New Zealand Adviser is talking to past winners and sponsors ahead of this year's awards
They're almost here. Just 20 days until the much-anticipated New Zealand Mortgage Awards.
The annual event – scheduled for April 10 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, at the Auckland War Memorial Museum – brings together the nation's top talent in the mortgage world, as the industry shines a light on best practices and leadership over the last year.
Attendees include commercial mortgage advisers, lenders, aggregators, business development managers, brokerages, loan administrators and service providers, all of whom come to mingle, learn about new trends in the mortgage space and hopefully take home one of the coveted awards.
This year's event includes an appearance by radio and television host Jeremy Corbett, who will serve as MC, and DJ Venetia supplying the tunes.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Non-bank lender Liberty Financial will once act as event partner. Sponsors include Avanti Finance, Basecorp Finance, Bizcap, FAMNZ, Finbase, Finsure New Zealand, First Mortgage Trust, Kiwi Advisor Network, Link Financial Group, NZFSG, Pepper Money, Prospa and XCEDA.
Ahead of this year's celebration, New Zealand Adviser is talking to past winners and sponsors for their thoughts on the industry, what made them successful and what's to come in the new year.
Pepper Money sponsored the Residential Adviser of the Year Award, during last year's celebration. New Zealand Adviser spoke with 2024 presenter Campbell Smith (pictured), who also serves as Pepper Money's country head New Zealand, for his thoughts on the market, why sponsoring – and attending – the event is important and what others can do to stand out.
The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.
NZA: Why did Pepper Money decide to sponsor this year’s NZ Mortgage Awards again?
Smith: We sponsor the New Zealand Mortgage Awards because we believe in recognizing and celebrating excellence within the mortgage industry. Our support of these awards aligns with our commitment to fostering innovation, professionalism and outstanding service across the sector. The New Zealand Mortgage Awards represent an important opportunity to highlight the achievements of those who are setting new standards and driving our industry forward.
NZA: Talk about the importance of the New Zealand Mortgage Awards. Why is it important to bring people together?
Smith: Throughout the past 12 months, New Zealand's advisor community has continued to demonstrate the value of quality advice, and exhibit a genuine commitment to their clients during fluctuating credit conditions and an uncertain economic outlook. At Pepper Money, we acknowledge the value of the service a quality advisor brings and the real difference this delivers for their clients, both today and in the longer term. The New Zealand Mortgage Awards provide a fantastic platform to highlight exceptional achievements, innovative ideas and outstanding contributions from leading finance advisers and lenders. These awards not only inspire those within the industry, but also set benchmarks for excellence, raising the overall standards.
NZA: What do people gain from the in-person event?
Smith: The New Zealand Mortgage Awards event brings our advisor community together, fosters a sense of connectedness, encourages the sharing of best practices and inspires others to strive for excellence. It's a platform for networking, collaboration and celebrating the collective achievements of our industry. These experiences deliver both insight and inspiration and provide fresh perspectives that cannot be accessed in a virtual setting.
NZA: What are your thoughts on previous winners?
Smith: Our previous winners have demonstrated exceptional experience, dedication and innovation in their work. They set a high bar for excellence and have often been at the forefront of client service and industry advancements. Their achievements serve as a benchmark for others and highlight the potential for success within our mortgage industry.
NZA: What are some things that winning advisers and lenders are doing differently than their peers? What can competitors learn from them?
Smith: Winning advisers and lenders often go above and beyond in their commitment to customer service, innovation and professional development, both personally and within their firms. They are proactive in adopting new innovations, offering their clients an array of lending solutions, staying informed about market trends and continuously improving. Their ability to anticipate and meet the needs of New Zealand borrowers sets them apart from their peers.
Competitors can learn the importance of continuous improvement, customer-centric approaches and staying ahead of industry trends. By observing the strategies and practices of winning advisers and lenders, competitors can identify areas for growth and innovation within their own businesses.
NZA: What kind of advice would you have for advisers or other lenders who are hoping to be recognized in the year ahead?
Smith: My advice would be to stay committed to excellence in all aspects of your work. Focus on providing exceptional service to your clients, stay informed about industry trends and innovations, and continuously explore options outside the traditional banking model. It's essential to have non-bank options available for clients who may not meet the conventional criteria set by banks. This diversity ensures that your clients have access to flexible options that best fit their goals and circumstances.
NZA: What are some of the best practices that you've seen, in terms of New Zealand's loan and property markets?
Smith: Some of the best practices include leveraging technology to streamline processes, maintaining transparent and open communication with clients, and staying informed about regulatory changes. Additionally, focusing on personalized service, and building strong relationships with clients, has proven to be highly effective.
NZA: What are some of Pepper Money's best practices?
Smith: Pepper Money’s commitment to helping people succeed is the heart of our business. Our partnership with advisers makes it possible to bring an array of options to New Zealanders who deserve a flexible loan option. We invest in technology to enhance our services, provide comprehensive education for advisers and deliver innovative solutions to meet the real-life needs of advisers and their clients.
NZA: What are your thoughts on New Zealand's loan and property markets as we enter into the back half of 2025? What predictions do you have?
Smith: As we enter the latter half of 2025, New Zealand's loan and property markets are expected to remain dynamic and resilient. We anticipate continued growth in demand for housing across all regions, driven by population growth and improved economic outlook. Interest rates will likely stabilize, while the overall outlook remains positive. We predict that technology and innovation will play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of our mortgage industry, with a focus on enhancing customer experiences and streamlining processes.
