Industry leaders encourage entries for NZ Mortgage Awards
Business development managers play a vital role in New Zealand’s mortgage and finance industry, assisting mortgage advisers as they find the most suitable lending solutions for their clients.
The 2025 New Zealand Mortgage Awards will celebrate the industry’s best BDMs with next year’s event honouring them in three different categories – Link Financial Group Best Bank BDM, NZFSG Best Non-Bank BDM, and Bizcap Best Aggregator BDM.
Time is running out to nominate the best BDMs for the NZMAs in 2025. There are a total of 18 award categories covering mortgage advisers, brokerages, lenders, aggregators, and service providers.
Entries close on Friday, Nov. 15. To enter, visit the nominations section of the New Zealand Mortgage Awards website.
The cocktail-style awards evening will be held on April 10, 2025, at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The NZMAs is the only event of its kind to celebrate the best of the best in the industry and give attendees a chance to network and have fun with their peers.
The New Zealand Mortgage Awards 2025 are being organised by Key Media with the support of NZ Adviser. Liberty is again event partner for the awards. Sponsors include Avanti Finance, Basecorp Finance, Bizcap, FAMNZ, Finsure New Zealand, First Mortgage Trust, Kiwi Adviser Network , LFG, NZFSG, Pepper Money and Prospa.
Why NZMAs are important
Link Financial Group (LFG) CEO Josh Bronkhorst (pictured above left) said the New Zealand Mortgage Awards demonstrated a commitment to celebrating the achievements of the top performers in the mortgage and finance industry.
“These awards enjoy strong support from leading advisers and groups, reinforcing their significance within the industry,” Bronkhorst said. “They provide an excellent opportunity for mortgage advisers from all over New Zealand to come together and celebrate their successes, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.”
Bronkhorst said beyond personal recognition, the awards enhanced the visibility of the entire industry, showcasing its importance to the public.
“LFG's support of the awards demonstrates its ongoing support for the New Zealand mortgage industry and the dedicated advisers who operate within it – LFG is proud to be part of the NZHL Group.”
Bizcap general manager for New Zealand Camilla Tumai (pictured above centre) said supporting the New Zealand Mortgage Awards aligns with the small business lender’s commitment to recognising and fostering excellence within the mortgage industry.
“These awards highlight the critical work being done by industry leaders, whose dedication strengthens the overall sector and ultimately benefits homebuyers across New Zealand,” Tumai said.
“For Bizcap, this sponsorship is not only about recognition; it's about showing our support for those driving positive change and innovation in the mortgage space.”
NZFSG CEO Baden Martin (pictured above right) said the value of quality financial advice was particularly relevant in the current environment, when many Kiwis were navigating challenging financial decisions.
“The NZ Mortgage Awards highlight all sectors of the industry dedicated to achieving better outcomes for customers and building trust through best practices,” Martin said. It’s a great opportunity for the industry's top professionals to come together, celebrate, and support each other.”
Bizcap Best Aggregator BDM
Urging people to nominate for the Bizcap Best Aggregator BDM category, Tumai said exceptional aggregator BDMs were invaluable to the mortgage industry and its economic impact.
“They support advisers by connecting them with the tools and knowledge they need to deliver effective, client-focused solutions,” said Tumai.
“By bridging lenders and advisers, they help create a more efficient market, making it easier for New Zealanders to access quality home financing. We encourage nominations to celebrate those BDMs whose dedication and expertise contribute to a stronger, more accessible mortgage industry.”
NZFSG Best Non-Bank BDM
Martin also encouraged nominations for the NZFSG Best Non-Bank BDM category
He said Kiwi borrowers with diverse financial backgrounds or self-employed income were increasingly seeking lenders with flexible and tailored financial solutions that better suit their circumstances. Recognising the growing demand for non-bank options, NZFSG had recently added two new non-bank lenders to its panel.
“The role of non-bank BDMs aligns with NZFSG's mission to help more Kiwis achieve their financial dreams,” Martin said.
“Their role is especially important in today’s climate, as they educate and support mortgage advisers by offering practical, common-sense solutions for clients who don't meet the conventional lending criteria set by banks.”
LFG Best Bank BDM
Bronkhorst said there were a number of reasons why people should nominate for the LFG Best Bank BDM.
“Banks will continue to play a dominant role in lending volume – many advisers can name a specific BDM that has made a significant difference in their business, emphasising the value these individuals bring,” he said.
“As the third-party share of lending surpasses 60%, the role of bank BDMs in supporting advisers is more vital than ever.”
LFG advocates for recognition that BDMs are a vital resource for advisers and believes they should be acknowledged for their role as an extension of an adviser's business, said Bronkhorst.
“Their contribution is fundamental to the success of advisers and the broader mortgage landscape.”
Bronkhorst said industry-wide BDMs played an integral role in the mortgage process and the operations of an advisory business.
“Great BDMs are a crucial part of the support structure for advisers providing indispensable resources and training on bank offerings and policies and deal-specific support. Their expertise helps advisers stay informed and navigate the complexities of working with multiple lenders.”
Widespread industry support
As well as being backed by event partner Liberty, the New Zealand Mortgage Awards have the proud support of award sponsors Avanti Finance, Basecorp Finance, Bizcap, FAMNZ, Finsure New Zealand, First Mortgage Trust, Kiwi Adviser Network , LFG, NZFSG, Pepper Money and Prospa.
New Zealand Mortgage Awards categories
Individual categories
- Innovator of the Year
- Loan Administrator of the Year
- First Mortgage Trust New Adviser of the Year
- Commercial Mortgage Adviser of the Year
- Pepper Money Adviser of the Year – Residential
- Avanti Finance Adviser of the Year – Specialist Lending
- Adviser of the Year – Regional
- Link Financial Group Best Bank BDM
- NZFSG Best Non-Bank BDM
- Bizcap Best Aggregator BDM
Company categories
- Lender of the Year (Major/Non-Major Bank)
- Non-Bank Lender of the Year
- Regional Brokerage of the Year
- Kiwi Adviser Network Brokerage of the Year – 1 to 5 staff
- Prospa Brokers of the Year – 6+ staff
- Finsure New Zealand New Brokerage of the Year
- Basecorp Finance Best Customer Service of an Individual Office
- FAMNZ Aggregator of the Year
National category
- Liberty Adviser of the Year
This award recognises the most outstanding adviser in New Zealand. The excellence awardees (finalists) in this category comprise the winners of the individual adviser categories: Commercial Mortgage Adviser of the Year; Pepper Money Adviser of the Year – Residential; Avanti Finance Adviser of the Year – Specialist Lending; and Adviser of the Year – Regional.
This category is not open for nominations. Excellence awardees will be announced on the night.
How to nominate
You can nominate for the New Zealand Mortgage Awards 2025 here.
Nominations will close at 11.59pm on Friday, 15 November 2024.
