Fidelity Life is celebrating the winners of its adviser awards that were presented during the Thursday 7 November finalé of Engage 2024 – the firm’s annual conference.
Winning the Gordon Watson Trophy for the sixth time was Brett Pearce of Pearce Financial Services (Auckland).
Named after Fidelity Life’s founder Gordon Watson, the trophy is awarded to an adviser who works “tirelessly to help more New Zealanders get protection”.
Judges commented on his extensive experience in the industry and focus on customer outcomes, saying he is consistently described by customers as “professional, prepared, and knowledgeable, keeps up with the latest industry developments and offers a variety of options to meet his customers’ needs”.
Winner of the Professional of the Future award, which celebrates an up and coming adviser building an innovative, modern financial advice business of the future, is Dunedin-based Josh Cuttance of Share NZ.
The award, says judges, recognises an adviser with a strong business strategy, an unwavering commitment to customer experiences, and “someone who demonstrates ongoing professional development and involvement in enhancing the industry”.
Cuttance has used social media as a tool to connect, engage, and elevate his professional presence, say judges.
As well as being a member of Fidelity Life’s adviser council, Cuttance contributes to the wider industry via groups such as Financial Advice New Zealand.
Andrea Reid of Aliya Insurance Brokers (Waikato) won the Cary Veenhof award, named after one of Fidelity Life’s Business Managers.
Reid has more than 25 years’ industry experience, leads her own FAP, and has dedicated her career to supporting New Zealanders, say judges.
“With a client-first approach, she offers guidance during critical claim times, reflected in her excellent NPS results.”
Named Team of the Year is Financial Independence (Tauranga). The award goes to the advice business with a strong strategy and brand, that consistently delivers “outstanding advice solutions to customers, with robust leadership underpinning its success”.
With 22 professionals, award judges said the team provides “…outstanding life insurance and service advice, supported by specialised roles in operations, claims, and customer outcomes”.
Their community involvement includes supporting causes such as Women’s Wellness, Homes of Hope, Scouts NZ, and Breast Cancer Support.
Presented with the Lifetime Award was Grant Maddison of Maddison Financial Services (Queenstown).
Judges say this award not only acknowledges depth of experience, but the adviser’s service to, and influence in, the betterment of the wider industry.
Specialising in rural sectors, SMEs, and families across Queenstown, Central Otago, and Southland.
Fidelity Life’s Business Manager of the Year award was shared by Kenny Kaushish (Auckland) and Michelle Vaughan (Christchurch).
Judges say they “…have shown incredible growth and tenacity in delivering outstanding performances”.
Winners received their awards from Fidelity Life CEO Campbell Mitchell and the company’s Head of Individual Life, David Winspear.
“Ever since Fidelity Life was founded by a financial adviser Gordon Watson more than 50 years ago, we’ve enjoyed an enduring partnership with advisers,” says Mitchell.
“When advisers grow, we grow and New Zealand grows. We’ll continue grow together with advisers, and that’s why it’s so important to recognise and celebrate their success.”
Winspear says: “We know financial advice drives better financial and emotional outcomes for New Zealanders and recognising our best advisers is just one way we can both recognise their contribution to our business, and inspire others to strive for excellence.”
With a theme of Growth for Good, Engage 2024 featured a programme of speakers, including New Zealand’s most decorated Olympian, Dame Lisa Carrington, New Zealand comedy icon Dai Henwood and renowned journalist Patrick Gower.