I have called Christchurch home for 18 years after moving with my family from Riga in Latvia. I have been in finance industry for over 10 years and love helping people to get into their first house, d...
About Us
Please note, the Lifetime team are now back to regular working hours in the office. If you'd like to visit a Lifetime office you are most welcome anytime. You can read more on our COVID response here.
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
Our Team
Nicole Kay
Group & Employee Benefits Support
I was born and raised in Southland and have been working in customer service since 2014. I truly believe that the level and type of customer service a member receives can make or break their experience. Whether it is something as simple as updating details or adding a new member onto benefits, they should always receive the highest level of service possible, making sure all their needs are met. Giving our corporate clients peace of mind that their staff are being well looked after is my top priority
In my spare time I enjoy being with my friends and family.
Michael Claassen
Network Administrator
I am a family orientated person, born and raised in Sunny South Africa.
I started my career in 1999, which gives me over 20 years’ experience within the IT Sector. I am a task driven individual with a strong work ethic and can do attitude. I am always up for a new challenge.
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.
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, ensuring our staff have the knowledge and skill to perform 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.
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).
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.
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!
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.
Jo Sanders
Group & Employee Benefits Support
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jordana Cook
Business & Data Analyst
Who am I?
I help our team of advisers and support with updates, questions and solutions relating to the Lifetime system’s and process’, so they can spend their time keeping you on track to achieve your financial goals.
In the office you will find me collaborating with a wide variety of our team, investigating new technology, simplifying our process’ and turning Lifetime’s ideas and philosophy into reality.
Outside the office you will find me either on the netball court or at the newest local eatery catching up with family and friends.
I specialise in:
• Insurance and Investment administration
• CRM management
• Merge document coding
• Workflow and process building
• Business reporting
My three golden rules:
1. Great work takes hard work.
2. Progress not perfection.
3. Have the passion, take the action and magic will happen!
Keiran McKay
Client Care Centre Administrator
After gaining customer servicing skills among different industries, I decided to settle where I thought I could help most.
I love to look at everything through different lenses and take everything on a case by case basis, nothing and no one is exactly the same.
Outside of work I enjoy socialising, collecting vinyl, and fixing up my motorbike (It’ll never truly be finished)!
Cushlia Young
Adviser Support / Insurance Coordinator
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 of administration experience 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.
Mary Fruean
Client Care Centre Administrator
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 passionate about helping people. I'm committed to delivering high quality and professional service to our clients.
As part of the customer care team, I use a positive approach to take the time to listen and understand our clients, so they feel supported in making their lives easy as possible, especially in challenging or tough times when you can trust us to sort it out. When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, a good game of netball and you can never go wrong with some retail therapy. Life is busy and hectic, juggling 3 young boys, a husband, a dog, and sports. Its busy and I get it! However, it doesn’t stop us as parents from striving to build a better future for our children.
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.
Thomas Challies
Academy 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.
Kat McCorkindale
General Manager - Technology & 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.
Aaron Bowkett
General Manager - Advice
CFP
I am the General Manager – Advice at Lifetime. My 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 I attained the Certified Financial Planner designation and continued working as an Investment Adviser.
In 2008 I 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, I have worked as a Financial Planner with clients throughout New Zealand, utilising the latest technologies to drive better outcomes for clients.
For fun I enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, and working in my small vineyard.
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. I also like to assist our advisers in any way they need.
I love meeting and greeting you when you arrive and want you to feel completely comfortable from the moment you walk in the door until the moment you leave.
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 that if you don't enjoy where or who you work with, find something you are passionate about, that's why I have been in this field for over 23 years and I still love it. I know insurances and mortgages 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.
Anete Kaidme
Associate Adviser
Master of Financial Management
I am originally from Estonia but I would now call New Zealand my home. I have lived most of my life here in Christchurch, while venturing down south for university. My career in finance may be in the early stages, but following my extended university pathway I can finally say I am where I want to be. As an adviser support here at Lifetime, I do more of the behind the scene tasks while also undergoing further studies to become a financial adviser myself. The holistic approach here at Lifetime is a concept that aligns with my own beliefs and I am constantly learning from the dynamic knowledge and experience our team here have.
In my own time, I enjoy being outdoors – whether it is exercise, a leisurely beach trip or any kind of travel. I enjoy making and consuming good food and am always up to trying anything new.
Alahna Gestro-Best
Group & Employee Benefits Lead Administrator
Certificate in Business Administration
I joined Lifetime in 2016 and have combined experience in customer service, financial services and business administration. I always place 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, I will ensure businesses and staff have key contacts and support when they need it most.
When I'm back in my Hometown on the West Coast; I enjoy hunting, fishing and going to the pub with my Dad to play a few games of pool.
Georgia Wilkinson
Marketing Coordinator
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.
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!
Megan Coombs
Domestic Broker / Adviser Support
BA(Hons)
I have extensive experience in customer service and I enjoy speaking to customers on a daily basis and getting to know people. I am passionate about ensuring every customer interaction is approached 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.
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.
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.
Julie Fisher
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. I am married with two daughters and live in the Tai Tapu area.
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
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!
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 always want to 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.
Laura Swambo
Management Graduate
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.