NZHL is delighted to announce Jo McRae and Sue Hopkins’ inclusion on the 2025 NZ Adviser Elite Women in Mortgage list, with Emm McCartney achieving recognition in the 2025 NZ Adviser Elite Women in Insurance.
Kip Hanna, CEO NZHL Group, is extremely proud of this recognition for Jo, Sue and Emm he says, “This recognition reflects the high calibre of advisers in our business, and the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive business to deliver performance at the highest level”.
The round-up shines a spotlight on remarkable women in the financial services industry and the significant impact they each have had in guiding Kiwis financial well-being. Chris Sweeney, Managing Editor for Special Reports at NZ Adviser, shared his insights on the selection process, stating, “The strength of female leadership within the sector is clear from the high standard of nominees.”
NZ Adviser conducted exhaustive research to identify industry top performers. NZ Adviser’s 30+ strong Intelligence Unit determined the winners by following a rigorous process, which included interviewing objective industry professionals.
Jo McRae
Jo McRae, business owner of NZHL North Harbour, sees her role in her clients’ home loan journey as more of a coach. She guides them through strategies to reduce debt, build wealth, and safeguard their financial future with prudent insurance protection.
She believes Kiwi homeowners have been conditioned to focus too much on interest rates and repayment amounts, often overlooking the bigger picture. Jo argues that this short-term mindset can be problematic when paying off a loan. Her mission is to help homeowners realise that achieving financial goals involves more than just the rate they pay or the income they earn – it’s about making sure their money is working efficiently, and their home loan structure is tailored to their needs.
Her commitment to her clients is evident through her proactive engagements; ensuring they are on track to meet their financial goals with regular check-ins and personalised advice. As a trusted adviser to her clients, they often recommend her services to their family and friends. Over 10 consecutive years, Jo was awarded NZHL’s number one business owner.
Sue Hopkins
Over 16 years, Sue Hopkins, business owner of NZHL Papanui, has consistently exemplified excellence in the mortgage sector, evidenced by her multiple awards and a relentless commitment to her clients.
Her dedication to supporting clients throughout their journey to financial freedom never wavers. She ensures they are on track to achieve their goals and are protected with sensible insurance cover tailored to their circumstances. Sue partners with her clients, fostering long-term relationships while mentoring the NZHL Papanui team to deliver the best possible client experience and outcomes.
Her success is reflected in the numerous repeat calls from clients’ families and friends eager to work with her. Sue now has multiple generations of families as clients, each beginning their own journey toward home ownership.
Emm McCartney
Awarded Elite Women in insurance, Emm McCartney, business owner of NZHL Canterbury Metro, shows an exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality insurance advice tailored to the needs of her clients.
With a genuine focus on understanding each individual’s unique requirements, Emm stands out for her dedication to offering high-quality, personalised recommendations that ensure her clients and their family, are equipped with the right insurance solutions to protect their financial well-being against unexpected events.
She is resolute in her mission to aid as many people as possible in achieving financial security and peace of mind, ensuring they are protected for the future, no matter what life may bring. For Emm, it goes beyond mere policies; it’s about providing a robust safety net that empowers her clients to live their lives with confidence. Her expertise and client-centred approach support her clients in gaining the knowledge and cover essential for navigating life’s uncertainties.
The inclusion of Jo, Sue, and Emm on the Elite Women’s lists highlights their outstanding contributions to the financial advice industry. Alongside their peers, their commitment to supporting and protecting financial well-being and their approach to personalised guidance has been instrumental in shaping a more secure financial future for many New Zealanders.
About NZHL
NZHL is a Kiwi-owned, respected, and trusted brand – a purpose-driven (financial freedom, faster) home loan and insurance network that offers a solution to support advisers and help put Kiwis in a better financial position.
Part of Kiwi Group Capital Ltd (KGC) which is 100% Government owned, NZHL Group operates with an Independent Board and local business owners nationwide.
About 2025 Elite Women
NZ Adviser invited mortgage professionals from across the country to nominate their most exceptional female leaders for its annual Elite Women 2025 list. Nominees had to be working in a role that related to, interacted with, or in some way impacted the industry and should have demonstrated a clear passion for their work.
Nominators were asked to describe the nominee’s standout professional achievements over the past 12 months, initiatives and innovations, and contributions to the mortgage industry.
After a thorough review of all the nominations, the NZ Adviser team narrowed down the list to the final 40 Elite Women who have made their mark in the industry.
