Fidelity awards top advisers

Newbies and old-timers take out Fidelity Life adviser awards.

Monday, November 11th 2024, 5:20PM

Up and Comer

Josh Cuttance, from SHARE NZ in Dunedin won the Professional of the future award. He is "building an innovative, modern financial advice business of the future."

Fidelity says the award recognises "an adviser with a strong business strategy, an unwavering commitment to amazing customer experiences, and someone who demonstrates ongoing professional development and involvement in enhancing the industry."

Cuttance, (pictured) is also one of a dozen advisers on Fidelity's Adviser Council.

"Balancing the roles of business owner, adviser and father he demonstrates resilience and ambition, recently expanding his team with a new administrative member."

Cuttance has leveraged social media as a powerful tool to connect, engage, and elevate his professional presence," Fidelity says.

Team of the Year

Tauranga-based Financial Independence won the team of the year recognising that the advice business has a strong strategy and brand; it consistently delivers outstanding advice solutions to customers and has robust leadership.
Financial Independence has 22 professionals, including specialised roles in operations, claims, and customer outcomes.

"Their commitment to clients is enhanced by teamwork, with everyone based in one office to foster collaboration and shared learning. Their community involvement is equally inspiring, supporting causes like Women’s Wellness, Homes of Hope, Scouts NZ, and Breast Cancer Support."

Lifetime Award

Fidelity says this award which not only acknowledges depth of experience, but also recognises the adviser’s service to, and influence in, the betterment of the wider industry.

Grant Maddison from Queenstown-based Maddison Financial Services is committed to giving back, and he generously shares his wisdom and mentors others to follow a purpose-led career as a financial adviser.

"Grant has built a reputation as a trusted adviser and mentor, blending warmth and professionalism. His client base is diverse, from tradies to high-net-worth families, with whom he’s fostered long-standing relationships. Specialising in rural sectors, SMEs, and families across Queenstown, Central Otago, and Southland, he’s respected for his expertise and commitment.

Six time winner

Brett Pearce from Pearce Financial Services in Auckland won the Gordon Watson Trophy, which is named after Fidelity's founder.

It is awarded to an adviser "who championed the role of life insurance in protecting the lives of New Zealanders, and the vital yet often unrecognised role of an adviser in nudging people to consider the long-term and take out cover to protect themselves and their loved ones."

Pearce has extensive experience in the industry and focuses on customer outcomes. "Brett is consistently described by his customers as professional, prepared, and knowledgeable, keeps up with the latest industry developments and offers a variety of options to meet his customers’ needs. Always there for his customers at claim time, he is also highly regarded by our internal claims and underwriting teams."

Cary Veenhof award
Another award honouring a former Fidelity Life staffer is the Cary Veenhof Award. Veenhof was a popular former business managers who was a valuable partner to many advisers.

"This award recognises the strong values, customer centric approach and respectful demeanour Cary had in all his interactions and is awarded to an adviser who mirrors those same exceptional qualities."

This year it was awarded to Andrea Reid of Aliya Insurance Brokers in the Waikato. Reid has more than 25 years of industry experience and now leads her own FAP and has dedicated her career to supporting New Zealanders.

"With a client-first approach, she offers guidance during critical claim times, reflected in her excellent NPS results."

Fidelity Life business manager of the year award was shared by Kenny Kaushish (Auckland) and Michelle Vaughan (Christchurch).

Tags: Fidelity Life