Cortesi courts current members

The consultation phase for Financial Advice New Zealand wraps up with a nationwide series of Adviser Forums between January 31 and February 9, and advisers are being urged to have their say on the structure and constitution of the new organisation. (See Diary for dates and locations in your area).

Financial Advice New Zealand will replace the Institute of Financial Advisers and the Professional Advisers Association, however the Working Group says it's essential that everyone understands that this is not a merger.

While some people have preconceived ideas on what Financial Advice New Zealand should look like, what it stands for and how it positions itself, PAA President Bruce Cortesi says "if we'd gone down that track it's almost more of the same." As a completely new body, Cortesi says that Financial Advice New Zealand is being created from a blank sheet of paper so industry input is critical to get the shape of the new organisation right.

The Working Group is following a 100 day plan proposed by leadership expert Dr Lester Levy that is designed to be as inclusive as possible. The aim is to have a framework and constitution to vote on by early May, and IFA President Michael Dowling says a key driver will be the benefits for advisers, the industry and consumers. Something "that had to pay off for everyone."