“The credit landscape has potentially changed forever, and it is important for lenders to work with advisers and navigate the way forward.”
Among the 16 categories to be presented, those focusing on the achievements of professionals from across the industry include:
- Mortgage Adviser of the Year
- Independent Mortgage Adviser of the Year
- Regional Mortgage Adviser of the Year
- Young Gun of the Year
- NZ Bank of the Year
- NZ Non-Bank of the Year
- Best Industry Service
Griffiths and Wood are calling on the industry to nominate their peers who have shown leadership over the past year. They said they will be nominating advisers who have shown a real commitment to helping their clients through tough times, as well as the ability to be flexible and adapt to the new normal.
“Given the recent times, we have seen some exceptional people who have just gone over and above helping their customers which shows compassion, commitment and belief in helping people,” Griffiths said.
“We will look for the ability to adapt and change to a new environment, to be innovative, embrace technology and improve customer outcomes and experiences in our nominees,” said Wood.
The NZ Mortgage Awards winners will be announced on NZ Adviser in February 2021. For awards criteria and more information, visit www.keymediaawards.com/nzmortgageawards
For more information about Bluestone, visit www.bluestone.net.nz
