Karen Smart

NZHL Home Loans: refinancing, investors, first home buyers, those looking to renovate their home. At NZHL we believe there is a better way to have a mortgage and a life, or a mortgage and travel. What do you want?

NZHL Personal Insurances protect you from life's “what ifs”. We have a range of income protection, mortgage protection, trauma products, health insurance and of course life insurance (with terminal illness cover). Home loans and insurance: you deserve the best advice. It is not one size fits all, advice matters.

I was loving looking after my clients; starting my business was a natural progression to keep doing what I enjoyed.

I was working in the business as an employee and quickly could see the difference good advice, good loan structures and the right insurance really could change lives.

Gosh, this is a relationship business. You need to meet and form relationships with the clients to best assess how to help. Covid was tough as we could not meet in person. That challenge became a strength as we found a new way to work.

For my business? That my clients know they are getting good advice, feel valued, meet their financial goals and recommend me to others. It sounds simple but doing this right means the business continues to grow year on year. My ambition would be client satisfaction and growth of my business.

Success is what I am doing now, maybe with more travel next year. Both my adult children live outside of NZ.

I would be proud going into business in the first place, that I had the courage and tiny bit of confidence to start back in 2012 and that I am here today. I would also be proud of the 5 awards I have earned. However, I am most proud of the clients I have helped on their journey and the friends I have made. There is no company without the clients.

My family. My mum who is always encouraging, my adult children chasing their goals.

Nadia Lim for her entrepreneurship with My Food Bag and now her farm and its products. Valerie Adams, an amazing woman chasing her sporting goals and now a sports ambassador.

Lots. I joined in 2012 full of doubt and some imposter syndrome (did I belong at the table?). The personal and professional growth and education along the way have been rock solid.

My favourite pastime always involves other people, family or friends. Cooking from scratch is relaxing and enjoyable, and hosting a dinner party is the best. I do water walking and some swimming and some gym work to maintain movement and health, which is rewarding.