Who we are and why we do it

Hi, I’m Dennis. As a financial adviser, I’m the initial step for clients wanting to buy their first investment property. 

I love to meet people and help them understand how the investment process works. I thrive on working with people to improve their lives, and the Opes principle of thinking long-term matches my own values. 

I’m pretty keen on sports and enjoying this beautiful country, on weekends you’ll usually find me at the gym, out fishing, or trying not to wipe out on my longboard!

Spending 45 (of your best) years working, only to retire on the pittance that is superannuation (if it will even still be around when you and I retire) sounds like a horrible deal to me!

I was fortunate to realise this at a young age, so after university I spent (what felt like) another small fortune on some great 'financial' education figuring out how to avoid that.

Once I understood leverage, I went out and bought my first investment property at 22... and then I started my first business at 25. (I'll leave you to guess my age from my photo :-))

Ever since then, financial freedom has been my primary goal - for myself, my family and my clients. Full disclosure though... initially I was too obsessed and probably pushed too hard, which ended up costing me a lot. The expensive and humbling lessons I learned through that 'reset' taught me patience and that enjoying the journey is also incredibly important. They've also allowed me to help ensure others don't make the same mistakes.

Now... my wife and I have accumulated a $6m+ property portfolio, run a couple of businesses and enjoy at least a week a month wakeboarding around Taupō over the summer or snowboarding on Ruapehu during Winter - and once the world opens up properly again for international travel, we have a long list of new places that we plan to visit. I don't think our two boys (currently 9 & 10) really understand what Mum & Dad do for a 'job' - which is perfect - and we plan to ensure they begin their working lives with a much better financial education and base than we ever did.

Finally, after observing the crew at Opes Partners and listening to every single one of their podcasts for a couple years, I realised just how focussed and genuine they are. The deals they negotiate, the due diligence they go through, the data analysis they undertake, and the fact that I was initially frustrated at their conservative projections - all led me to want to work with them.

Fortunately, they seemed to like me too... and now I look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals through property.

Hi, I’m Kathy, a financial adviser (Property) at Opes. I am a qualified financial adviser specialising in property investment.

I am the typical “mum-and-dad” investor who realised almost too late that pouring all our funds into our owner occupier was not going to provide us with the comfortable retirement we were seeking.

Luckily we had a meeting with Andrew Nicol who showed us how we could use leverage. We now have a diverse investment portfolio of townhouses and standalones in various parts of the country which will allow us to have the retirement we are looking forward to and not dreading.

Life doesn’t always work on the way you think, and our parents are testament to that where due to their shortfalls in planning and life throwing curveballs, they are in a situation where their children are now supporting them. I want to break the cycle. The most important gift that every person can give to their children is to create financial independence at retirement. Everything above that is what you should absolutely enjoy in your golden years.

Despite purchasing our first owner occupier at the age of 22, we had not leveraged the equity or knew how to go about it until we found Opes. I am proud that my son has just purchased his first owner occupier at the age of 22. He is already working out how he can leverage to buy his first investment property.

I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree (sooooo long ago!), qualified in South Africa as a Certified Financial Planner and now have my New Zealand certificate in Financial Services (Investments). So great I have the qualifications, but the real question is – how can I help you? If you are looking for a pathway to financial independence, are wanting to act but need those lights on the runway to guide you and want to speak to someone who has been through it or heard it before, I can help you

So my pearly words of wisdom that I go by are:

Break the cycle

Be the change

Take action

These are the things I ponder when enjoying the outdoors, ticking off New Zealand Greatest Walks, walking along the great Tongariro River, and spending time at all our wonderful beaches.

Here's what a client recently said about Kathy: "Thanks for all your help and guidance Kathy. It's been a pleasure working with you. Very much appreciate the hand holding".

I'm one of the senior advisers at Opes and as of March 2024 have helped my clients purchase 188 properties worth over 140 million. I take the trust of my clients very seriously.

To climb onto the investment property ladder my wife and I saved $500,000 in 6 years.

How? Well, there was no avo on toast lol. My wife rode her bike to uni and we rented a small room in a flat like teenagers.

Today, we control a property portfolio worth over $2.4 million and have been blessed with twin daughters.

So you might be worried – If you work with me as a financial adviser, am I going to tell you live off the smell of an oily rag?

No, the right balance must be found between enjoying the now and planning for tomorrow. What is the best plan? The one YOU can stick to!!

I understand extreme saving and that was fine before we had kids. That isn't right for most people though.

I also find budgets don't usually work. Better spending habits occur naturally with a simple plan and a deadline. Have you ever noticed that after booking tickets for a holiday your ability to save for that holiday miraculously improves?

I grew up in a wealthy family, have been broke, have been flush and have been through market cycles. I understand the emotional roller coaster and can help you through it.

I also LOVE numbers and details. So I'm not the right fit for everyone and that is OK.

Success with money is the repetition of good habits over long periods. Failure is the repetition of bad habits. Unfortunately, you can't invest your way out of a lack of time so begin NOW.

What are the good habits?

All you have to do is carve out a piece of your income and allocate it into scarce, desirable assets that tend to go up in value over time and hold on for the long term.

Property in New Zealand is a prime example.

It sounds simple because it is. But it isn't easy! That is why Opes was created.

We help you get the same results as if you were a full-time investor with a team of staff. And that is actually how I arrived here; originally I was a client.

Money isn't everything, it is up there with oxygen though. Life is very hard without it.

It would be a privilege to work with you on your long-term financial goals.

Hi, I’m Maxine a financial adviser here at Opes. My goal is to help you determine your financial future and security at retirement. It is more important than ever to make this a priority as you are a long-time retired and retirement costs a lot of money… Money isn’t everything, but it sure makes life less stressful. It buys you FREEDOM. 

The idea of property investment began for me many years ago when I was around 18, I found an inspiring book written by Jim Rohn next to my father's bed. It was the quickest book I had ever read and found it strange that I had never been taught anything similar during school. I didn’t know how at that point, but knew property would become my path to retirement and accumulating wealth. I’ve been working in property for over 10 years, spending the last 4 years with Opes. The satisfaction I experience when working with clients to obtain their first, second, or third investment property is hugely rewarding. I would be privileged to help you do the same. 

Outside of property, you will find me spending time outdoors with my young family, skiing, biking, hanging at the beach, or playing tennis. Also partial to a nice Pinot with family and friends.

Hi, I’m Jeremy, a financial adviser here at Opes.

I have had a love for property and property investment for as long as I can remember, I knew it was how I wanted to build not only a passive income but generational wealth. It gives me the power to use a little to get a lot and know that while I am working for my money, in the background my money is working for me.

As our job title suggests building a successful property portfolio is a collaborative process, a partnership, and like any good partnership you need to be willing to do the work and make the changes and decisions that will see you benefit the most. The outcome needs to be income and I want you to use that income to give yourself as many options as possible.

I believe property investment is for everyone and it is just a matter of working with the right team of professionals, a team that wants to see you truly succeed. Welcome to that team.

Outside of the office I am passionate about family, friends and can't say no to pepperoni pizza. A creature of habit, you will most likely find me at the gym, failing miserably to reduce my screen time or patting any dog within arm’s reach.

Hi I'm Ben, an experienced Investment Advisor with a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. With a diverse background in the financial industry, including 14 years as a mortgage advisor, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide individuals and families toward sound property investment strategies.

Beyond the world of finance, I lead a dynamic and multifaceted life.  Married with 2 children, an avid sports enthusiast, particularly cycling and rugby. This love for sports mirrors my approach to property investment – strategic, disciplined, and always focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for investors.

When not analysing market trends or meeting with clients, I indulge in the finer things in life. A connoisseur of wine, I maintain a substantial collection, appreciating the art and science behind each bottle. Alongside this passion for enology, I find solace in the melodies of vinyl records, curating a collection that spans a wide range of musical genres.

With a solid foundation in the financial industry, a genuine passion for helping others, and a well-rounded personal life, I am dedicated to providing personalised and comprehensive property investment advice. I take pride in building long-term relationships with clients and remains committed to their financial well-being.

Hi, I’m Nefe, a Financial Adviser here at Opes Partners. I’ll be the person creating a strategy with you to ensure that you are on the path to achieve your financial goals. As a property investor myself, I absolutely love property as I have seen first-hand how property can generate wealth for the long term and truly change the trajectory of someone's life. Helping people on their financial journey is my bread and butter, and, in an ever-evolving environment with so much information out there, it can be difficult to know what to do! But whether it’s your first investment property or tenth, I'm here to help. My previous experience includes loan writing within residential property lending and investment advice specialising in KiwiSaver and Managed Funds.

Outside of work, you’ll likely find me trying out a new recipe in the kitchen, spending time with friends and family over a glass of wine, bouldering, paddleboarding, or walking my puppy along the beach with a hot chocolate.