Hi, I'm Todd, I am a Financial Adviser for over 25 years experience and worked in the United Kingdom (11) and New Zealand (14 +). My personal focus is helping people make informed choices and unders...
About Us
We'd love for you to pop in and see us at the new head office. We've got a pretty good coffee machine to boot.
Contact Details
Christchurch
Get In Touch- Phone:
- 03 372 1900
- Physical Address:
-
520 Colombo St, Christchurch, 8011
- Postal Address:
-
PO Box 25130, Christchurch, 8141
Get In Touch
Contact us on 0800 656 466 or clientcare@lifetime.co.nz or alternatively send us an online enquiry below.Our Team
Alahna Gestro-Best
Group & Employee Benefits Lead Administrator
Certificate in Business Administration
With over 7 years combined of customer service, financial services and business administration experience, Alahna always has a high focus on ensuring our corporate clients have peace of mind knowing their staff are being well looked after. Whether it’s adding new members onto benefits, continuing their cover when they leave, or assisting them with a claim, Alahna will ensure businesses and staff have key contacts and support when they need it most. When she’s back in her hometown on the West Coast she enjoys hunting and fishing and going to the pub with her Dad to play a few games of pool.
Julie Fisher
General Manager – People and Capability
DipGrad Psyc, BA Applied Science, Dip. Bus Mgmt.
I joined the Lifetime team in 2017 into the newly created Training and Development Manager role. I have worked across a broad spectrum of markets in Human Resources; from Social Services, Hospitality, Mining and Fast Moving Consumer Goods. I am a proud scarfie Otago University graduate with a DipGrad in Psychology, Bachelor of Applied Science and Diploma in Business Management. I enjoy taking a positive approach to growing people to reach their full potential, and have a very enthusiastic manner of working with all people across the business. I am married with two daughters and live in the Tai Tapu area.
Donna Edwards
Adviser Support
I'm adviser support for the Lifetime team in Christchurch. I have been employed with the team since 2012, starting as a casual staff member for a year before moving into the permanent role I am currently still doing. I strive to do the best I can to ensure our clients are cared for in a timely manner; with the most efficient service possible. I live locally in the Somerfield area with my husband, 2 sons and daughter. In our down time, we love to get outdoors for some serious adventures.
Tamara Boyd
Mortgage Support
I have spent the last 15 years in the financial services industry, both in personal and business banking and also risk insurance. Prior to this I represented New Zealand in both road and track cycling and also rode for French and Belgian teams during the European road season. The motivation and drive I needed to perform as a cyclist has transferred to my work and I strive to do the best by my clients in whatever areas I can assist in.
Megan Coombs
Customer Care Assistant
BA(Hons)
I have extensive experience in customer service and I enjoy speaking to customers on a daily basis and getting to know people. When not at work I am a Mum to two daughters, a cat and a rabbit. I enjoy the outdoors, baking and spending time with friends. I am passionate about ensuring every customer is interaction is dealt with a positive attitude and a smile. I like everybody to feel important and nothing is too much to ask. I enjoy learning new skills and making every day enjoyable.
Charlotte Arnott
Group & Employee Benefits Support
Born in Manchester and raised in Christchurch. I enjoy life with good humour, music and more than a handful of incredible people around me. I love speaking with people from all different walks of life and helping them with whatever they throw my way (even if that is just a good chat over the phone!). I want to always be moving forward, learning and developing in both my professional and personal life. I believe experiences and opportunities are the biggest contribution to continuous improvement, which in turn helps me to better assist, and have a sound understanding of an individual’s needs. Outside of work I love to write music, listen to music and go to shows. It's been my passion since I was a tiny wee one and something that will forever be a huge part of me.
Kristy King
Adviser Support
I was born and grew up in Christchurch, I have lived elsewhere but Christchurch always pulls me back, it will always be home. I am currently supporting three knowledgeable advisers here at Lifetime, where I started September 2020. Prior to this, I've had varying customer service, administration and learning and development roles. I feel most comfortable when my work allows me to help people and this is part of the reason I joined Lifetime. I believe people should have the right resources to make educated decisions about their future. I joined Lifetime after helping my grandmother set up a trust, we sought out financial advice and it was the best decision we have made thus far. Our adviser is assisting us in the management of an investment portfolio, she's taken the guess work out of investing, it no longer feels like a gamble. The growth in this portfolio is exponential, something we would never have been able to achieve alone. This will see my grandmother well through her retirement and beyond, not only helping her children, but their children and so on. Working with this adviser impacted me significantly, she helped me fast track life goals I thought were barely achievable. This inspired me to get into this industry so I too can have that impact on peoples lives.
Sharon Glover
Executive Assistant to Senior Leadership Team
I'm Christchurch born and bred and married to an ex-Southlander (don't hold that against me!), with two very energetic sporty boys that lovingly demand my time outside work, which I love! I started in the insurance industry over 30 years ago (I know, I don't look old enough!), and have worked with the Lifetime team for 15 years. As the Senior Leadership PA - I'm the one who helps everything tick and run smoothly behind the scenes. No two days are the same but I love what I do and we have a great team of people throughout the country. Making other peoples lives easier is a real buzz, even if it's something small to assist. Being organised is the key to making my own life easier, always thinking ahead!
Sue Moore
Receptionist
I'm one of the Lifetime Receptionists. I love to keep the office running smoothly and am the go to person for many of the behind the scene necessities. You could call me Camp Mother!! After working for Lifetime since 2008, I can honestly say my first passion is you, our client. I love to make you feel welcome and valued and you can always rely on me to greet you with a smile, and offer you an awesome cup of coffee (or drink of your choice).
James Mitchell
Project Coordinator
BCom
Hi, I'm James! I was born and raised in Christchurch. In my eyes, there are few cities in the world that offer such a great feeling of community and togetherness. This, alongside its beautiful landscape, will always make Christchurch my home. I am passionate about creating novel experiences, trying new things and meeting new people. It allows me to bring interesting ideas from diverse backgrounds which really fuels creativity when solving problems. Finding elegant and effective solutions for people and working in such a fun team are the things I like most about working for Lifetime!
Donna Blakely
Finance Team
I have been with Lifetime for just over 4 years. I work alongside a great team of people in the finance department. I have seen many changes during my time at Lifetime, which keeps my job interesting and there are certainly never any dull moments! I pretty much spend my time outside of work running around after my busy children, but when I do get time to myself I enjoy going for walks and catching up with friends. Also a bit of retail therapy keeps my happy!
Stefan Offen
Customer Care Centre Administrator
I was born and raised in Timaru for 18 years before heading off to Christchurch to study Business at the University of Canterbury. While at university I was fortunate enough to spend a month in Paris which has only given me more of a travel bug! After graduation, I shortly began working at Lifetime in the Customer Care Centre dealing with various enquiries which means every day is never the same. Already having a background in customer service has given me confidence in my abilities to ensure that I can provide each client with an enjoyable experience. Outside of work I enjoy spending time socializing with family and friends. I like to stay active and constantly challenge myself. Which is why on any given day you could find me playing a bit of tennis, playing some football, or lifting some weights at the gym.
Lisa Direen
Adviser Development Manager
Hi I'm Lisa. I was born and bred in North Otago but I've lived in Canterbury for over 20 years. Despite being away for a long time, I consider Otago to be my "home" and I'm still a faithful Highlanders supporter. I have a passion for travel and I enjoy exlporing new places and having adventures both here in NZ and overseas. I grew up on a farm and started my learning and development career as a trainer of rural banking advisers a long time ago. Since then I've developed learning and development programs in many organisations and industries as diverse as rural servicing, communications and technology. I'm passionate about helping people be the best they can be. I love seeing people grow and succeed in achieving their goals at work. As Adviser Development Manager, I am looking forward to shaping the trainee adviser journey and assisting existing advisers with their continued learning through ongoing professional development.
Laura Swambo
Adviser Support
BA - Media & Communications/English. Dip Contemporary Photography
I came to Lifetime with over 10 years of customer service experience, mainly in the hospitality industry. I was excited to start a new role where I could utilise everything I had learned. I started in the Customer Care Team and soon moved on to an Adviser Support Role. I also help Kat when I can with marketing, which I love doing. I had never envisioned myself working in the financial industry, and to my surprise I really enjoy it. There's never a day I don't want to come into work.
When I'm not at work I love to play netball and basketball. I'm also kept very busy by my two boys Cohen and Tanner.
I am passionate about having a strong work ethic. I enjoy keeping busy and always need something to do. I also believe you should love the work you do and I strive to offer great service to the clients.
Fiona Moffat
Business Support Manager
Fiona joined the finance team at Lifetime in 2014. New to the insurance industry she bought with her a wide range of commercial experience in accounts, administration and process improvement. As well as supporting the finance team she works closely with the entire management team.
Fiona and her partner, Steve, enjoy travelling whenever the opportunity arises; particularly going to the World Cup every four years. They share their home with Katie, a retired Greyhound.
Catherine de Graaff
Client Care Centre Team Leader
I have been delivering exceptional service in my career in both private and public sectors. I am passionate about people, their stories, their journeys. Highly motivated, and performance driven to achieve outcomes successfully by focusing on my own and my colleague’s strengths. I have a great sense of humour and like to lighten the days with some fun. I strive for quality, apply process and discipline towards optimising and challenging performance. I thrive with like-minded people who share and demonstrate the values, vision, and belief of our business through ‘walking the talk’ here at Lifetime. I am incredibly lucky to be a part of Lifetime to have the freedom to deliver an authentic and genuine delivery of our values and philosophies for our customers in every stage of their journey. The team across New Zealand is incredibly diverse with a vast depth of knowledge and expertise in all areas, it makes for connections to be made with ease for our lifetime clients and customers. I love that we make it easy, transparent and simple. In my time outside of Lifetime you can find me enjoying my niece and nephews bringing out my inner child, and spending time with my family and friends.
Josh Ley
Customer Care Center Administrator
Hi, I’m Josh and I would describe myself as an extroverted, outgoing person who is passionate about working with people. Prior to joining Lifetime, I was a bank teller in the call-centre for Kiwibank. I’m always eager to learn something new and explore the world! I am a big fan of being outdoors: whether on the football pitch or in the mountains! I’m an eager language learner and an avid traveller! In my free-time, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts/audiobooks, going on tangents on the internet (how did I arrive at the Galapagos Marine Iguana from Julius Caesar?) and I have a special interest in geography, biology and history.
Lucy Mitchell
Receptionist / Adviser Support
First and foremost, I am a receptionist. I am one of the first people you meet when you walk into Lifetime. In between times I like to assist our advisers in any way they need. I love meeting and greeting you when you arrive. I want you to feel completely comfortable from the moment you walk in the door until the moment you leave.
Nicole Kay
Customer Care Assistant
I was born and raised in Southland, starting my working life as a waitress, which taught me the importance of customer service. I am now based in Christchurch and I am excited to bring the customer service skills I have gained over the past six years to this role. I enjoy spending my spare time with my friends and family. I am passionate about doing what is best for our customers. My goal is for them to walk away from our conversation feeling as though their needs have been heard and meet. I truly believe that the level and type of customer service a client receives can make or break their experience.
Aaron Bowkett
General Manager - Advice
CFP
Aaron is the General Manager – Advice at Lifetime. His early career was in the area of professional development before moving into Banking in 1998 then Financial Planning in 2002 while living in Dublin Ireland.
On returning to New Zealand Aaron attained the Certified Financial Planner designation and continued working as an Investment Adviser.
In 2008 he switched to Business Development for the next decade. Firstly with a large corporate growing the funds management offering then in 2015 working with a startup investment firm sourcing funds into a completely new investment offering.
More recently Aaron worked as a Financial Planner with clients throughout New Zealand utilising the latest technologies to drive better outcomes for clients.
For fun he enjoys the outdoors with family and friends and working in his small vineyard.
Georgia Wilkinson
Client Care Administrator
BA in English and Media Communications
After moving to Christchurch from Queenstown in 2018 for University I was immediately attracted to the city lifestyle and all of the opportunities it had to offer. I graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications and endeavour to put the skills that I learned into practice now that I am out in the big wide world. I am always on the look out for opportunities to develop myself both professionally and personally. Having been in customer-service roles since the age of 15, I love to build connections with those I interact with to ensure that our clients and customers are well looked after.
Amy Byrne
Senior Finance Administrator
Having returned to New Zealand from working in Ireland, Amy joined the lifetime team in 2017. She brings with her 5 years of insurance and mortgage experience into her new role in the commissions team. In her spare time she enjoys trying out the new restaurants and eateries popping up around the city.
Kat McCorkindale
General Manager - Technology
MBA, Grad Dip. DVPP, Dip. Multimedia, MInstD
Some say she dreams in pixels, and she speaks fluent binary. All we know is she's called Kat, and she loves Top Gear references.
Since graduating from Canterbury University with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in 2013, I have enjoyed a varied and dynamic career, establishing and managing businesses in marketing, technology, retail, and hospitality. I'm a member of the Institute of Directors and an active director.
My focus at Lifetime is primarily on the client experience, transformative technologies, and data-driven decisions. Having always been a fiercely goal-orientated person, I relish the opportunity to assist Kiwis in growing and protecting their wealth to achieve their life goals, through smarter financial planning.
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping moving with ice hockey, running, and walking the many beautiful trails around New Zealand with my dogs. If not on my feet, you'll find me on a motor, racing my partner on the track or the water.
Kaye Stuart
Adviser Support
I joined Lifetime in February 2018 as an Adviser Support. previously I worked in the banking industry since 2001 in Christchurch; as Mobile Mortgage Manager Support and in Customer Service. Coming from a banking background, it is a great challenge to be learning about insurances, which is completely new. I love the variety in my job at Lifetime, and the people I work with are great and always lots of laughs. I currently support multiple advisers so I am very busy multi tasking. I have been an avid rugby league supporter from my teenage years, with my husband playing league for many years and then going onto coaching in his later years. My weekends are spent catching up with friends for a quiet drink and lots of walking with our dog. I am a "West Coaster" from my hometown Hokitika. I have a 22 year old son who keeps me on my toes.
Jordana Cook
Systems Administrator
Born and raised in Christchurch Jordana has over three years’ experience in the Insurance Industry. Jordana joined the Lifetime Team in August 2016 as an Adviser Support where she looks after two advisers and works across both Risk and Investment, she is also involved with our Operations and Support team to help with system inquires and improvements. Away from work Jordana enjoys playing netball and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Sarah Fawcett
General Manager - Finance
CA, BCom
Sarah is a qualified chartered accountant with a wealth of experience over several senior finance roles. Her experience spans a wide range of industries including tourism, education, Government, energy and city infrastructure.
She brings a focus on providing effective, fit for purpose reporting and solutions, and experience working with rapidly growing businesses.
Outside of work Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors either mountain biking in summer or skiing during winter.
Tina Evans
General Manager - Operations
BA, CFP, CLU
I am a people person, always interested in hearing people’s stories. There are so many choices to be made along life’s journey and I find it fascinating to hear the different attitudes and priorities people make. Having been an Adviser, I felt real satisfaction in helping people with their financial decisions to reach their goals.
My role now is helping Lifetime from an operational aspect. I believe that to be a great team we need to have a strong culture, a company where people enjoy working, where the team feel valued and supported in the roles they do. There are many cogs in the wheel in Lifetime and all employees play a valued role in keeping it turning.
When not at work, I love being able to make the most of exploring our great country and feel at my happiest out on some of the great tramping tracks across the country. I just hope my knees keep up with my enthusiasm to explore some of the more challenging tracks, especially as my grandchildren grow up and join me.
Tina Turner
Adviser Support
Hi, I'm Tina Turner and no I'm not the singer. I'm a Mum, Wife and Nana, so I have a lot of lifetime experiences to share. I'm a positive outgoing person and always have a smile on my dial. After work I'm often at the gym working out. I enjoy watching thrillers and spending time with my family. What you don't know about me is I had a firewood business for 3 years when I was in my 20's. I have a knack of problem solving. If things don't fit the box, I work it out. But the funny part is I don't do crosswords. I'm a numbers girl. I've always believed, if you don't enjoy where or who you work with, find something you are passionate about, as I am about my job. That's why I have been in this field for over 23 years and I still love it. Insurances and mortgages I know like the back of my hand. I do most of the behind the scenes work for a couple of Advisers that I've known over 20 years. I've been encouraged to be an Adviser but feel I am too shy!
Michael Claassen
IT Coordinator
Michael started his career in 1999, which gives him over 20 years’ experience within the IT Sector, he is a family orientated and task driven individual who is always up for a new challenge. Born and raised in Sunny South Africa, Michael now brings his strong work ethic and can-do attitude to our lifetime team in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Cushlia Young
Adviser Support
Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage
I was born in Invercargill and moved to Canterbury as a child. I have a passion for travel having spent 2 years living in England and traveling the world. I enjoy baking, hiking and the outdoors. In my spare time you can find me running my own business as a Massage Therapist. With 10 years experience in administration in multiple industries, I joined Lifetime in 2015 initially as an adviser support/receptionist. I am passionate about making sure everything runs smoothly for the clients behind the scenes. I have a real passion for helping people and enjoy seeing a good outcome for clients through claims and queries.
Thomas Challies
CCC Administrator
I am an advocate for people in all respects with my focus and efforts being centred around understanding who they are, where they are coming from and connecting them with the right people to get to where they want to be. I have a varied background in roles from interior design, to senior leadership in retail, direct interactions within a communications company and have now landed here at Lifetime. I am delighted to be part of a team that truly embodies and delivers a people centric focus and approach.
Peter Cave
Managing Director
CFP
I started my career in Engineering in England in the 1980’s, then decided to travel to NZ for my OE where I found my passion was with investing and helping people understand finances rather than Engineering. After joining the Financial Services Industry, it became obvious to me that the NZ market required people to change their way of doing business, a journey of observation that led to the current delivery of advice with Lifetime Group. People want Advice for Life, they don’t need to have people deliver them products. I am proud to say I am leading our team of Advisers at Lifetime along the new regulatory path and know that all of our clients will receive top quality advice from our team that reflects their own personal financial journey. When not at work I enjoy some quiet time to gather my thoughts, changing from my work suit to my work boots to spend time in the garden.
Lucy Ridley
Assistant Accountant
Originally from the UK, Lucy has been in New Zealand for little over a year, having arrived from life in Canada. Lucy has varying accounting experience, ranging from working for Big 4 companies at home in the UK to small town tourism operations in the Canadian Rockies. In her spare time Lucy enjoys travel, food and coffee. Eating, with a coffee, whilst travelling is her ultimate pastime.
Andrea McKissock
Academy Training Coordinator
Hi I’m Andrea – Academy Training Coordinator at Lifetime. I have 12 years’ experience in the Financial Industry having joined the Lifetime team in 2009 from a background in Travel and Adult Training. Training and Development has a key role in our company in ensuring our staff have the knowledge and skill to perform in their roles competently and confidently while putting our clients needs and goals first.
I’m passionate about training and believe knowledge empowers you – it has a beginning but no end. When not at work I enjoy spending family time with my two daughters who are very active on the sports front along with quality time with my friends.
Riki Carston
Associate Adviser
BBA - Economics & Finance
Hey I'm Riki. Born over in Australia but raised in the Bay of Plenty. I have been all I can about the world of Economics and Finance during my time at Waikato University before making the decision to move south and begin my career in the financial sector as an Associate Advisor. In my personal life, I enjoy keeping fit and healthy in the outdoors or while playing rugby and cricket keeping that competitive nature of mine alive. I'm passionate about enjoying life as much as we all can and making the most of every day whether it be outdoors in the sun, on the field, or indoors working on my knowledge. Economics and finance have always appealed to me and that stays true to this day. I enjoy learning all I can about this industry and have no plans of slowing down.
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