Financial Advice NZ has named the eight winners of its annual awards, recognising outstanding contributions to the profession at its Gala Dinner during the National Adviser Conference.
The professional body says the awards recognise individuals and organisations “…making a meaningful impact across advice, community engagement and professional standards. Great advice transforms lives. These recipients are proof of that.”
The winners were:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Josh Bronkhorst
- Community Impact Award: New Zealand Financial Services Group and Loan Market
- Financial Capability Award: Professional Investment Services Manawatu
- Life Membership: Andrew Kerr
Service Recognition Awards went to:
- Sumita Paul (Athena Wealth NZ)
- Julius Capilitan (Century 21 Financial)
- David Gumbley (Fortitude Financial)
Financial Advice NZ chief executive Nick Hakes says the awards reflect the strength and direction of the profession. “These awards recognise the people and organisations who are not only delivering great advice, but also lifting standards, supporting their communities and helping shape the future of the profession.”
He says the quality of this year’s recipients “…highlights the growing professionalism of financial advice in New Zealand and the impact advisers are having beyond their day-to-day work with clients.”
Lifetime Achievement Award: Josh Bronkhorst: FANZ says Josh Bronkhorst is the Chief Executive of Link Financial Group and has spent more than three decades helping shape the financial advice profession in NZ and this award recognises that long-standing contribution. “He has built a reputation for consistently putting people, integrity and client outcomes at the centre of his work, while staying closely connected to the practical realities advisers face every day. His leadership has grown advice capability and strengthened support structures for advisers …always with a focus on professionalism and better outcomes for clients.”
Community Impact Award: New Zealand Financial Services Group and Loan Market: FANZ says New Zealand Financial Services Group and Loan Market were jointly recognised for the scale of their contribution to the broader community and their commitment to backing initiatives beyond day-to-day business. “Together, the two organisations have used their reach to support community-minded initiatives through the Share Tomorrow Foundation as part of its community and giving focus, and to strengthen the wider impact of financial advice.”
Financial Capability Award: Professional Investment Services Manawatu: The organisation says that Professional Investment Services Manawatu was recognised for its work helping clients build confidence and make informed financial decisions. “Based in Palmerston North, the firm services clients across the wider Manawatu. The award recognises the value of financial capability work that happens away from the spotlight, helping people understand their options, ask better questions and make steadier decisions about money. This is the kind of work that lifts financial confidence over time and strengthens trust in advice at a local level.”
Life Membership: Andrew Kerr: Financial Advice NZ notes Andrew Kerr was awarded Life Membership in recognition of his enduring contribution to the financial advice profession and his long service to industry leadership. Kerr founded Seneca Group in 1996 and built the business over 27 years before retiring as a financial adviser in 2022. His career in financial advice spans close to five decades. “He has continued to contribute through governance and legacy work, including as secretary-treasurer of the Professional Advisers Association from 2012 to 2016 and as a trustee of the PAA Legacy Trust.”
Service Recognition Awards
Sumita Paul (Athena Wealth NZ): Sumita Paul was recognised for her contribution to the profession and wider financial wellbeing work. Paul has served on the Member Advisory Committee since 2022. She is a CFP and principal of Athena Wealth NZ, an independent practice focused on financial planning and investment management.
Julius Capilitan (Century 21 Financial): Julius Capilitan was recognised for his contribution to Financial Advice NZ Member Advisory Committee which he has served on since 2020 and as the Chair since 2025. Capilitan is Managing Director and Primary Financial Adviser at Century 21 Financial.
David Gumbley (Fortitude Financial):David Gumbley was recognised for his contribution to professional advice and his ongoing support for adviser development. Gumbley has served on the Canterbury regional committee for the last three years and has played a significant role in expanding the regional engagement of the professional body. He is a CFP and financial adviser currently with Fortitude Financial.
