Acton-Adams returns to Astute NZ Home Loans gets new GM from AIA

Home loan and insurance adviser network New Zealand Home Loans (NZHL) gets new general manager franchise, distribution and marketing.

Craig Wagstaff has been appointed as the group's new general manager franchise, distribution and marketing. He comes to NZHL from AIA where he was head of ASB Partnership. Wagstaff was an essential part of the integration team bringing Sovereign and AIA together.

Previously he held roles as head of new business operations at Sovereign and head of health operations at AIA.

NZHL chief executive Kip Hanna says NZHL is focused on scaling the business and Wagstaff was selected for his wealth of knowledge of the sector and expertise.

This role will join NZHL's leadership team and be responsible for the growth of the core NZHL business, its franchise network, and how the group engages with its community.

“Ultimately, our goal is to help more New Zealanders reach financial freedom - working to pay off and reduce the long-term costs of their home loans while having adequate insurance protection.”

Hanna says NZHL’s priority is to continue to deliver competitive alternatives for Kiwis - particularly as homeowners are facing the cost-ofliving increases, much higher interest rates, and a changing property market.

“Craig is a highly regarded practitioner; we believe his depth and breadth of industry experience business recently, says Acton-Adams will help members take the next step up with their businesses. will help drive NZHL forward strategically and support our local franchise offices.”

He says a lot of advisers in the group are looking to bring new members on board.

While lending volumes are down, advisers are still busy, he says, and many are looking to move to the next level.

Astute is looking to grow and add “like-minded” advisers. He says the business has a high focus on compliance.

Acton-Adams is well-known to many Astute members after her time with Mortgage Express and also Liberty.

“My passion is to help people grow,” she says.

Wagstaff says, “NZHL is a purposedriven business with which I find myself aligned. I’m looking forward to working alongside the support office and franchise network in this exciting growth phase,” he says.

“With clients at the heart of the business, I’m excited to understand who our clients are, what financial freedom means to them and how I can contribute,” Wagstaff says. ✚