The Financial Advice New Zealand honours excellence at 2025 awards gala
Financial Advice New Zealand recently held its annual awards ceremony at a gala dinner in Christchurch, marking notable achievements in the sector during their National Adviser Conference themed “Shaping the Future of Advice.”
The event recognised individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the financial advisory profession.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Naomi Ballantyne
Naomi Ballantyne was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her four decades of service to the New Zealand Life Insurance Industry.
A pioneer in the field, Ballantyne has founded two life insurance companies and now chairs The Adviser Platform (TAP), where she is instrumental in integrating cutting-edge fintech solutions to enhance advisory services.
Her work continues to inspire new generations of financial advisers.
Community impact: Lifetime Group’s Dream Days
The Community Impact Award was bestowed upon Lifetime Group for its Dream Days initiative, which arranges unforgettable experiences for children facing serious health conditions or disabilities.
This initiative brings together local businesses, volunteers, and communities, showcasing the powerful impact of collective effort and community service.
Financial Capability Award: Brenda Nom
Brenda Nom was awarded the Financial Capability Award for her significant contributions to financial education.
Through an innovative online course designed for first-home buyers, Nom has helped numerous clients understand and manage their finances better, preparing them for homeownership.
This initiative has gained positive feedback and is expanding its reach through collaborations with social media influencers.
Life Membership: Steven Benton
Steven Benton received Life Membership in recognition of his long-standing support and contributions to Financial Advice New Zealand.
Benton has been a member for nearly 30 years, advocating for professionalism and continuous education within the industry, and has significantly influenced financial advising practices through his leadership roles.
Service recognition awards
The gala also honored several members for their service and contributions to the organisation and the broader financial advisory community:
- Christine Hay and Dean Logan were recognised for their leadership and involvement in advisory committees.
- Toni Dodds was commended for her efforts in regulatory advocacy.
- John Bolton and Greg Moyle were acknowledged for their ongoing involvement and mentorship within Financial Advice NZ.
Nick Hakes (pictured), representing Financial Advice New Zealand, expressed gratitude towards all the award recipients, noting their crucial role in advancing the profession.
“Financial advice relies on the hard work, dedication and determination of individuals who work to benefit us as a profession,” Hakes said. “The award recipients deserve our gratitude for going above and beyond to take advice in New Zealand to the next level.”
The conference also featured the certification of seven new financial planners, presented by Dante De Gori, global chief executive of the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB).
