I lived in Melbourne where I spent 20 years of my life, before moving back to my homeland Christchurch in 2018 where I was born and raised. I have over 10 years of customer service experience and I am...
About Us
We'd love for you to pop in and see us at Lifetime HQ, 520 Colombo Street. We've got a pretty good coffee machine to boot.
Best Parking
We have dedicated client carparks in the carpark building off Dundas Street. Drive up the DMC House ramp, then take the first left on level one, and there are a row of four client car parks just to the left, each marked with a small "Lifetime Client Parking" sign. Once parked, take walk back across the ramp and take the stairs down to Dundas Street, and walk left around the corner onto Colombo Street for the Lifetime main entrance.
Contact Details
Christchurch
Get In Touch- Phone:
- 03 372 1900
- Physical Address:
-
520 Colombo St, Christchurch, 8011
- Postal Address:
-
PO Box 25130, Christchurch, 8140
Our Team
Ryan Cooke
IT Manager
Originally from North Yorkshire in the UK, I have been in New Zealand since 2019 and I'm now on my path to staying here long term. Outside of work I am usually at the gym or developing an app to help people study for their Private Pilots License. I am passionate about helping people out and solving challenges. I believe technology can make everyone's lives easier and love to help people find new and easy ways to do old tasks.
Jo Sanders
Group & Employee Benefits Coordinator
Born and raised in the North East of England I've had the pleasure of calling NZ home for the past 9 years. I'm passionate about ensuring our corporate clients have peace of mind knowing their staff are being well looked after. Whether it be adding new members onto benefits, continuing their cover when they leave or assisting them with a claim. Outside of work you'll find me running around after my daughter or working on a D.I.Y project.
Cushlia Young
Adviser Support / Insurance Coordinator
Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage
Born in Invercargill and raised in Canterbury, my journey has taken me far and wide. A fervent traveller, I embarked on a two-year adventure living in England and exploring the globe. When I'm not globe-trotting, I find solace in baking, hiking, and immersing myself in the great outdoors. In my spare time, I also run my own massage therapy business.
With over a decade of invaluable administrative expertise spanning various industries, I became a part of the Lifetime team in 2015, initially serving as an adviser support/receptionist. My journey within the company has evolved, and I now proudly hold the position of Insurance Coordinator. Throughout my career, I've developed an unwavering commitment to ensuring seamless operations for our clients behind the scenes. My genuine passion for helping people shines through in my dedication to facilitating positive outcomes for clients, particularly through the intricacies of claims and inquiries. Having honed my administrative skills for over 10+ years, I am committed to making a meaningful impact and contributing to the success of our clients and our organisation.
Adam MacTavish
Plan Writer
I'm an adviser support with the Hamilton team. Previous to this role, I was studying at The University of Waikato and spent some time working in Wellington within the financial industry. I have a strong belief in continuous learning so am always seeking out opportunities to up-skill and gain additional knowledge. In my spare time I enjoy keeping myself physically fit and keeping up with a wide range of sports leagues and am also one to always agree to game of chess. Additionally, I enjoy being actively involved in my Church group and spending as much time as I can with my family and friends whether that be back home in the Waikato or elsewhere.
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.
James Mitchell
Data Analyst
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!
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. 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).
Tim Bakkenes
General Manager - Technology
Since entering the financial services industry in 2002, I've held a variety of roles at leading institutions including banks, financial advice firms, and global financial technology providers. Through these roles, I've gained firsthand experience and insights into how a diverse range of institutions—from large global corporations to smaller local firms—utilise technology to deliver services to their customers.
Here at Lifetime I'm driven by the transformative power of FinTech to unlock new opportunities for growth, drive innovation, streamline processes, and deliver engaging tools and experiences that empower our customers to achieve greater financial certainty.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my young family and we love exploring the many beautiful hiking trails and beaches our country has to offer. I'm also a keen motorcyclist and you'll often find me on either the tarmac or off-road trails.
Kristy Crates
Adviser Support
Hi there, I'm Kristy. I have joined the Lifetime team as an adviser support and am loving the challenge of learning everything there is to know about the industry. I have three daughters that I am forever grateful for, outside of work I am usually with one or all of them either at the beach or climbing a hill somewhere. My three golden rules are; kindness is free - give it in abundance, don't stress over things that are out of your control and be grateful, always.
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.
Thomas Challies
Academy Systems and Administration Lead
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.
Laura Hyland
HR Coordinator
BA - Media & Communications/English. Dip Contemporary Photography
I joined the Lifetime team back in 2020 as a client care administrator before becoming an adviser support. In 2021 I began my current role as a management graduate. In this role I have been a member of the academy team and am now moving into marketing and human recourses.
I enjoy being a part of the company’s growth and strive to do my best for the clients and my fellow employees. I love the variety and learning opportunities my role has to offer.
In my own time I enjoy a bit of social netball and basketball, being outdoors and spending quality time with my partner and our two young boys.
Kaye Stuart
Adviser Support
I was born in Hokitika (a true West Coaster) which will always be my hometown. I have lived in Christchurch this time around for 24 years. I come from a banking background with BNZ as a support for mobile mortgage managers and customer service from 2001.
I joined Lifetime in February 2018 as an adviser support and have loved every minute of it. Supporting 2 advisers (and sometimes 3) with risk and investments is very challenging, however I am up to the challenge and thrive on being busy.
Outside of work, I am busy exercising myself and our 3yr old border collie dog. I enjoy catching up with friends and visiting Hokitika as much as I can.
Tiana Abraham
Client Care Adminstrator
My name is Tiana, I'm new to the Lifetime team as of February 2024. I've lived in Canterbury all my life and moved into the big city in 2021. Customer service has always been a huge part of my life, from working in hospitality to retail, I know the importance of delivering fantastic service to clients and customers and I enjoy doing so. In my free time, I love to hang out with friends and family, watch a good movie or get the creative juices flowing with a bit of sketching and painting.
Lucy Ridley Green
Practice Lead
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.
Georgia Stent
Adviser Support (F&G)
Hi, I'm Georgia. Born in Christchurch and raised in a small town called Port Levy in the beautiful Banks Peninsula. I entered the insurance industry in 2021 and previous to that my background was administration and customer service. In my spare time, I am a mum of a very busy toddler.
I have a real passion for insurance and enjoy learning more about the industry. As a mum, I understand the importance of balancing professional and personal responsibilities, that is why I strive to provide clients with the best possible experience.
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 exploring 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.
Sarah Holliman
Group & Employee Benefits Support
Originally from the UK, I spent the last 20 years in Auckland and in 2023 I decided to relocate to Christchurch with my family. Having recently joined Employee Benefits, I look forward to working with an amazing team to ensure the smooth running of all areas of group workplace schemes. When not at work, I enjoy exploring new places with my daughters.
Jayni Reyland
Client Care Centre Administrator
Hey, I'm Jayni I proudly joined the Client care team at Lifetime. I'm originally from the West Coast from a small village called Blackball and moved over to Christchurch in 2019 for my education and since then I have never looked back. I love diving deep into my family history as my 8th great Grandfather was a famous highwayman from England, and learning how we ended up here in New Zealand. I also love racing motocross and have been racing since I was 3 years old, as my mum once said to me that it will teach me life lessons for when I'm older. You will also see me up on the mountains with my mountain bike or at the beach enjoying the sun.
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 and their journeys. I am performance driven and highly motivated 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 thrive with like-minded people who share and demonstrate the values, vision, and beliefs of our business here at Lifetime. I am incredibly lucky to be a part of Lifetime and 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.
In my own time; you can find me enjoying my niece and nephews, bringing out my inner child and spending time with my family and friends.
Charlene Elgar
Client Care Administrator
I joined Lifetime in November 2023. I have been in the Customer Service field since 2018 and enjoy hearing people's stories and their journeys. I am passionate about providing the best possible outcome for our clients and thrive in a team that shares the same values and beliefs as I do. I am lucky to be a part of Lifetime whose purpose is to create greater financial security through all life stages. In my spare time you will find me on scenic walks or spending time with family.
Julie Forbes
General Manager – People and Capability
DipGrad Psyc, BA Applied Science, Dip. Bus Mgmt.
I joined the Lifetime team in 2017 as the newly created Training and Development Manager. 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. Outside of work I enjoy sports and hobbies with my two daughters and Labrador.
Lavinia Isaac
Adviser Support (F&G)
Kia Ora, I'm Lavinia and I have joined the Lifetime team in 2024 as an Advisor Support. I grew up in Greylynn, Auckland.
I have over 10 years of customer service experience and I have a passion for problem-solving and helping people by providing the best possible outcomes for my clients. When I am not at work, I enjoy traveling the globe and going on hikes/walks and exploring beautiful New Zealand.
Sharon Glover
Senior Leadership - PA
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 in 1989 (I know, I don't look old enough!), and have worked with the Lifetime team since 2005. As the Senior Leadership Team 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 people's 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!
Jessica Balloch
Group & Employee Benefits Support
Hi there, I am Jess. I am born and bred in Christchurch. I started my journey at Lifetime in September 2022. I am loving learning all about the industry. I am passionate about supporting people to help them achieve their goals. I take the time to listen to and understand client's questions, so they can feel at ease. Outside of work, I love spending time with my young, energetic nephews and family. I enjoy surfing and exploring nature. My golden rules are to treat people how you want to be treated and to never give up on your dreams.
Donna Blakely
Commisions Administrator
I have been with Lifetime for just over 4 years and work alongside a great team of people in the finance department. I have seen many changes during my time here, 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!
Ruvimbo Gezi
Adviser Support
BComm Management and Strategy and Entrepreneurship
Hi there, I'm Rue, and I'm all about finance and commerce. With a Bachelor’s in commerce from the University of Canterbury, and now pursuing a Master’s in Fintech and Investment Management, I'm all in on staying ahead of the game. Starting off as an Investment Operations Associate at Consilium, I've moved on to be an Adviser Support at Lifetime. From ensuring compliance to implementing investment strategies, I'm all about making things happen. Known for my attention to detail and commitment to delivering top-notch results, I thrive on empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.
Sarah Fawcett
General Manager - Finance
CA, BCom
I am a qualified chartered accountant with a wealth of experience over several Senior Finance roles. My experience spans a wide range of industries including Tourism, Education, Government, Energy and City Infrastructure.
I like to bring a focus on providing effective, fit for purpose reporting and solutions, and experience working with rapidly growing businesses.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time outdoors; either mountain biking in summer or skiing during winter.
Joanna Duthie
Academy Administrator
I’m Joanna! In 2024, I relocated to Christchurch, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Lifetime team.
I have a passion for people, and I am always eager to learn new things. I’m dedicated to continuous self-improvement and helping everyone and anyone along the way. I aim to foster positivity and build meaningful connections in every endeavor.
Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, listening to Taylor Swift, watching good movies, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand.
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Alison Isherwood
Business Improvement Manager
PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner Certificate in Agile Project Management
Having worked in both business operations and technology since 2002 when I moved to New Zealand, I have had a varied career in a number of industries including real estate, economic development, supply chain and logistics. The common theme in all positions has been supporting people at work to do what they do best, and making it as easy as possible through technology. I enjoy getting to understand what makes people tick and contributing to building strong and positive teams. My number one team is my family- with two children, three cats and a dog.
Amy Byrne
Senior Finance Administrator
Having returned to New Zealand from working in Ireland, I joined the Lifetime team in 2017. In my role as a senior finance administrator within the commissions team, I bring over 5 years experience in the insurance and mortgage space.
In my spare time I enjoy trying out the new restaurants and eateries popping up around the city.
Donna Edwards
Adviser Support
I'm an adviser support for the Lifetime team here in Christchurch and have been since 2012. I started as a casual staff member before moving into my current permanent role.
I strive to do the best I can to ensure our clients are cared for in a timely manner and 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.
Vicki Watson
Client Care Centre Administrator
I've had the pleasure of working in varied backgrounds from medical administration to being a systems and processes coach in a telecommunications company, I now find myself on the Lifetime journey. I believe in building lasting relationships and providing a great customer experience for everyone.
With the occasional jump over the ditch, I always find myself coming home, it's where the heart is as they say. When I'm not helping out customers, you'll find me with family and friends, hiking or exploring the countryside or my favorite anywhere with a coffee.
Kat McCorkindale
General Manager - Marketing
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.
Georgia Wilkinson
Marketing Coordinator
BA in English and Media Communications
I joined the Lifetime team in April of 2021 after graduating from the University of Canterbury. During my time at Lifetime, I have grown to learn and love the ins and outs of all aspects of New Zealand's financial sector.
As Lifetime's Marketing Coordinator, you will find me doing a range of tasks - from writing articles and designing flyers to updating our website and running our social media pages. I like to bring a personal touch to everything I do and strive to develop my skills with every project.
I'm a big music, movie, and motorsport fan. Outside of work, you will find me hanging out with friends, reading a good book, or creating my millionth Spotify playlist of the week.