Opes Partners
Thames-Coromandel
Hi, I’m Kathy Faulkner, a Senior Financial Adviser at Opes Partners, specialising in property investment. With decades of personal experience and a strong professional background, I’ve helped hundreds of Kiwis build wealth through smart, strategic investing - in new-build properties.
Like many “mum-and-dad” investors, I once believed that paying off our family home was the key to financial security. But I realised - almost too late - that without a solid investment strategy, retirement could look more restrictive than rewarding. That turning point led me to build a diversified property portfolio across New Zealand and sparked a passion to help others avoid the same trap.
I’ve walked the walk. From buying our first home at 22 and not knowing how to leverage equity, to now guiding my investor clients of all ages to do what we didn’t—invest earlier and smarter.
My qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce, certification as a Certified Financial Planner (South Africa), and the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Investment). But more than the credentials, what matters most is how I help you move forward. My style? I listen with heart and advise with honesty. If you're after fluff-free, action-focused guidance - I'm your person.
I’m currently taking a limited number of new clients. If you’ve been referred by a current client or professional, are keen to invest in new-builds, and are looking for an investment-focused adviser who will keep you accountable and motivated, then we’re probably a great fit. Sounds like you? Please email me directly.
My philosophy is simple:
Break the cycle.
Be the change.
Take action.
When I’m not talking about property, you’ll find me ticking off New Zealand’s Great Walks, enjoying the beach, or surfing the waves at Whangamata.
Here’s what one of my clients recently said:
“Thanks for all your help and guidance Kathy. It's been a pleasure working with you. Very much appreciate the hand holding.”
Episode 1270 - Case Study Sunday: Mortgage Free at 37 … on a Single Income
Episode 1221 - Case Study Sunday: "Give Me My $12,000 Back!" How This Investor Got Their Money Back From a Financial Adviser
Episode 1081 - Case Study Sunday: "We Want To Travel The Country In Our Motorhome"
Episode 969 - Case Study Sunday: How This Investor Plans to Use Property To Build a $60k+ Retirement Income
Episode 1032 - Case Study Sunday: They Invested With A (Now) Bankrupt Developer ... Now They're Ontrack For $175k Passive Income
Episode 1130 - Case Study Sunday: $100k Passive Income By 58. How This Couple Plan to Do It
Episode 1487 - Case Study Sunday: "We had 2 advisers saying different things" Here's what Anita and Tim did
Episode 1550 - Case Study Sunday: Couple Saves 40% of Their Income And Are STILL Buying Investment Property!
Episode 1648 - Case Study Sunday: Breaking the poverty cycle with Sera and Quentin
Episode 1662 - Case Study Sunday: Tauranga couple invests for the future (Kate and Sean)
Episode 1683 - Case Study Sunday: 50k passive income in 7 years with Hannah Presswood
Episode 1690 - Case Study Sunday: We 2.5X our income by moving to Australia with Tamati and Liana
Episode 1753 - Case Study Sunday: We got hitched and bought 2 properties in 3 months
Episode 1956 - Case Study Sunday: How this teacher grew her wealth by $280,000 in 18 months
3 real Kiwi investors share their property portfolios + look at their numbers
Policies, Predictions & Property - How to invest in 2024 - listen from 49:20 where investors that I helped tell their story
How to run the numbers on an investment property in 2024 - Listen from 39 minutes where Matt & Stacey share how I helped them into their first investment and what they did to get there
Is it better to rent a bach or buy one? The Press - 6th January
Very smooth and informative.
Working with OPES Partners on our first investment property was very smooth and informative. Kathy our Financial Advisor was patient, very helpful and more importantly understanding of our needs both now, and for the future.
Kathy guided us throughout the entire journey and process with resourceful tools, data, and presentations which allowed us to feel confident in all of our decisions. There was no pressure whatsoever and we felt that Kathy and OPES always had our best interest.
The team around Kathy was also very helpful and the whole experience is something we would recommend if you are looking to invest in your future through property.
We will be continue working with OPES and Kathy on our next investments with confidence.
Michael B.24/3/2025
Helped us immensely with our 20 year wealth plan
Kathy Faulkner assisted us in creating a 20 year wealth plan. This helped me and Anna out immensely as it stressed the importance of not remaining stagnant with our finances.
Kathy articulated the information in a simply way and aided her projections with great visualizers ( Graphs and Spreadsheets).
Look forward to touch basing again! Highly recommend Opes Partners tools and services.
Katene M.14/3/2025
Developed an action plan to keep me on track
I highly rate Kathy and she cut straight to the heart of my situation & together we developed an action plan to keep me on track to knock my existing debt, develop my own home & position myself for further investment in the next 2 – 3 years.
I listen to Opes Partners pod casts whilst at work and find their insights valuable and look forward to furthering my property investments under the guidance & experience of the Opes team.
Jim M.9/2/2025
Kathy made us feel excited, empowered us and showed us
We first met Opes Partners at a seminar and really valued their education they provided to people. We purchased their Wealth-plan book which was so easy to read and understand. We then had our first Wealth Planning meeting. Kathy was our advisor, she made us feel excited, empowered us and showed us what was possible. We had previously been turned away from other companies and made to feel like our dreams were not a reality. Kathy did the numbers, got us in touch with the right people and a few weeks later we were purchasing our first investment property. If it wasn't for Kathy and the team at Opes we wouldn't be where we are today. We are truly grateful. I love recommending Kathy and Opes partners to anyone.
Stacey A.4/2/2025
Great team of very professional people under one roof
Working with a great team of very professional people in different fields under one roof is what Opes Partners provides.
Kathy and Olivia work with us tirelessly to get our plan signed off. They help us to put a plan together, keep us in the loop along the journey and make things possibles. Highly recommended!!
Kelvin K.11/11/2024
Expert knowledge, advice and communication throughout this process
We have had a great experience with Opes. Thank you Kathy for helping us start our journey towards our first rental property and both you and Liv for the ongoing support throughout this process. Appreciate all your expert knowledge, advice and communication throughout this process. We wouldn’t have been able to do this without you guys!
Thanks also to Peter and the rest of the team in helping make this happen. We will definitely continue to work with Opes in the future.
Christina B10/9/2024
Her expertise and access to helpful tools made the process smooth.
Kathy was fantastic in guiding me through my first investment property purchase. Her expertise and access to helpful tools made the process smooth. Thanks to Kathy and Olivia/Tina's clear communication and support, I felt confident and informed every step of the way. I highly recommend it!
Uday P18/6/2024
Their expertise and associated partners meant this was a smooth and stress-free experience
Working with Opes partners has been brilliant as a kiwi based overseas as they have helped me walk through all elements of buying a property. Their expertise and associated partners meant this was a smooth and stressfree experience. I also appreciated thier transparency on how there business model worked and confident that they are working in my best interests. Kathy was a great consultant and supported all of my requriements - quite a stark contrast to working with Enable Me who charged a high fee and didnt provide the service!
Kate B4/6/2024
Knew their thing and were very helpful with information to help us make a decision
Excellent services! The staff we worked with were professional, knew their thing and were very helpful with information to help us make a decision. They were up front about what they would make from our sale and yet we always felt like they had our best interest at heart. Very responsive to our questions and able to find the information we needed, linked us to services we needed, even though we also stayed with our own people. Their podcasts and youtube videos were excellent in giving us insights. They were there not only to the end but checked up on us afterwards. Cannot say enough about them and we will definitely look to use them again in the future.
Fatu B22/5/2024
Without a doubt, we'll be returning for future ventures!
I'd like to extend a massive thank you to Kathy and the Opes team for orchestrating such a seamless experience in securing our first property. Their precise, impartial counsel throughout the process allowed us to take a step onto the property ladder with ease. And more importantly, Kathy's advice and guidance left us with a profound sense of confidence and assurance in our decision-making. Without a doubt, we'll be returning for future ventures!
Debby H16/5/2024
Their support has made the entire process smooth
Kathy and Olivia have been the dream team for us.
Kathy was the personal touch behind the podcast. Kathy helped us with a plan initially, and then helped us to find the right property to start us on our investment journey. She has been proactive and attentive throughout the entire process. We appreciated the regular updates on the build process, and Olivia was the glue that brought the process together at the pointy end, helping us to coordinate lawyers, banks, and builders. Their support has made the entire process smooth, and we have really enjoyed working with them both. Highly recommend!
Deb & Ben15/5/2024
Always going the extra mile for us
"Outstanding! Thanks to Kathy, Olivia, and the entire Opes team, we're now one step closer to living our best life. Kathy was simply amazing throughout our first investment property journey. She offered invaluable guidance and support, never being pushy, and always going the extra mile for us. From our initial interaction to our property selection meeting to handover, Kathy's professionalism and dedication shone through. Olivia was great at following up and keeping us informed. We cannot recommend them highly enough!"
Logan S8/5/2024
To not deal with them is doing yourself a major disservice
Every so often you come across people who are exemplary. Kathy and Olivia are a team like no other, a force in fact.
I would be lost without them, their professionalism, exceptional level of service, care and attention to detail are simply unmatched. In a world of clicks, robots, call centers and increasing levels of artificial contact, Kathy and Olivia are a breath of fresh air, they shine high above the rest. When it comes to the world of property investment, it is crucial to seek out those that are experts in their field - Opes are the benchmark in my opinion after dealing with multiple other so called "property experts" I can 100% vouch for this.
Kathy, Olivia, Ed and Andrew have all been instrumental in improving my own knowledge and confidence throughout my investment property journey. Their expertise in this field has been crucial to my property successes. Our purchase of 4 investment properties in the last 18 months quite simply would not have happened without their guidance and constant support.
Knowing you have this strong team behind you at each and every stage, even long after the property has been purchased and rented, is a huge comfort.
To not deal with them is doing yourself a major disservice.
Anita G
We would thoroughly recommend
Kathy, Olivia and the team at Opes Partners were awesome to deal with. We purchased a property and we would thoroughly recommend.
Vanessa W30/4/2024
Easiest process I could’ve asked for
Kathy and Olivia made purchasing my second property the easiest process I could’ve asked for. I travel a lot for work so their communication and organisation of all aspects of the purchase went above and beyond taking pressure off me and they never missed a beat. I’m so grateful for how they work and they are all lovely people to engage with. Definitely would recommend them if you’re looking to invest!
Ere E
Supportive and professional
Very helpful, supportive and professional. Knowledgeable and helped me to understand every step along the way.
Te Ahuru W5/4/2024
Feels like we have hit the jackpot!
We got hooked on the "The Property Academy Podcast" that features Ed and Andrew which is honestly where you should start. We reached out to Opes Partners and feel like we have hit the jackpot!
Opes Partners is a team of professional and trustworthy industry experts. Stepping into the world of investment is not easy, but being under their guidance we felt really well informed. They use evidence based data from third parties so you know you are receiving factual information that you can use to make the best decisions to meet your own financial goals. Their entire process is incredible from the way in which they present potential properties, their format for showing you how you can meet your wealth goals to the incredible spreadsheets comparing property prices etc. Highly recommend Opes Partners, without a doubt. Reach out to them and experience what it is like to work with people at the top of their game!
We were grateful with our superstar team made up of Kathy, Jason and Olivia. Total legends! But I hear all their staff are pretty outstanding. Do not hesitate. We just settled and are already dreaming about our next property and working with Opes Partners again.
Sera H2/3/2024
The team hold your hand through it all and make it so simple
Cannot recommend the team at Opes more highly. Have been looked after by Kathy, Liv and Andrew at various points and have had all the scary and complicated parts of starting the property investment process taken out of the equation. The team hold your hand through it all and make it so simple. We opted for the path of least resistance and just used all the companies affiliated with Opes and while this is definitely not my style normally (research, research, research, compare reviews and prices, agonise over decisions), I can say that everyone we have dealt with has been professional, friendly and fantastic. They have complied a great team, a seamless system, and we are just so glad we didn't try to do it by ourselves.
Rebecca D16/2/2024
Provided ongoing help and support
Great experience - the team at Opes provided ongoing help and support right throughout the investment property purchase. Special shout out to Kathy and Olivia who were amazing!
Carl3/2/2024
We are exceeding our dreams
We would like to send a massive shout out to one of your team, Kathy Faulkner. We just had our 2nd meeting with her and are blown away by her professionalism, passion and expert knowledge. She has been incredible at making us feel heard, valued, seen and ready to take the colossal jump into building a property portfolio with Opes. The tools your company provide are incredible and take away a lot of guesswork, as you implement evidence based data. We are truly blown away by the level of comprehensive information you are utilising that therefore means a lot of our questions are answered.
Excitement does not sum up what we feel. We are exceeding our dreams with the help and support of Kathy and Opes Partners.
We have included a whakatauki that sums up this email. Thank you to Opes Partners and Kathy for helping us form our team.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini
My success should not be attributed to me alone; due to it being the accomplishment of the collective and not only the success of me as an individual.
Sera R27/1/2024
We cannot recommend their service enough
We have just purchased an investment property using Opes Partners. We owe thanks to our exceptional team for getting us through the process and are extremely grateful for their expertise and support throughout. Our property partner, Kathy, was motivating and encouraging, our client relationship manager was diligently organized and our mortgage broker, Jason, was phenomenal with communications and frequent updates.
The entire team have worked tirelessly on our behalf and we are excited for what the future holds for us and our property portfolio.
Do yourself a favor and take action! Give the team an email, set up a consult, start listening to Ed and Andrew on their Property Academy Podcast and take control of your future. We cannot recommend their service enough and we plan to do a lot more business with them in the future.
Tamati R17/1/2024
Very happy with our experience at Opes
My partner and I are very happy with our experience at Opes. Thank you to Kathy, Olivia and the team for picking us a great property, and facilitating the purchasing process. We will definitely continue to work with Opes in the future.
Tim10/12/2023
They do not pressure you to make any purchases
Our experience with Opes was fantastic. Kathy Faulkner was our property partner. We found her to be very informative and helpful. They do not pressure you to make any purchases. They assess your financial situation and based on your goals, provide recommendations. This is backed up with great detail, including clear assumptions and expected cash flows. You are then allowed to make an informed decision in peace. They do really mean it when it's said they are there to help.
Puli R18/9/2021
