New hire to focus on growth
New Zealand Home Loans has boosted its leadership team in a move to grow its business and franchise network.
Craig Wagstaff has joined the home loan and insurance adviser network as general manager franchise, distribution and marketing.
With over 20 years’ experience in the financial services sector, Wagstaff was previously head of new business operations at Sovereign and head of health operations at AIA.
He joins New Zealand Home Loans from AIA, where he was head of ASB partnership, playing a key role in the integration of Sovereign to the AIA business.
NZ Home Loans CEO Kip Hanna said the company was focused on scaling its business and that he recognised the value of Wagstaff’s knowledge and expertise.
Wagstaff will join the leadership team, where he will be responsible for the growth of its core business, franchise network and community engagement, Hanna said.
"Ultimately, our goal is to help more New Zealanders reach financial freedom – working to pay off and reduce the long-term costs of their home loans while having adequate insurance protection," Hanna said.
As homeowners face cost-of-living increases, higher interest rates, and a changing property market, New Zealand Home Loans’ priority is to continue to deliver competitive alternatives for Kiwis, he said.
"Craig is a highly regarded practitioner; we believe his depth and breadth of industry experience will help drive NZHL forward strategically and support our local franchise offices," Hanna said.
Commenting on his appointment, Wagstaff described New Zealand Home Loans as a “purpose-driven business” to which he felt aligned.
"I’m looking forward to working alongside the support office and franchise network in this exciting growth phase," Wagstaff said. "With clients at the heart of the business, I’m excited to understand who our clients are, what financial freedom means to them and how I can contribute.”
Based in Auckland, Craig Wagstaff will start with New Zealand Home Loans on May 1.
New Zealand Home Loans advisers arrange home loans and insurance, with a view to helping customers achieve financial freedom. The majority of its customers’ mortgages are held with banks.
Other recent changes within the mortgage and finance industry include the appointment of three directors by the Financial Markets Authority, and former Loan Market Paramount franchisee Nathan Miglani and his team setting up a standalone business, NZ Mortgages.
NZ Mortgages was awarded as one of the top brokerages in NZ. Read our Special Report for the list of winners in the Best Mortgage Brokerage Firms in New Zealand.
