Trusted Auckland Wealth Advisers for $250,000 to $10m+ Portfolios
Our guide to Auckland's wealth advisers for portfolios $250,000 to $10m+ compares fees, services, lists trusted firms managing high-net-worth portfolios and outlines must-know facts and considerations.
Updated 7 November 2025
Summary
Our guide explains the actual options in Auckland's wealth advice niche - we focus on dedicated private wealth services, not dressed-up financial advisory trying to seem exclusive. We cover:
Warning: The biggest mistake our research team is aware of is wealthy New Zealanders managing money the same as they were 10+ years ago, moving around term deposits while wondering why their friends talk of market-leading compounding returns from their trusted adviser. It's fine to 'play' with a few thousand on Sharesies or ASB Securities; wealth advisers are serious about long-term returns, creating and managing growth-focused portfolios that meet the needs of the investor.
Unfortunately, we are aware of several wealthy New Zealanders who use a "family friend financial adviser" out of politeness and/or routine - we have nothing against these advisers. Still, if you have millions to deploy, it's wise to consider a wealth adviser who regularly handles seven and eight-figure portfolios and has access to institutional investments.
Important: Throughout this guide, we use the term 'wealth advisers' to encompass the full spectrum of professional wealth management services in Auckland - this includes wealth managers, private wealth advisers, financial advisers specialising in high-net-worth clients, private bankers and investment advisers. While industry professionals may distinguish between these titles based on specific services or regulatory status, from a client perspective, they all provide comprehensive wealth management services for substantial portfolios.
Disclaimer: The inclusion of any wealth adviser on MoneyHub is not financial advice in any form, and our list below is not a recommendation. The exclusion of any financial adviser 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 Auckland financial adviser. MoneyHub works with a selection of wealth advisers and investment managers listed on this guide - please see our advertising guide for more information.
Summary
- If you've got between $250,000 and $10 million to invest, you're in an interesting spot. You're wealthy - not just comfortable, but genuinely rich by New Zealand standards per our data.
- Many wealthy New Zealanders actively use MoneyHub, and they have encouraged us to publish this guide, given the demand for top-tier wealth advisers who work to deliver long-term wealth creation.
- Many have sold a business, made significant gains in property over the last 10-20+ years, been early employees of successful companies with share options, or simply earned and saved aggressively through a professional career. Regardless of the origins of their wealth, wealthy New Zealanders seek sophisticated strategies to convert their current wealth into retirement income and/or multi-generational wealth.
Our guide explains the actual options in Auckland's wealth advice niche - we focus on dedicated private wealth services, not dressed-up financial advisory trying to seem exclusive. We cover:
- Understanding What Wealth Advice Looks Like
- Auckland-Based Wealth Advice Options
- Risks and What to Be Aware Of
- How to Decide What Wealth Adviser to Work With
- Trusted Auckland Wealth Advisers
- What Can I Do If I Got the Wrong Advice From a Wealth Adviser?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Warning: The biggest mistake our research team is aware of is wealthy New Zealanders managing money the same as they were 10+ years ago, moving around term deposits while wondering why their friends talk of market-leading compounding returns from their trusted adviser. It's fine to 'play' with a few thousand on Sharesies or ASB Securities; wealth advisers are serious about long-term returns, creating and managing growth-focused portfolios that meet the needs of the investor.
Unfortunately, we are aware of several wealthy New Zealanders who use a "family friend financial adviser" out of politeness and/or routine - we have nothing against these advisers. Still, if you have millions to deploy, it's wise to consider a wealth adviser who regularly handles seven and eight-figure portfolios and has access to institutional investments.
Important: Throughout this guide, we use the term 'wealth advisers' to encompass the full spectrum of professional wealth management services in Auckland - this includes wealth managers, private wealth advisers, financial advisers specialising in high-net-worth clients, private bankers and investment advisers. While industry professionals may distinguish between these titles based on specific services or regulatory status, from a client perspective, they all provide comprehensive wealth management services for substantial portfolios.
Disclaimer: The inclusion of any wealth adviser on MoneyHub is not financial advice in any form, and our list below is not a recommendation. The exclusion of any financial adviser 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 Auckland financial adviser. MoneyHub works with a selection of wealth advisers and investment managers listed on this guide - please see our advertising guide for more information.
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MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh Shares His Comments on Wealth Management and Specialist Wealth Advice:
"I receive emails from wealthy New Zealanders far too often - usually late at night, sometimes panicked, always concerned. They're often being pitched by their accountant to invest half a million or more into "wholesale investment schemes" that promise 8-10%+ p.a. returns with "minimal risk". Or, they've inherited millions after losing a parent or spouse, and the deceased's financial adviser is pushing them to invest everything with one fund manager (who I know to pay healthy commissions). These aren't isolated incidents. In October 2025, when I wrote the first version of this guide, I had just been contacted by someone who was hours away from transferring $2.8 million into an unregulated property syndicate. I'm routinely in New York, London, Davos and Singapore at wealth events, keeping up to date with how the world's most sophisticated investors protect and grow serious money. The contrast with what happens in New Zealand is stark. I rarely make outbound calls to MoneyHub readers but have called someone in Auckland at 2am, trying to reach someone to ask them to 'think hard' about making an irreversible mistake with their life savings. I'm not providing financial advice - I'm simply reminding them of the fundamental principle that every serious investor knows - diversification isn't optional when you're managing millions. The problem isn't just the obvious scams, though those exist. It's the perfectly legal but wholly inappropriate concentration of wealth that devastates portfolios when things go wrong. Remember Strategic Finance? Nido? Hanover? Bridgecorp? Blue Chip? These weren't underground operations - they were marketed through accountants, lawyers, and/or financial advisers who collected their commissions while their clients lost a lot of money when things went wrong. But there's an equally insidious problem on the other side - the vast wealth sitting in term deposits earning no more than 3% after tax while inflation runs at around 3%. I know personally of Aucklanders with $10 million-plus spread across six banks in term deposits, genuinely believing they're being "conservative" while their purchasing power erodes year after year. They made their money through property or business - sectors where 20% annual returns weren't unusual - but now they're paralysed, afraid of markets they don't understand. This is where legitimate wealth advisers come in, and why this guide matters. Professional wealth advice in New Zealand has evolved dramatically over the past decade. The 'cowboy' days of the 2000s, where anyone could call themselves a financial adviser and punt client money into whatever paid the highest commission, or set up an unregulated fund and clip the ticket in so many ways, are largely over. Today's wealth advisers at firms like Craigs, JBWere and Forsyth Barr operate under strict fiduciary standards. They're legally required to act in your best interests, not their own. The modern wealth adviser isn't trying to flog you the investment product of the month. They're building institutionally-graded portfolios using the same principles that pension funds and university endowments use to compound wealth over generations. They understand that preserving capital through downturns matters more than chasing returns in bull markets. More importantly, they provide the emotional ballast that stops wealthy investors from destroying their own wealth. Every market crash, I watch smart, successful people panic-sell at the bottom, convinced "this time is different". The international perspective matters here. At wealth events in London or New York, nobody talks about putting all their money with one fund. The conversation is about optimal asset allocation, managing correlation risk, accessing alternative investments, and tax-efficient structures. Wealthy Americans might have accounts at three different institutions, use multiple fund managers, and still employ an independent adviser to oversee everything. That's not paranoia - it's prudence. Yet in New Zealand, I am aware of successful entrepreneurs who've built $20+ million fortunes through incredible business acumen, then hand their entire liquid wealth to a single adviser because "I like him" or "she goes to my church". The same person who'd never use just one supplier for their business will concentrate their entire financial future with one investment manager. Find a legitimate wealth adviser, diversify properly, and let compound growth do what it's done for every patient investor throughout history - turn wealth into lasting prosperity". |
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder |
Understanding What Wealth Advice Looks Like
Proper wealth advice isn't about short-term share selection and "timing the market". It's about systematic wealth accumulation through sophisticated strategies most people never access.
Private wealth invests in funds and offerings that are often unavailable to retail investors. The best wealth advisers in Auckland aren't trying to beat the market by 10%+ each year. They're building robust portfolios that compound steadily through full market cycles, rebalancing with mathematical precision and accessing wholesale funds with fees much lower than what retail investors pay.
More importantly, they're keeping you from making short-term decisions - many wealthy New Zealanders consider themselves to be immune from acting with bias until they panic-sell during extreme market volatility or 'go big' on US-listed tech stocks at the peak. A trusted wealth adviser invests for long-term growth to meet your long-term needs.
Private wealth invests in funds and offerings that are often unavailable to retail investors. The best wealth advisers in Auckland aren't trying to beat the market by 10%+ each year. They're building robust portfolios that compound steadily through full market cycles, rebalancing with mathematical precision and accessing wholesale funds with fees much lower than what retail investors pay.
More importantly, they're keeping you from making short-term decisions - many wealthy New Zealanders consider themselves to be immune from acting with bias until they panic-sell during extreme market volatility or 'go big' on US-listed tech stocks at the peak. A trusted wealth adviser invests for long-term growth to meet your long-term needs.
Our Featured Auckland Wealth Management Leaders - Lighthouse Financial, Kernel and Craigs
MoneyHub is proud to shortlist three distinctive wealth managers who each excel in their specific approach. Whether you prioritise institutional expertise, cost efficiency, or innovative strategies, we believe these investor-focused managers represent the apex of New Zealand wealth management.
Three Paths to Wealth Growth:
1) Lighthouse Financial - Holistic Financial Planning for Life's Journey
Lighthouse Financial believes money is a tool to help you live the life you want, now and in the future. Unlike some financial advisers who are fast to get their clients into certain commission-paying funds, Lighthouse starts by understanding your goals and values. Lighthouse has meaningful conversations about what matters most to you - when you want to retire, where you want to live, what you hope to provide for your children, and whether you'd like to spend more than you currently do.
Once they understand what you're working towards, Lighthouse maps out how to get there. They run different scenarios through specialised software - maybe you're weighing up paying down your mortgage faster, investing in property, or putting more into shares. By testing these options against your actual goals, you can see which path works best for your situation.
Lighthouse charges a straight planning fee - no hidden costs or commissions from fund managers. They don't make money on the side from your investments, so their advice isn't influenced by what pays them best.
Lighthouse covers the full financial picture:
Lighthouse have in-house accountants and mortgage brokers, as well as a property team with connections to managers, lawyers, and other professionals. This means everything's coordinated through one place. You don't need millions of dollars to work with Lighthouse's specialist team - they're for people who want proper financial planning across all areas of their lives. Most clients come to them when they're tired of juggling different advisers and want someone to pull it all together.
2) Kernel Wealth - Low fee, diversified investing
A hidden gem for New Zealand’s financially sophisticated who know that wealth compounds through low fees and broad diversification. As a background:
3) Craigs Investment Partners - The Institutional Advantage
With $30+ billion under administration and decades navigating New Zealand markets, Craigs delivers what ultra-high-net-worth families demand - institutional research powering personal relationships. Their advisers don't just manage portfolios - they architect wealth through direct equity access, sophisticated rebalancing, and tiered fee structures that reward larger portfolios. When markets turn volatile, Craigs has invested its clients for the long-term decades of experience.
MoneyHub is proud to shortlist three distinctive wealth managers who each excel in their specific approach. Whether you prioritise institutional expertise, cost efficiency, or innovative strategies, we believe these investor-focused managers represent the apex of New Zealand wealth management.
Three Paths to Wealth Growth:
1) Lighthouse Financial - Holistic Financial Planning for Life's Journey
Lighthouse Financial believes money is a tool to help you live the life you want, now and in the future. Unlike some financial advisers who are fast to get their clients into certain commission-paying funds, Lighthouse starts by understanding your goals and values. Lighthouse has meaningful conversations about what matters most to you - when you want to retire, where you want to live, what you hope to provide for your children, and whether you'd like to spend more than you currently do.
Once they understand what you're working towards, Lighthouse maps out how to get there. They run different scenarios through specialised software - maybe you're weighing up paying down your mortgage faster, investing in property, or putting more into shares. By testing these options against your actual goals, you can see which path works best for your situation.
Lighthouse charges a straight planning fee - no hidden costs or commissions from fund managers. They don't make money on the side from your investments, so their advice isn't influenced by what pays them best.
Lighthouse covers the full financial picture:
- Clear goals for your future
- Financial projections, including multiple scenarios
- Building an independent investment portfolio
- Investment Property (Residential, Commercial, Renovation)
- Mortgage Structure
- KiwiSaver Advice
Lighthouse have in-house accountants and mortgage brokers, as well as a property team with connections to managers, lawyers, and other professionals. This means everything's coordinated through one place. You don't need millions of dollars to work with Lighthouse's specialist team - they're for people who want proper financial planning across all areas of their lives. Most clients come to them when they're tired of juggling different advisers and want someone to pull it all together.
2) Kernel Wealth - Low fee, diversified investing
A hidden gem for New Zealand’s financially sophisticated who know that wealth compounds through low fees and broad diversification. As a background:
- Their 20+ index funds span NZ and global markets, with total fund fees typically 0.25 - 0.45%. For larger portfolios, this cost efficiency can make a meaningful difference over time.
- To illustrate the impact of fees on a $5m portfolio, a 1.00% annual fee is $50,000 while 0.25% is $12,500 - a $37,500 difference per year before compounding. (actual outcomes depend on fee levels, chosen funds, and portfolio size).
- Popular with: Cost‑conscious investors seeking low‑fee, broadly diversified core portfolios.
- Minimum investment: $1
3) Craigs Investment Partners - The Institutional Advantage
With $30+ billion under administration and decades navigating New Zealand markets, Craigs delivers what ultra-high-net-worth families demand - institutional research powering personal relationships. Their advisers don't just manage portfolios - they architect wealth through direct equity access, sophisticated rebalancing, and tiered fee structures that reward larger portfolios. When markets turn volatile, Craigs has invested its clients for the long-term decades of experience.
- Popular with: Investors seeking full-service wealth architecture with proven local expertise
- Minimum investment: $250,000 (for private wealth services)
Know This: Many sophisticated investors use multiple providers - for example, Lighthouse for comprehensive financial planning and property investment coordination, Kernel for low-fee core equity exposure, and Craigs for direct share portfolios and institutional research. There's no single right answer, only the right combination for your wealth.
Auckland-Based Wealth Advice Options
Auckland's wealth advisory scene splits into distinct camps, and understanding the differences matters when you're deploying serious capital:
Option 1: The Establishment Wealth Houses
Craigs Investment Partners, Forsyth Barr and JBWere represent the 'old guard' of New Zealand wealth advice - that's not a criticism. These firms have been managing substantial financial assets for decades, through multiple market cycles, regulatory changes, and economic upheavals. They know what they're doing.
Craigs Investment Partners and Forsyth Barr offer classic New Zealand private wealth experience - your adviser probably knows your family history and is focused on understanding the complexities of assets like rural land holdings and family trusts.
JBWere, particularly since the Jarden rebrand, brings institutional access, such as access to pre-IPO placements, sophisticated structured products, and private equity co-investments that you'd normally need $50 million to access.
These firms offer genuine full-service wealth advice - an investment strategy and someone who'll coordinate with your accountant and lawyer.
Craigs Investment Partners and Forsyth Barr offer classic New Zealand private wealth experience - your adviser probably knows your family history and is focused on understanding the complexities of assets like rural land holdings and family trusts.
JBWere, particularly since the Jarden rebrand, brings institutional access, such as access to pre-IPO placements, sophisticated structured products, and private equity co-investments that you'd normally need $50 million to access.
These firms offer genuine full-service wealth advice - an investment strategy and someone who'll coordinate with your accountant and lawyer.
Option 2: The Sophisticated Boutiques
Lighthouse, Pie Wealth, Alvarium and Milford Wealth represent a different philosophy, with a focus on investment excellence:
- Lighthouse takes a more alternative approach, offering strategies you won't find at traditional wealth advisers, meeting the needs of sophisticated investors wanting to diversify beyond standard equity and bond portfolios.
- Pie Wealth's team includes ex-Fisher Funds and institutional advisors who believe in personalised investment strategies.
- Alvarium provides families, foundations and private clients with bespoke financial planning and investment advice to meet individual investor objectives and complex needs.
- Milford Wealth emerged from one of New Zealand's most successful fund management companies, Milford Asset Management, bringing institutional-grade active management to private clients.
Option 3: The Modern DIY Platforms
Kernel and Simplicity have built platforms that give you institutional-grade tools at a fraction of traditional costs. InvestNow provides access to many more funds.
Many wealthy Aucklanders use these platforms for their core portfolio while maintaining smaller advisory relationships for complex needs. It's not uncommon to have $2 million in Kernel running your equity allocation while keeping $3 million with Craigs Investment Partners for diversified investments and financial planning. The hybrid approach captures fee savings while maintaining access to expertise when needed.
However, investors need genuine discipline and knowledge - these platforms don't give advice; they provide tools, not wisdom. But for the right investor - typically someone with financial markets experience or a genuine interest in investing - they represent a popular aspect of wealth advisory.
Many wealthy Aucklanders use these platforms for their core portfolio while maintaining smaller advisory relationships for complex needs. It's not uncommon to have $2 million in Kernel running your equity allocation while keeping $3 million with Craigs Investment Partners for diversified investments and financial planning. The hybrid approach captures fee savings while maintaining access to expertise when needed.
However, investors need genuine discipline and knowledge - these platforms don't give advice; they provide tools, not wisdom. But for the right investor - typically someone with financial markets experience or a genuine interest in investing - they represent a popular aspect of wealth advisory.
Understanding the Fees
Many wealthy New Zealanders accept upfront that there will be portfolio and advice fees on top of the investment fees. Full-service and boutique wealth advisers typically charge 1% to 1.50% annually. On $5 million, that's $50,000 to $75,000 per year. This is a lot of money, but it includes investment management, portfolio rebalancing, tax optimisation, estate planning coordination and behavioural coaching that ensures you're invested to maximise your time in the market.
DIY index fund managers like Kernel and Simplicity only charge fund fees, which can be as low as 0.10% (in the case of some of Simplicity's managed funds). The savings are significant - over ten years on a $5 million portfolio, you could save $500,000+ on fees before you even consider compounding returns.
However, wealth advisers often negotiate on fees. Serious money is usually offered tiered pricing to minimise the overall fees - this will be disclosed upfront. However, the real question isn't what you're paying - it's what you're getting - and there are risks which we outline below.
DIY index fund managers like Kernel and Simplicity only charge fund fees, which can be as low as 0.10% (in the case of some of Simplicity's managed funds). The savings are significant - over ten years on a $5 million portfolio, you could save $500,000+ on fees before you even consider compounding returns.
However, wealth advisers often negotiate on fees. Serious money is usually offered tiered pricing to minimise the overall fees - this will be disclosed upfront. However, the real question isn't what you're paying - it's what you're getting - and there are risks which we outline below.
Risks and What to Be Aware Of
After years of watching wealthy New Zealanders get burned by various standalone investment schemes, financial advisers and 'opportunities', we believe this is what matters when choosing a wealth adviser.
The Good Signs
The Warning Signs
The Good Signs
- When your wealth adviser suggests incorporating Kernel funds or Simplicity funds into your portfolio, that's arguably excellent. It shows they're focused on getting you the best outcomes rather than pushing their own products.
- The best advisers are agnostic about fund providers - they'll use Vanguard and specialist local managers, whatever delivers the best risk-adjusted returns after fees and tax.
- You want a wealth adviser focused on portfolio construction and management, not someone talking about a 'hot' investment option which has caught out many New Zealanders.
- Look for wealth advisers who provide clear, detailed reporting showing your returns against relevant benchmarks. If they're consistently underperforming but can explain exactly why and what they're doing about it, that's arguably better than silence around outperformance they can't explain.
The Warning Signs
- Please be cautious of wealth advisers who only promote their own managed funds. Our research team frequently receives complaints and warnings about this practice. Ideally, wealth advisers should offer a diverse range of products.
- Be deeply suspicious of promised returns. Anyone guaranteeing 10%+ annual returns is either taking risks you don't understand or flat-out lying. The best wealth advisers focus on achieving market returns consistently, rather than beating them dramatically.
- High staff turnover kills wealth advisory relationships. If your adviser changes every 12-18 months, the firm has internal problems. Check LinkedIn - if half the team left in the last year, something's wrong.
- Complexity used to obscure fees is a red flag - if they can't explain their fee structure in two sentences, they're hiding something. "We charge 1% on the first $2 million, 0.75% above that, including all transaction costs but excluding fund fees" - that's clear. Anything about performance fees, implementation charges, or platform fees that takes a spreadsheet to understand is designed to confuse you.
- The ultimate red flag? "Yes-men" and "yes-women" advisers who enthusiastically agree to any investment idea you have, down to specific tech shares and risky property investments. We believe the best wealth advisers focus on long-term growth over short-term upside.
How to Decide What Wealth Adviser to Work With
You'll need to be honest about your situation and go from there. Explain your origins, current situation and plans. We recommend meeting with at least three firms that offer different models. Don't just meet whoever your accountant recommends - it's likely to be a financial advisor who may lack experience in delivering what your wealth needs.
What you need is detailed proposals with fee schedules, sample portfolios, and performance track records.
We suggest asking why clients leave their wealth adviser - a firm that can provide thoughtful explanations for money outflows and is honest about them. We also suggest you test before you commit. You may want to start with $1-2 million, even if you have $10 million to invest. To see how the reporting works, how they communicate during volatile markets, and whether they actually do what they promised. You can always add more once they've proven themselves.
Know This: Consider hybrid approaches - many wealthy Aucklanders run their core equity portfolio through Kernel or InvestNow while maintaining relationships with boutique managers for alternatives and complex planning. You might have $3 million in index funds with Simplicity and $3 million with Lighthouse and/or Craigs Investment Partners for personalised investing. There's no rule saying you need everything in one place.
What you need is detailed proposals with fee schedules, sample portfolios, and performance track records.
We suggest asking why clients leave their wealth adviser - a firm that can provide thoughtful explanations for money outflows and is honest about them. We also suggest you test before you commit. You may want to start with $1-2 million, even if you have $10 million to invest. To see how the reporting works, how they communicate during volatile markets, and whether they actually do what they promised. You can always add more once they've proven themselves.
Know This: Consider hybrid approaches - many wealthy Aucklanders run their core equity portfolio through Kernel or InvestNow while maintaining relationships with boutique managers for alternatives and complex planning. You might have $3 million in index funds with Simplicity and $3 million with Lighthouse and/or Craigs Investment Partners for personalised investing. There's no rule saying you need everything in one place.
The Bottom Line
We believe the difference between a good wealth adviser and a perfect one is marginal. However, the difference between any professional management and DIY term deposits is massive.
Every year you delay proper wealth advice costs real money - inflation is eating term deposits, markets are compounding long-term without you, and tax inefficiencies are burning capital.
Our View:
We believe the difference between a good wealth adviser and a perfect one is marginal. However, the difference between any professional management and DIY term deposits is massive.
Every year you delay proper wealth advice costs real money - inflation is eating term deposits, markets are compounding long-term without you, and tax inefficiencies are burning capital.
Our View:
- We suggest you meet with trusted wealth advisers and optimise once you decide on who you'll go with.
- The only truly wrong decision is no decision - your wealth should be working as hard as you did to earn it. Find an adviser and/or platform that fits your style, negotiate on fees, and get your money properly invested. Then get on with your life while compound growth does the heavy lifting.
Our Featured Wealth Management Leaders - Lighthouse Financial, Kernel and Craigs
MoneyHub proudly features three distinctive wealth managers representing the best of institutional expertise, cost efficiency, and holistic planning. Each offers a proven path to wealth growth for different investor needs.
1) Lighthouse Financial - Lighthouse takes a goals-first approach, mapping out your complete financial picture - from investments to property to mortgages - with transparent fee-only planning. Their in-house team of advisers, accountants and mortgage brokers coordinates everything in one place, making them ideal for those wanting comprehensive wealth planning without product bias.
2) Kernel Wealth - Kernel delivers institutional-grade index investing at rock-bottom fees (0.25-0.45%), with no minimums and a fully digital experience that's transformed how wealthy Kiwis build core portfolios. Perfect for cost-conscious investors who understand that low fees compound into significant wealth over time - saving potentially $37,500 annually on a $5m portfolio versus traditional advisers.
3) Craigs Investment Partners - With $30+ billion under administration and decades of New Zealand market expertise, Craigs combines institutional research capabilities with personal adviser relationships for portfolios from $250,000. They excel at direct equity portfolios, sophisticated rebalancing, and providing the steady hand wealthy families need through market volatility.
MoneyHub proudly features three distinctive wealth managers representing the best of institutional expertise, cost efficiency, and holistic planning. Each offers a proven path to wealth growth for different investor needs.
1) Lighthouse Financial - Lighthouse takes a goals-first approach, mapping out your complete financial picture - from investments to property to mortgages - with transparent fee-only planning. Their in-house team of advisers, accountants and mortgage brokers coordinates everything in one place, making them ideal for those wanting comprehensive wealth planning without product bias.
- More details: Read our Lighthouse Financial Review or visit the Lighthouse Financial website
2) Kernel Wealth - Kernel delivers institutional-grade index investing at rock-bottom fees (0.25-0.45%), with no minimums and a fully digital experience that's transformed how wealthy Kiwis build core portfolios. Perfect for cost-conscious investors who understand that low fees compound into significant wealth over time - saving potentially $37,500 annually on a $5m portfolio versus traditional advisers.
- More details: Read our Kernel Review or visit the Kernel website
3) Craigs Investment Partners - With $30+ billion under administration and decades of New Zealand market expertise, Craigs combines institutional research capabilities with personal adviser relationships for portfolios from $250,000. They excel at direct equity portfolios, sophisticated rebalancing, and providing the steady hand wealthy families need through market volatility.
- More details: Read our Craigs Review or visit the Craigs website (Jules Riley's profile)
Know This: Many sophisticated investors use multiple providers - for example, Lighthouse for comprehensive financial planning and property investment coordination, Kernel for low-fee core equity exposure, and Craigs for direct share portfolios and institutional research. There's no single right answer, only the right combination for your wealth.
Trusted Auckland Wealth Advisers
The wealth advisers we've identified below represent the legitimate side of Auckland wealth advice and operate with transparency, genuine expertise, and regulatory oversight. Some, like the established houses, provide comprehensive wealth advice that coordinates every aspect of your financial life. Others, like the boutique investment managers, offer focused expertise for those who already have their planning sorted.
Even the DIY platforms like Kernel and Simplicity, while not providing advice, offer sophisticated tools that let knowledgeable investors build institutional-quality portfolios at a fraction of traditional costs. The key is matching the right solution to your situation, not defaulting to whatever's easiest or whoever approaches you first.
MoneyHub's Founder Christopher Walsh comments:
"I've spent years building MoneyHub to democratise financial knowledge in New Zealand. This wealth advisers guide represents the culmination of that work for high-net-worth individuals. Use it. Share it with friends who need it. And please, before you commit serious money to any investment, remember that the best investors in the world grew their wealth by being diversified and patient, not by betting everything on a single manager's 'view' or promise".
Important: The list below does not constitute financial advice. When looking for a wealth adviser, remember that all registered financial and wealth advisers are listed on the Financial Markets Authority website. But being qualified does not guarantee results.
Even the DIY platforms like Kernel and Simplicity, while not providing advice, offer sophisticated tools that let knowledgeable investors build institutional-quality portfolios at a fraction of traditional costs. The key is matching the right solution to your situation, not defaulting to whatever's easiest or whoever approaches you first.
MoneyHub's Founder Christopher Walsh comments:
"I've spent years building MoneyHub to democratise financial knowledge in New Zealand. This wealth advisers guide represents the culmination of that work for high-net-worth individuals. Use it. Share it with friends who need it. And please, before you commit serious money to any investment, remember that the best investors in the world grew their wealth by being diversified and patient, not by betting everything on a single manager's 'view' or promise".
Important: The list below does not constitute financial advice. When looking for a wealth adviser, remember that all registered financial and wealth advisers are listed on the Financial Markets Authority website. But being qualified does not guarantee results.
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Lighthouse Financial
Lighthouse covers the full financial picture:
More details: Read our Lighthouse Review or visit their website: lighthousefinancial.co.nz |
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Craigs Investment Partners
More details:
Disclosure: MoneyHub has no paid relationship with Craigs Investment Partners or Jules Riley's profile. This listing reflects genuine personal experience - despite being Auckland-based, MoneyHub's founder has successfully conducted all investment advice and portfolio management with Jules (who is based in Wellington) via digital channels, proving that quality financial advice doesn't require in-person meetings. Craigs appearing on our list is based solely on service quality and professional expertise, with no commercial arrangement or referral fees involved. |
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Kernel WealthKernel is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing digital wealth platforms, with around $3 billion in funds under management, offering low‑fee index funds, a KiwiSaver plan, a competitive savings account, and Shares & ETFs.
Why investors choose Kernel
Who it suits
How high‑net‑worth investors may use Kernel
What to know
More details: Learn about Kernel Wealth |
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Forsyth BarrNew Zealand-owned with 100+ years of history and billions under administration, serving everyone from successful professionals to multi-generational wealthy families. They offer both discretionary management and advisory services, with minimums around $500,000+ for full wealth management services.
More details: Learn about Forsyth Barr |
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JBWereJBWere's Auckland office focuses on ultra-high-net-worth families, typically $2m+ portfolios. Access to global research and investment opportunities through their Australian parent, while maintaining local decision-making. Particularly strong for complex family wealth structures, philanthropy advice, and those needing trans-Tasman wealth management. Their intergenerational wealth planning is notably sophisticated.
More details: Learn about JBWere |
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Pie WealthPie Wealth brings institutional investment expertise to private clients, with a minimum $1m investment for their private wealth service. They run concentrated portfolios with conviction positions and offer a straightforward fee structure.
More details: Learn about Pie Wealth |
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Milford Wealth ManagementMilford Wealth Management is part of Milford Asset Management - their private wealth arm leverages the same team managing KiwiSaver and retail funds. Minimums from $500,000+ for wealth management.
More details: Learn about Milford Wealth Management |
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AlvariumAlvarium provides families, foundations and private clients with bespoke financial planning and investment advice to meet individual investor objectives and complex needs.
More details: Learn about Alvarium |
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InvestNowInvestNow is a popular platform providing access to 140+ managed funds with no entry fees and minimums from $250. Over $3 billion is invested through the platform, and while it's not wealth management per se, sophisticated investors use InvestNow to build institutional-quality portfolios without adviser fees.
InvestNow is particularly useful for accessing wholesale funds usually requiring $100,000+ minimums directly, and many wealthy Aucklanders maintain significant allocations here alongside their advised portfolios. More details: Learn about InvestNow |
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SimplicityWhile known for low-cost KiwiSaver funds, their investment funds are popular with wealthy New Zealanders, with management fees from 0.10%. We believe many high-net-worth individuals park substantial sums in their diversified funds as a core holding.
Simplicity does not offer wealth management, but for the financially sophisticated wanting rock-bottom fees for market exposure, Simplicity leads with low-fee funds. Like Kernel, and based on average balance data, we believe that numerous investors invest millions with Simplicity while using boutique advisers for their complex needs. More details: Learn about Simplicity Investment Funds |
Our Featured Wealth Management Leaders - Lighthouse Financial, Kernel and Craigs
MoneyHub proudly features three distinctive wealth managers representing the best of institutional expertise, cost efficiency, and holistic planning. Each offers a proven path to wealth growth for different investor needs.
1) Lighthouse Financial - Lighthouse takes a goals-first approach, mapping out your complete financial picture - from investments to property to mortgages - with transparent fee-only planning. Their in-house team of advisers, accountants and mortgage brokers coordinates everything in one place, making them ideal for those wanting comprehensive wealth planning without product bias.
2) Kernel Wealth - Kernel delivers institutional-grade index investing at rock-bottom fees (0.25-0.45%), with no minimums and a fully digital experience that's transformed how wealthy Kiwis build core portfolios. Perfect for cost-conscious investors who understand that low fees compound into significant wealth over time - saving potentially $37,500 annually on a $5m portfolio versus traditional advisers.
3) Craigs Investment Partners - With $30+ billion under administration and decades of New Zealand market expertise, Craigs combines institutional research capabilities with personal adviser relationships for portfolios from $250,000. They excel at direct equity portfolios, sophisticated rebalancing, and providing the steady hand wealthy families need through market volatility.
MoneyHub proudly features three distinctive wealth managers representing the best of institutional expertise, cost efficiency, and holistic planning. Each offers a proven path to wealth growth for different investor needs.
1) Lighthouse Financial - Lighthouse takes a goals-first approach, mapping out your complete financial picture - from investments to property to mortgages - with transparent fee-only planning. Their in-house team of advisers, accountants and mortgage brokers coordinates everything in one place, making them ideal for those wanting comprehensive wealth planning without product bias.
- More details: Read our Lighthouse Financial Review or visit the Lighthouse Financial website
2) Kernel Wealth - Kernel delivers institutional-grade index investing at rock-bottom fees (0.25-0.45%), with no minimums and a fully digital experience that's transformed how wealthy Kiwis build core portfolios. Perfect for cost-conscious investors who understand that low fees compound into significant wealth over time - saving potentially $37,500 annually on a $5m portfolio versus traditional advisers.
- More details: Read our Kernel Review or visit the Kernel website
3) Craigs Investment Partners - With $30+ billion under administration and decades of New Zealand market expertise, Craigs combines institutional research capabilities with personal adviser relationships for portfolios from $250,000. They excel at direct equity portfolios, sophisticated rebalancing, and providing the steady hand wealthy families need through market volatility.
- More details: Read our Craigs Review or visit the Craigs website (Jules Riley's profile)
Know This: Many sophisticated investors use multiple providers - for example, Lighthouse for comprehensive financial planning and property investment coordination, Kernel for low-fee core equity exposure, and Craigs for direct share portfolios and institutional research. There's no single right answer, only the right combination for your wealth.
What Can I Do If I Got the Wrong Advice From a Wealth Adviser?
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 Wealth 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 Wealth 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.
The best approach is to complain to the Wealth 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 Wealth 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 wealth adviser who genuinely puts your wealth-building goals first - and avoids those who don't.
1. Getting Started FAQs
I've got $3 million sitting in term deposits. How quickly could I move this to a wealth adviser?
Most wealth advisers can onboard you within 1-2 weeks, but rushing is not wise - missing a month of returns is better than picking the wrong adviser for the year or beyond. Carefully review your options - our shortlist of trusted Auckland wealth advisers above is a helpful starting point.
I sold my business for $8 million. Should I invest it all at once or gradually?
This is where good wealth advisers earn their fees. Statistically, lump sum investing beats dollar-cost averaging most of the time. But psychologically, watching $8 million drop to $7 million in a sharp market correction is psychologically damaging. Many advisers recommend a hybrid approach, where 40-50% is invested immediately in a balanced portfolio, with the remaining amount phased in over 6-12 months. Some use options strategies to provide downside protection during the transition.
What's the minimum to get taken seriously by proper wealth advisers?
$250,000 to $1m, depending on the manager.
What documents do I need to bring to my first meeting?
Usually, very little, but bring an ID. However, to help explain your goals, you'll want to review your bank statements, recent tax returns, investment statements, property valuations (if relevant), trust deeds and calculate an estimated annual spending to outline your wealth.
Can I try a wealth adviser with a small amount first before committing my full portfolio?
Yes, most advisers will accept a trial allocation - typically $250,000 to $1m to test the relationship. Just be upfront that you're testing the service. If they pressure you to move everything immediately, that's a red flag. Good advisers earn your full portfolio over time.
2. Costs & Performance FAQs
Do wealth advisers actually beat index funds after fees?
Sometimes but not always. However, wealth advisers can add significant value, up to ~3% in net annual returns, according to recent Vanguard research in the UK. This is achieved through disciplined asset allocation, rebalancing, and behavioral coaching , which can far outweigh typical fees for emotional or hands-off investors. This holistic approach optimizes what clients can control, being costs, taxes, and discipline and can deliver better personal financial outcomes than DIY indexing alone for many.
How do I know if my wealth adviser is actually any good?
After year one, you should have clear performance reporting showing returns versus relevant benchmarks. But judging on one year is not absolute - even poor quality advisers can get lucky. Look for a consistent process, clear communication during volatile periods, and proactive management.
What hidden costs should I watch for beyond the headline management fee?
Transaction costs, currency conversion fees, performance fees that kick in above low hurdles, platform/custody fees, and exit fees. Ask specifically about the total expense ratios of any underlying funds they use. The difference between 1% and 1.8% total costs compounds massively over time.
3. Managing the Relationship FAQs
How often should I actually meet with my wealth adviser?
Annual face-to-face with quarterly written updates works for most. The best firms provide ongoing performance reports and calls during significant market events. If they're scheduling monthly meetings, it's likely because they're justifying fees or you're their only client. Either way, it's probably not good.
Should I tell my wealth adviser about assets they're not managing?
Tell them everything. Good advisers need the complete picture to optimise your situation. If you've got $3 million with them and $5 million in property, that massively changes your risk profile and strategy. The advisers who get offended that they don't manage everything aren't worth using. The good ones will even give you advice on assets they don't manage.
Can I split my money between multiple wealth advisers?
Yes, and many wealthy Aucklanders do exactly this. A common split, for example, is $2-3 million with a boutique for core portfolio management, $1-2 million in Kernel and InvestNow for low-cost index exposure. The downside is managing multiple relationships, but the upside is diversification of adviser risk and access to different expertise.
What are valid reasons to change wealth advisers?
Consistent underperformance versus agreed benchmarks (over 3+ years), poor communication during market volatility, style drift from what was promised, fee increases without service improvements, your key contact leaving the firm, or simply loss of confidence. Don't stay out of politeness - this is your wealth.
4. Specific Considerations FAQs
Will my wealth adviser coordinate with my accountant and lawyer?
The best advisers proactively suggest joint meetings for tax planning. If an adviser seems reluctant to work with your existing professionals or insists you use theirs, that's a red flag. Your adviser should strengthen your existing team, not replace it.
Do I need a wealth adviser if I'm happy with property investment?
Many successful property investors think they don't need diversification - until New Zealand property stalls for five years while global equities double. If you've got $5m+ in property, a wealth adviser can help you diversify without selling properties you'd prefer to retain ownership of.
How do wealth advisers handle sustainable/ethical investing requests?
Most Auckland wealth advisers now offer ESG funds (environmental, social, governance), though quality varies wildly. Some just exclude "sin stocks" (weapons, tobacco, gambling) while others run sophisticated positive screening for companies making a genuine impact. To invest on your terms, you'll need to be specific about your values - excluding fossil fuels is different from supporting renewable energy.
Warning: Some advisers may try to talk you out of it, claiming performance drag. If this issue arises, we suggest you find someone who respects your values rather than dismisses them.
Warning: Some advisers may try to talk you out of it, claiming performance drag. If this issue arises, we suggest you find someone who respects your values rather than dismisses them.
