Fidelity Life’s Career connect’s 2026 intake will welcome 30 future advisers, from almost 60 applications, with the company pointing to strong industry backing for future adviser talent.
The insurer says the intake reinforces its commitment to growing adviser capability and supporting new talent. Since launching in 2023, Career connect has supported more than 100 participants nationwide and produced almost 70 graduates.
Fidelity Life says a key part of the success is the Career connect employer registry, which supports graduates to move from qualification into advice roles. More than 40 advice businesses across New Zealand are part of the registry “…ready to mentor, employ and invest in the next generation of advisers.”
It adds that 2026 represents a milestone for the programme, with the number of scholarships increasing from eight in 2025 to 13 in 2026.
The company notes that interest in scholarships remained high, with 81% of applicants expressing interest in financial support. “Encouragingly, 56% of applicants were female, with 17 ethnicities represented, signalling continued progress toward greater diversity across the industry.”
Michelle Doyle, Head of Solutions at Fidelity Life, says the calibre and volume of applications reflected growing confidence in the programme and the profession.
“Seeing almost 60 applications and such strong interest in scholarships shows that people recognise the value of structured support, learning and connection as they enter the industry.”
Bronwyn Kirwan, Chief Commercial Officer, says the expanded scholarship offering reflected both Fidelity Life’s commitment to the future of advice and the growing support of partners across the industry.
She says it’s encouraging to see more partners come on board “…to support these emerging professionals, demonstrating a shared commitment to strengthening diversity, capability and long‑term sustainability across the profession.”
Career connect 2026 Scholarship recipients are:
- Anya Hill (Auckland) – Kōwhai Scholarship (supported by Fidelity Life)
- Paige Stewart (Christchurch) – Toe Toe Scholarship (supported by Fidelity Life)
- Annelize Kratz (Tauranga) – Pāua Scholarship (supported by Fidelity Life)
- Henry Liu (Auckland) – Rangipō Scholarship (supported by Fidelity Life)
- Jessica Yaxley (Christchurch) – Pounamu Scholarship (supported by Fidelity Life)
- Georgia Mustard (Waihi) – Women in Finance Scholarship (supported by Kaplan Professional)
- Lucy Cooper (Dunedin) – Women in Finance Scholarship (supported by Kaplan Professional)
- Nicole Riddell (Pirongia) – Rural Scholarship (supported by FMG)
- Charlotte Luxford (Wellington) – Rural Scholarship (supported by FMG)
- Josh Tish (Tauranga) – Adviser Impact Scholarship (supported by NZHL Group)
- Shania DeSouza (Auckland) – Adviser Impact Scholarship (supported by NZHL Group)
- Elliot Power (Papamoa) – SHARE NextGen Adviser Scholarship (supported by SHARE NZ)
- Fiona Jessup (Waipu) – SHARE NextGen Adviser Scholarship (supported by SHARE NZ)
The first online class for the 2026 Career connect cohort begins this week.