Our Financial Advisers work really hard for our clients, and the devil is very much in the detail in this industry. It’s a paper-work heavy job and regardless of whether we’re sorting out something like moving a KiwiSaver account to a better performing fund, getting a mortgage for a commercial property or getting insurance cover for a vulnerable client, it all takes the same amount of care and attention.
Over the years we have been recognised by this hard work with many industry awards. Here are some of the awards that grace our trophy shelf.
New Zealand Mortgage Awards
2026
We were named the Bizcap Brokerage of the Year – Diversification category at the NZ Mortgage Awards 2026.
At CM Financial Advisers, we look at the big picture, and this award recognises the diverse advice that our team is able to give our clients. With Financial Advisers who specialise in Mortgage, Insurance and Investments (including KiwiSaver), we offer a solution that is unique to each client.
We were also recognised as Excellence Awardees across multiple categories:
Innovator of the Year – Will Vermeulen
Loan Administrator of the Year – Jade Price
Regional Brokerage of the Year
Best Customer Service of an Individual Office
We were honoured to be named alongside all the other winners and excellence awardees.
2025
We were recognised as one of New Zealand’s top mortgage brokerage firms for 2025 by NZ Adviser. This acknowledgment reflects our team’s commitment to supporting our clients through their unique financial journeys.
We also received Excellence Awards in two categories “Best Customer Service of an Individual Office” and “Brokerage of the Year – 6+ Staff.”
These awards are a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust our clients place in us. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help our community and are committed to delivering great financial advice and support.
Link Financial Group Awards
2025
- Top Insurance Office – National Gold Award (2nd Place)
- Top Adviser Support Person – Loma Robertson
- Sapphire Award for Insurance – David Riddell
- Topaz Award for Mortgages – Tania Heighway
- Sapphire Award for Mortgages – Peter Barry
- Topaz Award for Mortgages – Judy Steiner
2024
- Top Insurance Office – National Gold Award (2nd Place) – Hastings
- Top Insurance Office – National Gold Award (3rd Place) – Napier
- Mortgage and Insurance Adviser of the Year – Judy Steiner
- Top Adviser Support Person – Deb Mote
- Topaz Award for Insurance – Judy Steiner
- Topaz Award for Mortgages – Judy Steiner
- Topaz Award for Mortgages – Peter Barry
- Topaz for Insurance – Meeting Quality of business and API Criteria – Judy Steiner
2023
- Mortgage and Insurance Adviser of the Year – Judy Steiner
2022
- Mortgage and Insurance Adviser of the Year – Judy Steiner
2021
- Mortgage and Insurance Adviser of the Year – Judy Steiner
2020
- Mortgage and Insurance Adviser of the Year – Judy Steiner
Sapphire Award – Peter Barry
2019
- Mortgage and Insurance Adviser of the Year – Judy Steiner
- Sapphire Award for Mortgages – Peter Barry
- Mortgage and Insurance Adviser of the Year – Judy Steiner
- Topaz Award for Mortgages – Peter Barry
- Mortgage and Insurance Adviser of the Year – Judy Steiner
2015
- Mortgage Adviser of the Year – Judy Steiner
NZ Adviser Elite women 2026
Tania Heighway was named in the NZ Adviser Elite Women 2026 list. This recognition celebrates the female leaders of our industry who are actively shaping its future through their vision, resilience, and commitment to lasting change. So to be included is a real honour.
At CM Financial Advisers, we believe lifting women in our profession raises everyone in it. We are proud of our team of Financial Advisers who deliver exceptional advice and champion change every day.
Hastings City Business Awards
We were named runner-up in the Hastings City Business Awards 2024, in the Professional Service of the Year category.
The awards largely celebrate Hastings City and the fantastic community we have here, but also acknowledge some of the quality businesses that operate in our region.
CM Financial Advisers entered based on it’s commitment to making a positive difference in local people’s financial lives.
"Having the most comprehensive range of financial services under one roof in Hastings (and Hawke’s Bay) means we look at clients’ big picture."
This isn’t the first time we have made the finals in the Hastings City Business Awards. Back in 2018 we entered the same category.
So lucky to be doing business in such a vibrant and innovative community, Hastings really does punch well above its weight.
Platinum Practice Award
We were presented the Platinum Practice Award, recognising our Insurance Advisers and their water-tight practices in 2018. To be recognised amongst our peers, particularly some of the bigger players, as one of the first Insurance Advisory firms to receive the Platinum Practice Award from Insurance Advisernet New Zealand is a great feeling.
The award, which relates to our Domestic & Business Insurance Advice service, covers five key areas:
- Advice
- New Business
- Renewals
- Administration
- Accounts
Domestic Insurance can cover everything from your car, home and contents, right down to the boat or travel insurance. Business Insurance also covers a wide range – from basic Public Liability cover to Professional Indemnity, insuring your Business Assets, Commercial Vehicles, Directors & Officers Liability, Marine Transit cover, the list goes on!
Through a strict audit process we had to prove that our insurance processes are robust, our record-keeping is secure, and above all that we’re giving sound advice and providing the right cover at the right time for our clients.
You don’t get anywhere without the people beside you, and CM Financial Advisers are very proud of our dedicated insurance advice team.
Booster KiwiSaver Awards
The CM Financial Advisers KiwiSaver team have won the Booster KiwiSaver Practice of the Year award nine times!
Booster was founded in 1998 and is one of New Zealand’s largest KiwiSaver scheme providers. In 2014, the NZ government chose Booster as one of its default KiwiSaver providers alongside large financial corporates.
The Booster award is designed to honour the achievements of an advisory practice dedicated and committed to KiwiSaver and contenders are judged not only the number of members they introduce to the KiwiSaver scheme, but also on the level of support and service they provide.
Booster’s CEO, Diana Papadopoulos says people are demanding quality financial advice about KiwiSaver. “It’s not just about choosing a scheme; members are wanting to ensure their money is working the best it can. Independent advice is crucial for people to make sound financial decisions and we appreciate firms like CM Financial Advisers are giving people that advice. They have demonstrated on-going dedication to helping people on their financial journey,” says Mrs Papadopoulos.
CM Financial Advisers director Jeremy Cole is pleased to receive these awards. “To be recognised as the a top KiwiSaver practice by Booster, is fantastic. It confirms that our brand of realistic and workable advice we give to our clients is resonating with them.”
Advisers Institute KEPA award
“We recognise advisers who are performing at a good level because this shows that they are helping a high number of clients through the advice they provide,” says Dr Dave McMillan, KEPA’s head of training and development.
This award means that our Insurance Adviser, Roseann McConnel, is in the top 20 percent of Advisers in New Zealand.
NEED SOME GREAT FINANCIAL ADVICE?
Mortgage applications, insurances, or better management of your investments and KiwiSaver – CM Financial Advisers can help! Our award winning team of qualified financial advisers have years experience in these areas and many others. So reach out to us whenever you need assistance. CM Financial Advisers is in your corner to make your financial journey as simple and smooth as possible, helping you avoid all the bumps in the road.
