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Top Financial Advisers in Christchurch

Our guide explains how to find a Christchurch financial advisor. what you will pay, the questions to ask as well as listing our top Christchurch financial advisory firms.
Updated 1 June 2026

This guide walks you through what a Financial Adviser is, who uses them and how they are paid, along with some tips on what to ask them should you decide to meet with one. We've listed what we consider to be the top financial advisors serving Cantabrians. 

This guide covers:
Disclaimer: The inclusion of any financial advisor on MoneyHub is not financial advice in any form, and our list below is not a recommendation. The exclusion of any financial advisor from our list does not suggest their service is inferior to those included - our guide is journalistic in nature. Please undertake your own research and due diligence before contacting and/or investing with any Christchurch financial advisor. 

More information: We now publish and update Mary Holm's original Financial Adviser list (exclusive to MoneyHub)
Christopher Walsh, MoneyHub's Founder and Head of Research, shares his views on financial advisers:

"I'm often asked about my view on financial advisers. Of course, I can't and won't comment on anyone individually. However, I respond by proposing one question:
  • Did the financial adviser suggest putting your money with many different managers and asset classes (e.g. a diversified investment)? Or did they want to tip all your money into one fund/fund manager and then send you 'updates'?
  • If it's the latter, I would ask them to explain why they're not following a diversified approach (as outlined by the FMA). They may say the funds are "diversified" but how do you know?
  • Many financial advisers are fantastic and provide a valuable service. But with any profession, some underperform. I've seen it all in my career - expensive, poor-performing funds and investments structured in somewhat of a 'heads I win, tails you lose' way that always seems to disadvantage the investors. 
  • Whatever you decide to do with your money, remember - diversification protects you from a single investment going wrong and losing a significant percentage (or even all) of your money.

Important: Please ask how the financial adviser is being paid. You'll need to read what they send you and ensure you understand it. For example, are you paying them a percentage of your investment yearly? Or are the people they invest your money with paying them? The distinction is important.

This list of Christchurch financial advisers is published as a starting point to assist your search - it's not a definitive list by any means. We wish you the best of luck and ask you to remember that no one cares about your money more than you. If something doesn't feel right or you're uncomfortable, you're under no obligation to proceed.

Investment needs to be free of emotion - even if you have a great relationship with a financial adviser, your money is the number one priority, and you must be careful with who gets to invest it".
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder

What is a Financial Adviser?

Financial Advisers are professionals who advise on financial planning, insurance, investing and other financial services. They are qualified and usually (but not always) members of Financial Advice New Zealand or similar professional organisations.

Know this first:
  • There are a range of Christchurch financial advisers available, but some are aligned with a limited number of products from product providers, while others have a wide range of products which they consider when recommending financial advice.
  • It is important you ask the question at the beginning of the process about the depth and variety of the range of products and providers which they consider in the process of giving advice.
  • Throughout your life, you're likely to make different investments and buy different financial products at different times. The purpose of a financial adviser is to help you make the right decision about what investments and products are best for you.

Who Uses a Financial Adviser?

While data is difficult to find, it is reasonable to believe that most Financial Adviser clients tend to be 40+ years of age with a healthy amount of money to invest. Younger New Zealanders are unlikely to seek out Financial Advisers, focusing instead on KiwiSaver contributions, buying a house and investing in bank products and/or managed funds as primary investment options.

When do I need to use a Financial Adviser?

If you are considering investing in complicated financial products and need advice, a Financial Adviser may be familiar with what you are looking at. Financial Advisers working in Christchurch usually provide guidance for the following:
  • Investments and Retirement Planning: Managed funds and investment trusts 
  • Insurance: Personal and business insurance
  • KiwiSaver: Selecting the right provider, switching to a more suitable scheme and contribution consultation 
  • Financial Planning for all ages and stages of life

How much does a Financial Adviser cost, and how are they paid?

​​It depends on the adviser. Three models are common in New Zealand:
  1. Fee-only: You pay the adviser directly. There is no commission from product providers. This is often charged as an upfront planning fee (around $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on the complexity of your investing needs), an ongoing percentage of funds under advice (typically 0.5% to 1.3% per year, dropping as your portfolio grows), or an hourly rate (around $300 to $400 plus GST). Fee-only is the cleanest model because the adviser is paid by you, not by the products they recommend.
  2. Commission-based: The adviser is paid by the product provider, not by you. The meeting is free, and the adviser earns a trail commission on your investment. This can be as high as 0.5% on investments, with insurance commissions often higher. The cost is built into the product fees you pay over time, so while the adviser meeting is free, the cost to you is not zero.
  3. Hybrid: A mix of both. Most advisers charge a planning fee, an ongoing percentage on investments, and earn commission on certain funds, insurance and mortgages.

Important - the numbers matter. On a $500,000 portfolio, a 0.5% annual fee costs $2,500. A 1.5% fee costs $7,500. Over 20 years, that gap may compound into around $200,000 of lost wealth.

Before working with any financial adviser, always ask:
  • How are you paid?
  • What will I pay in year one in dollars?
  • What will I pay each year after that?
  • Do you earn more from some products than others?

Know This: Every adviser must give you a disclosure document before advising you - make sure you read it and understand what it means. ​

Warning - You may not be advised on the most cost-effective investment available in the market. However, you can expect them to select the right product for your circumstances.

How do I find a Financial Adviser?

  • First of all, talk to your family and friends and ask them if they have used a Financial Adviser in your area. This is a good starting point and make sure to ask about their experience (good or bad).
  • ​It is likely you will want to see more options, and Financial Advice New Zealand (previously the Institute of Financial Advisers) lets you search by region for a local Financial Adviser.
  • Following that, Googling "Financial Adviser (and the name of your location)" is a great place to start - be sure to look for Google Reviews of any adviser you shortlist. 
  • Our list below has a selection of trusted Christchurch-based Financial Advisors. 

What questions should I ask a Financial Adviser?

The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has a must-read list. We suggest printing it off and going through it, line by line. While this is a complete list of questions to ask and consider, we recommend always asking for an explanation if you don't understand something when meeting with a Financial Adviser. Generally, the FMA's list covers:
  1. How do I know what you’re recommending is the best option for me?
  2. What are the risks of this investment?
  3. What will I pay?
  4. What information will I receive about my investments?
  5. How can I get my money back?

More information: We now publish and update Mary Holm's original Financial Adviser list (exclusive to MoneyHub)

Understanding What You're Investing In

Not all investments are the same. Managed funds and shares are generally liquid - meaning you can access your money relatively quickly. However, some financial advisers may recommend illiquid or private investments such as property syndicates, retirement village trusts, forestry schemes, or private equity. These can carry higher risk and may restrict your ability to withdraw funds for extended periods.
​
Before investing, always ask your adviser:
  • What exactly will my money be invested in?
  • Can I get my money back when I need it, and how quickly?
  • Is the investment scheme independently supervised with a licensed custodian?
  • What are the lock-up periods or restrictions on withdrawals?
  • What happens if the fund manager or adviser goes out of business?

Know This: The difference between a regulated managed fund with an independent custodian and supervisor and an illiquid private investment is significant - make sure you understand which you are being offered.
MoneyHub Verified Christchurch Financial Advisers
  • Our research highlighted three leading Christchurch financial advisers who have completed the MoneyHub Verified process.
  • We suggest contacting Irvine Wenborn, Amicus Group and Cambridge Partners​ - all three have demonstrated transparent fee structures, qualified advisers and a commitment to diversified investment approaches.
  • A financial adviser can help you make sense of your investment options, plan for retirement and ensure your money is working as hard as possible - contacting one is the best way to start.

Advertising Disclosure: Irvine Wenborn, Amicus Group and Cambridge Partners​ appearing on this list have accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. Craigs Investment Partners is listed based on the personal experience of MoneyHub's founder, with no commercial arrangement involved. MoneyHub Verified does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of investment performance. MoneyHub accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from engaging with any financial adviser listed on this page. Always read a firm's disclosure statement and conduct your own due diligence before proceeding.

Trusted Christchurch Financial Advisers

The three financial advisers listed below are MoneyHub Verified. This means they have completed our verification process, providing evidence of their regulatory status, fee structure, adviser qualifications, investment approach and dispute resolution membership. MoneyHub Verified advisers are featured in our weekly email newsletters, cross-linked on multiple MoneyHub guides, and are our first point of referral when readers contact us directly asking for a list of financial advisers to consider.

What Does MoneyHub Verified Mean?
MoneyHub Verified confirms that a financial advisory firm has provided MoneyHub with evidence that it:
MoneyHub Verified does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement, or guarantee of investment performance. MoneyHub has not audited the investment returns, portfolio decisions, or suitability of advice provided by any verified firm. Being verified does not mean a firm will deliver positive investment outcomes or that their advice is suitable for your personal circumstances.

MoneyHub Verified status is reviewed annually and may be withdrawn at any time at MoneyHub's sole discretion. You should always conduct your own due diligence, read the firm's disclosure statement, and satisfy yourself that any financial adviser you engage is appropriate for your needs.

More details about financial advisers are available on these helpful websites:

Irvine Wenborn

Services offered:
  • Irvine Wenborn offers independent, fiduciary financial advice. They specialise in retirement and Lifestyle Financial Planning working with people who want high quality advice. They believe no adviser is in a position to tell a client what to do with their money, unless the adviser understands what’s important to their client, first.
  • Irvine Wenborn offers fee-only financial planning.
 
Team:
  • There are two advisers (Matt and Cam) and you can read more about them on their website. They also specialise:
    • Matt also advises those who have experienced relationship loss, such as a death of a loved one or a separation.
    • Cam also works with US expats, as he is a US expat and knows it well.
 
Fees: Irvine Wenborn are fee-based advisers and charge in the form of:
  • A one-off fee for the construction of an overall financial strategy based on the time and complexity involved.
  • A monitoring fee (based on the portfolio size). This fee is deducted monthly at an annual rate from your portfolio’s cash account.

Insights:
  • The company publish regular videos and blog posts on their site that discuss financial matters, wellbeing, how to make good financial decisions, investing wisely, all using data and evidence. They believe financial literacy is one of the best investments a person can make.

Contact Details:

Amicus Group

Services offered:
  • Amicus Group is a full service independent financial advisory business that has been operating for over 25 years in Christchurch. The local team serve clients in Christchurch and throughout New Zealand. Amicus is a founding member of Wealthpoint, a cooperative formed by 48 advisory businesses across New Zealand that leverage their scale and network to deliver expert advice and high quality outcomes for clients.
  • The Investment Advisory arm of Amicus, Amicus Wealth, focuses on:
    • Investment advice and retirement planning.
    • Investment and cash management advisory to corporates, trusts and other entities.
    • Investment advice and portfolio construction for US Citizens, expats, and migrants (including UK Pension Transfers).
    • KiwiSaver advice
    • Education & CPD sessions for employees – see sample articles and insights here.
 
Advisors:
A large team (10+ advisors), as outlined on their website.
 
Fees:
  • Amicus Group has a transparent fee structure:
    • Investment Advisory & Retirement Planning:
      • A monitoring fee (based on the portfolio size). This fee is deducted monthly at an annual rate from your portfolio’s cash account.
      • Ongoing administration and custodial fees are also charged.
    • KiwiSaver: Where possible, KiwiSaver advice is delivered in a fee only capacity, however this is not possible with all providers – Remuneration is standardised and disclosed for all KiwiSaver advice.
 
Contact details:

Cambridge Partners

Services offered:
  • Investment Advice and Planning (including strategic asset allocation, investment recommendations, and cash management)
  • Retirement Planning and KiwiSaver
  • Class Discretionary Investment Management Services (DIMS)
  • Investment Advice and Planning for US Citizens, expats and migrants
  • No minimum investment, as outlined on their website. 

​Advisors:
Fees: 
  • Per their website, "the fees charged for our initial advice and ongoing services may be based on a combination of a set dollar amount or a percentage-based fee - typically, the cost of the initial plan will range between $1,000 and $5,000 (plus GST)". And, furthermore, and quite rare in the industry, "any commission, brokerage, or other forms of payment payable to us from making investment recommendations is fully rebated to clients".
  • Cambridge Partner's comprehensive fee details are outlined here

Contact details:

Alternative Christchurch Options

MoneyHub Verified is a paid programme with specific verification requirements (see above). The advisers below are not part of the Verified programme but are included as part of our editorial coverage of the Christchurch market. All advisers operating in New Zealand are required to hold a FAP licence and provide a disclosure document.

Important: The list below does not constitute financial advice. When looking for a financial adviser, remember that all registered financial advisers are listed on the Financial Markets Authority website. Being qualified does not guarantee results:
  • Former Dunedin financial adviser Barry Kloogh was an authorised financial adviser. He was also running a ponzi scheme.
  • Ross Asset Management is another example of financial advisery gone wrong. When this happens, investors are the people who lose the most.
  • While almost every authorised financial adviser is a professional in every sense, you must always understand what you're investing in and make sure you understand the documents sent.
  • MoneyHub routinely receives complaints about certain 'independent financial advisers' who pitch the idea of investing 100% of someone's money into one fund or fund manager. Such a suggestion seemingly disregards the basic principles of investment diversification. We're not impressed.

Saturn Advice (Christchurch CBD)

Services Offered:
  • Saturn Advice provides independent, fee-only financial advice tailored to individuals, families, trustees, and business owners. Services include long-term financial planning, portfolio management, and UK Pension Transfers.
  • Their salaried advisers offer impartial guidance, free from commissions or affiliations with fund managers, focusing on disciplined wealth management to support clients’ financial goals.

Advisers:
The Christchurch team consists of experienced advisers. Full profiles and work histories are available on the Saturn website.

Fees:
  • Ongoing advice fee: 1.05% p.a. (plus GST) on portfolios up to $500,000, 0.75% above $500,000, and 0.68% beyond $1 million, deducted monthly.
  • General advice: $350/hour (plus GST), based on complexity.
  • Additional costs (e.g., custodial fees, fund manager fees, brokerage) are disclosed upfront.
  • For Portfolio Superannuation Scheme members, Saturn Advice earns a portion of scheme fees, detailed at onboarding.
    Percentage-based fees exclude platform custody charges and may be tax-deductible (consult your tax adviser).

Insights: Saturn Advice shares regular updates on wealth management, financial planning, investment strategies, and market trends, including insights into behavioural economics.

Contact Details:

Bradley Nuttall Nelson & Canterbury

​Services Offered:
  • Bradley Nuttall Nelson and Canterbury is an independent financial adviser. They provide personalised advice for their clients to help them achieve the goals that are most important to them.
  • Services include financial and retirement planning, investment advice and consultation, portfolio management, pension transfer and expat services.
  • Their clients include individuals and families, trusts and charitable organisations.

Advisors:
There are 3 advisors at Bradley Nuttall Nelson and Canterbury, all with extensive experience in finance. Their profiles can be found here.
 
Fees: Bradley Nuttall’s disclosure statement can be found on their website.
  • There is no charge for an initial consultation.
  • There may be a one-off charge for preparing a Financial Plan.
  • There are ongoing monitoring, administration and custodial fees for investments we manage for clients.
  • Bradley Nuttall does not receive commissions from product providers.
 
Insights: Quarterly market updates are published online. Other material relating to investments, estate planning, risk management or financial planning is provided directly to clients on a quarterly or as needed basis.
 
Contact Details

Become Wealth (Christchurch)

Service offered: Become Wealth is a privately owned financial advice and investment management firm and holds both a Financial Advice Provider licence and a Discretionary Investment Management Service (DIMS) licence. Because Become Wealth is free from institutional ownership or control, clients gain access to a broad range of options grounded in independent investment research. Services include investment management, financial planning, retirement planning, KiwiSaver, insurance, and mortgages.

Fees: Initial consultation is free of charge with no obligation. Ongoing fees vary by service and portfolio size; details are outlined on the Become Wealth website.

More details: Read more about how Become Wealth works
​
Contact Details

What can I do if I got the wrong advice from a Financial Advisor?

If you feel you've been incorrectly advised, you have a right to complain. You cannot complain about the performance of an investment, only the way you were advised. Traditionally few people have done so, unsure and embarrassed by how the investment has turned out and then putting it down to experience.

The best approach is to complain to the Financial Adviser first - explain why you think the advice you received was wrong and collect as much paperwork and emails as you can find to support your argument. 

If you don't get a favourable response, you can complain to the Ombudsman service. The Financial Markets Authority and the NZ Government both set out excellent guides on who to complain to.

Remember, when it comes to investing, 'low risk' isn't the same as 'no risk'. 'Low risk' can still see you lose your money, and provided the Financial Adviser has explained this fact, there are no grounds for complaint. But if you were advised that a product you invested in could not lose money, and then you did, you have been incorrectly advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQs answer the essential questions that help you find a financial adviser who genuinely puts your wealth-building goals first - and avoid those who don't.

1. Finding and Choosing a Financial Adviser FAQs

​How do I know if I need a financial adviser?

Consider consulting a financial adviser if you have complex investment decisions to make, significant assets to manage (over $50,000), need retirement planning beyond basic KiwiSaver, require insurance advice, or feel overwhelmed by financial options.

If you're just starting with basic investments, you might manage fine with self-directed research initially.

What's the difference between 'independent' and 'aligned' financial advisers?

​Independent advisers can recommend products from any provider and aren't tied to specific companies. Aligned advisers work with a limited range of products from specific providers. Always ask upfront: "What range of products and providers do you consider when giving advice?" The broader the range, the more likely you'll get unbiased recommendations (and more suitable investment options).

Should I meet with multiple advisers before choosing one?

Absolutely - meet with at least 2-3 advisers. Compare their approaches, fee structures, and how well they explain things. A good adviser will offer a free initial consultation and never pressure you to make a decision immediately. Trust your gut - if something feels off, keep looking.

2. Fees & Payment Structure FAQs

How much should I expect to pay a financial adviser?

Most advisers work by charging upfront fees, ongoing management fees and/or commission (0.25%-1.00%+ of your investment annually). We believe fee-only advisers often provide more unbiased advice since they're not incentivised to sell specific products.

If my adviser works on commission, does that mean their advice is biased?

Not necessarily, but it's a potential conflict of interest. Commission-based advisers earn money when you invest in certain products, which might influence their recommendations. Always ask "how are you paid?" and "do you receive higher commissions from some products?" Fee-only advisers eliminate this conflict.

Are expensive advisers better than cheaper ones?

Not automatically. Higher fees should reflect higher service levels, more expertise, or more comprehensive advice. What matters most is value - are you getting advice and service worth what you're paying? A cheaper adviser who provides excellent guidance is often preferable to an expensive one who doesn't understand your needs.

3. Investment Advice and Strategy FAQs

Should my adviser put all my money with one fund manager?

This is a red flag and, sadly, one we're alerted to by MoneyHub users asking us questions about such proposals from certain financial advisers (not listed on our resources).

Our view is simple: Any adviser suggesting that you put 100% of your money with one fund manager is ignoring basic diversification principles. Good advisers recommend spreading investments across different asset classes, managers, and sometimes even countries. If an adviser suggests concentrating everything in one place, ask them to explain why they're not following diversified investment principles.

How do I know if the investment advice I'm getting is any good?

Good advice should include
  1. Clear explanation of risks, diversified investment strategy, products that match your risk tolerance and timeframe, transparent fee disclosure, and regular portfolio reviews.
  2. Be wary if an adviser promises guaranteed returns, pushes complex products you don't understand or seems more interested in selling than listening.

What questions should I ask about any investment my adviser recommends?

Ask these five critical questions:
  1. What are the risks, and how could I lose money?
  2. What fees will I pay (both to you and the investment)?
  3. How does this fit my goals and risk tolerance?
  4. How liquid is this investment? How quickly can I access my money? Do I pay a fee to get my money back?
  5. What alternatives did you consider, and why is this the best option?

4. Ongoing Relationship Management FAQs

How often should I hear from my financial adviser?

At a minimum, expect annual reviews of your portfolio and financial plan. Many advisers provide quarterly updates and are available for questions between formal reviews. If you only hear from your adviser when they want to sell you something new, that's a problem. Good advisers proactively communicate about market changes affecting your investments.

When should I consider changing my financial adviser?

Consider changing advisers if a few of the following apply:
  • Your advisers don’t communicate with you regularly or don't return calls promptly
  • Your investments consistently underperform comparable alternatives
  • Your advisers push products you don't understand
  • Your advisers’ fees seem excessive for services provided
  • You feel you can’t trust your adviser

Your money is too important to stay with an adviser who isn't serving you well.

Can I negotiate fees with my financial adviser?

Fees are frequently negotiable, especially if you have substantial assets or are considering multiple advisers. Don't be afraid to ask: "Is there flexibility in your fee structure?" or "What would the fee be for a client with my portfolio size?" The worst they can say is that their prices are fixed.
MoneyHub Verified Christchurch Financial Advisers
  • Our research highlighted three leading Christchurch financial advisers who have completed the MoneyHub Verified process.
  • We suggest contacting Irvine Wenborn, Amicus Group and Cambridge Partners​ - all three have demonstrated transparent fee structures, qualified advisers and a commitment to diversified investment approaches.
  • A financial adviser can help you make sense of your investment options, plan for retirement and ensure your money is working as hard as possible - contacting one is the best way to start.

Advertising Disclosure: Irvine Wenborn, Amicus Group and Cambridge Partners​ appearing on this list have accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. Craigs Investment Partners is listed based on the personal experience of MoneyHub's founder, with no commercial arrangement involved. MoneyHub Verified does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of investment performance. MoneyHub accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from engaging with any financial adviser listed on this page. Always read a firm's disclosure statement and conduct your own due diligence before proceeding.
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