Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) has opened nominations for its 2026 awards programme, with winners to be announced at the National Adviser Conference in March. The Financial Advice New Zealand Awards will be presented at the conference gala dinner on March 26 at the Aotea Centre in Auckland. The conference is scheduled for March 24 to 26 and will bring together advisers working in wealth management, mortgages, and risk-based advice, including life, disability, and health insurance.
FANZ chief executive Nick Hakes said the awards are structured to reflect changes in advice models and the ways in which financial advice can affect outcomes for New Zealand households. “These awards recognise people and organisations who are leading with integrity, professionalism, and a clear commitment to improving the financial and emotional well-being of New Zealanders. Great advice builds confidence, resilience, and long-term financial well-being. The individuals and organisations we recognise through these awards are helping increase trust in the profession and shape what modern financial advice looks like in practice,” Hakes said. The awards are open to individuals and firms associated with FANZ, including those operating under Financial Advice Provider (FAP) licences. Eligible participants include advisers and advice businesses in life and health insurance, personal risk, mortgage and lending, as well as investment and retirement planning.
The 2026 programme continues three main categories:
The Financial Capability Advocate Award recognises individuals or organisations that have given sustained attention to financial education, including initiatives that assist New Zealanders to understand concepts such as budgeting, insurance protection, debt, and long-term savings. The emphasis is on ongoing activity that supports decision‑making over time. The Community Impact Award applies to advice businesses and advisers that have delivered identifiable outcomes in their local communities. Activities may include work with specific customer groups, collaboration with community organisations, or services provided on a pro bono or low‑fee basis that support financial resilience and insurance or risk protection. The Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for an adviser who has contributed over an extended period to the development of the advice profession. This may include participation in professional standards work, governance roles, mentoring of new advisers, and long‑term involvement in access to advice, including in life and health insurance distribution.
The 2025 awards named individuals and firms from across the advice sector, including participants active in insurance. Naomi Ballantyne of The Adviser Platform received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades‑long leadership and contribution to innovation and access to financial advice in New Zealand. Lifetime Group received the Community Impact Award for its Dream Days initiative, which supports children with serious health conditions or disabilities.
In the Financial Capability category, Brenda Nom of Brenda Nom Mortgages & Insurance was recognised for a programme for first‑home buyers that includes financial education and guidance on lending and protection. In addition, Stephen Benton of Rede Advisers was awarded Life Membership of Financial Advice New Zealand for long‑standing service and work on professionalism within the organisation. Service Recognition Awards were also presented to members who have contributed to committees, advocacy, standard‑setting, and capability‑building across the advice profession.
Hakes said the awards process is also used to encourage the exchange of practice approaches and client‑outcome case studies across the adviser community. “Our awards programme goes beyond recognising excellence in advice. They’re about how good clients of advisers can become. By sharing the stories behind great advice, we want more Kiwis to see what’s possible, have confidence in their financial futures, and know that professional financial advice can genuinely change their lives for the better. Research demonstrates that New Zealanders are better off with financial advice – and that’s what the awards programme is really here to celebrate. Previous winners have gone on to share their insights and experiences with peers across the country, strengthening our collective capability and connection, and providing a national platform to share the good news stories about financial advice,” Hakes said.
Nominations for the 2026 Financial Advice New Zealand Awards are now open. Criteria, eligibility conditions, and nomination forms are available on the FANZ website. Shortlisted nominees and final winners will be announced at the National Adviser Conference and through the association’s channels, providing examples of advice practices and initiatives relevant to insurance advisers, underwriters, and other market participants.
