Meet the Abacus Group adviser team.
Our Advisers
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Richard tailors his Financial Advice for each client, taking the time to understand individual circumstances, goals and exposure – and factoring in how these things change over a lifetime or from generation to generation. From mums and dads wanting to protect and grow assets for their children and grandchildren, to business owners committed to keeping the doors open and their team employed, or entrepreneurs itching to make big, bold moves – Richard’s bespoke advice helps them all.
His client base is deliberately diverse but Richard’s philosophy is universal: It is easier to be successful when you understand which hazards on the path ahead might trip you up, and you have a plan in place to minimise the worst effects of any would-be potholes.
Rather than being a handbrake though, Richard sees his Insurance and Financial Advice as the seatbelt and airbag that gives his clients the confidence to accelerate forwards.
For Richard, who set up Abacus Group with Craig Nolly nearly 30 years ago, one of the best things about running a business in Taranaki (apart from getting to live here obviously) is literally seeing his clients crushing it in front of his eyes.
“Watching my clients succeed keeps me passionate about what I do. It’s the confident entrepreneur whose latest restaurant is buzzing when my wife and I go out for dinner with friends, the brand new milking shed I spy when I’m fishing off the coast, or the retiree I bump into who’s out and about with their grandies, enjoying the rewards of their lifetime of hard work. They aren’t paralysed by ‘what if?’. Instead they get out and live the life they love because they’re confident we’ve identified, assessed and minimised their risks.”
Richard would love to sit down with you and talk about how the right personal and business Financial Advice and Insurance can help you and your family live your life — get in touch with him today.
FSP#: 541066
Richard is a qualified Financial Advisor with a National Certificate in Financial Services (Financial Advice) (Level 5).
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Despite the vastly different needs and aspirations of his clients Craig reckons that a passion for living the best life possible is their common motivation. Craig uses his lifetime of industry knowledge and experience to protect the things his clients love and provide the safety net that lets them leap to new heights. He loves going on the journey with his clients, making sure they continue to get the best advice and protection even as their priorities and needs change over their lifetime or across different generations.
A financial advisor, insurance guru, businessman, devoted husband, father and grandfather and keen (but often frustrated) golfer, Craig understands that people – and their insurance needs — are multidimensional.
Craig’s philosophy is that, in order to go all-in in life or business, you need to know someone’s got your back if it all hits the fan. Similarly, he reckons you are more likely to achieve big rewards when you know you can take calculated risks because you’ve protected the people (and things) you love the most.
“My wife and I love living in Taranaki because of the amazing lifestyle here. But if you can’t get out and enjoy it, what’s the point? I tell my clients the same thing we told our kids: ‘Go and grab life. Bike the hard trail, choose the interesting track. But before you dive in, do your research. Figure out what you need to do to stack the deck in your favour.’ Insurance not only looks after what you love, it is the safety net that lets you enjoy life now!”
If you want to find out how the right Financial Advice and Insurance can protect what you love and empower you to live life, get in touch with Craig today.
FSP#: 541086
Craig is a qualified Financial Advisor with a National Certificate in Financial Services (Financial Advice) (Level 5).
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A registered Financial Adviser, with a bachelor’s degree from Otago University and a NZ Certificate in Financial Services & Investments, Scott specialises in business and rural risk protection, personal insurance, KiwiSaver & ACC CoverPlus. Scott’s growing roster of clients includes everyone from successful local businesspeople and established farming families to young couples wanting to protect their growing asset base and millennials with big plans for future success.
Scott’s Insurance philosophy is all about meeting people where they are now and then supporting them on their journey.
“Life, business, and everything in between all comes down to relationships. Before you can help someone, you need to understand them. Yes, there’s the problem they want solved or the specific thing they want. But by taking the time to understand someone’s reality, and then applying my specific expertise, I can not only help my clients get what they want, but also ensure it is what they need. It is the trusting relationship which allows me to walk alongside my clients and enable them to be as brave as they need to be in their life and business, without putting themselves or what they love most at risk”
FSP # : 769125 Trading as S Crocker Ltd FSP # : 1005949
Scott is a qualified Financial Advisor with a NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) & NZ Certificate in Financial Services, Investments (Level 5).
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Helen proves, once and for all, that women are multi-tasking machines. She leads our day-to-day operations and painstakingly oversees all compliance functions (which in our industry are complex and extensive!). A natural people person, Helen develops, implements and monitors countless processes and procedures, specifically designed to give our clients the best outcomes possible.
While Helen reckons that, compared to the logistics involved in coordinating her active family’s packed sporting, social and school calendars, ensuring things run smoothly at Abacus is a breeze. Her years of local and international experience in banking, investment and insurance, not to mention her exacting standards, seemingly boundless energy and genuine love of life, make Helen an incredible asset to the team.
Helen holds a Batchelor of Business Studies in Management, a Diploma in General Insurance and is studying towards the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5).
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With a meticulous eye for detail and skills honed during two decades of administration and customer support roles, Veronica helps new clients through the, otherwise often arduous, application and underwriting processes.
If the worst does happen, Veronica brings empathy and efficiency to the claims process. She understands that claims are surrounded by stress and distress. Her goal is to get things sorted as quickly and smoothly as possible with empathy and compassion.
Don’t let Veronica’s quiet, steady nature fool you though. She goes into battle for our clients with steely determination, (with a young daughter she’s an expert at standing her ground and resolving complex challenges!) working with insurers to make sure our clients are the ultimate winners.
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During her nearly decade long customer-facing career, Kendall-Leigh has developed all the skills that help her help you. She’s an excellent administrator and communicator, has the attention to detail needed in this industry and is brilliant at finding reasons to have a genuine, heartfelt laugh with clients along the way.
A relative newcomer to our region, Kendall-Leigh’s enthusiasm for the life Taranaki has to offer is infectious. She brings that same attitude to her work and loves being part of a team that empowers people to go out and live life to the full – just like she and her husband do.
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As the friendly voice on the line, Mary-Ellen is dedicated to booking your review appointments with our advisors, ensuring a seamless process.
Her role extends beyond client interaction; she provides invaluable administration support to the entire team and offers crucial assistance to clients during Income Protection claim times.
A seasoned multi-tasker, proven by managing three teenage daughters at home. Mary-Ellen's commitment to client care makes her a vital part of our team at Abacus Group.