The Adviser Talk

When big employers leave a region, the ripple effects last generations. In this episode, we explore what happens when those risks are not modelled, not discussed, and not planned for at council level. A direct and local conversation on fiscal accountability, rising rates, and why households cannot absorb endless shocks. Time stamps: (00:00:01) Fiscal pressure and public demand for accountability (...

What can a World War I fighter pilot teach you about investing? The Red Baron built his success on discipline, structure, and stacking the odds in his favour, but lost everything in a single moment of emotion. In this episode, Tim and Nick explore how investors face the same temptations, and why diversification, low costs, liquidity, and rebalancing matter most when markets feel easy. Tune in for...

What happens when a “sure thing” goes spectacularly wrong? In this episode of AdviserTalk, Tim and Nick unpack Scotland’s disastrous Darien Scheme, a moment when an entire nation bet its future on a single idea. Through this powerful historical story, they explore why high conviction often leads to dangerous concentration, how households repeat the same mistake today, and why resilience, diversifi...

Why do so many investors stick with strategies that feel right, even when the evidence says otherwise? In this episode of Adviser Talk, Tim and Nick use Plato’s allegory of the cave to explain why chasing hot funds, star managers, and market timing is so hard to let go of. They unpack the latest New Zealand SPIVA data, explore how psychology and media keep investors stuck in the shadows, and expla...

Lost super, KiwiSaver myths, and smarter investing explained simply. In this revisit episode from May 2024, Paula Intercot joins Adviser Talk to discuss transferring Australian super to New Zealand, choosing the right KiwiSaver approach for your life stage, and how complementary investment options can support your financial goals. Paula breaks down the often-overlooked process of transferring Aust...

For many farming families, the Fonterra payout is more than cash. It is a strategy moment. In this episode, we unpack why real returns matter, how diversification beyond the farm gate builds resilience, and why independent advice early can change outcomes for decades. (00:00:15) Intro: Fonterra capital return and why this is a major strategy moment for farming families (00:01:58) First reaction to...

DIY investing is easier than ever, with ETFs and online platforms giving many New Zealanders confidence to manage their own portfolios. Returns can look strong, and progress can feel real, but this episode asks a critical question: Are you actually building wealth once tax is taken into account? Rory and Tim explore the gap between gross returns and what you keep after tax. They unpack bracket cre...

When ideology replaces analysis, the locusts arrive. From sparrow eradication to interest rate shocks, Nick draws parallels between Mao’s disastrous Four Pests Campaign and modern Kiwi property investing. Rising interest rates, disappearing equity, and the danger of doubling down on beliefs instead of data. If you own property or plan to, this conversation matters. Time stamps: (00:00:00) Intro: F...

From bright fishing lures to bold financial claims, this episode reveals why some private offers look irresistible and how retail investors get pulled into high-risk waters without realising it. Tim and Nick shed light on wholesale certifications, liquidity traps, and explore how behavioural biases like greed and familiarity are exploited. Find out the questions every investor should ask before th...

Life never follows a straight financial line. In this episode, Tim and Rory explore why real money decisions zigzag, how emotion shapes financial choices, and why unexpected twists are a normal part of building long-term resilience. From market dips to surprise expenses at home, they unpack how to create a financial plan that bends with real life rather than breaking under pressure. (00:00:17) Epi...

In this special Waitangi edition of The Adviser Talk, Tim and Nick explore what a 149-year journey toward resolution can teach us about how we show up in our financial lives today. Drawing on the remarkable story of Ngāi Tahu, they uncover how generations carried the weight of grievance, how internal division weakened an otherwise formidable iwi, and how unity, pragmatism and forward thinking ulti...

Thinking of ditching insurance for a DIY 'stash away the premiums' approach? Self-insurance sounds smart, but is it really? In this episode, Tim and Nick unpack why skipping cover can backfire, the behavioural biases that trip us up, and why integrating risk management into your financial plan is essential for long-term security. (00:00:00) Intro: What is self-insurance and why it sounds appealing...

What do you consider your biggest asset, and is it covered? Featuring Tim Ewan, Risk Insurance Manager at Stewart Group, we discuss the significance of income protection insurance for New Zealanders, the limitations of ACC, and the roles of different types of personal insurance. Tim explains why income protection is vital, how trauma and TPD cover work, the impact of non-accidental conditions, and...

Are we really as wealthy as the headlines claim? New Zealand recently ranked fifth globally in per capita wealth—but is that just an illusion? In this episode, Tim and Nick unpack why so much of our “wealth” is tied up in property, what that means for financial security, and practical steps to build resilience beyond bricks and mortar. (00:00:00) Intro: Are we really the fifth-wealthiest nation, o...

Is wisdom really worth 4.52%? In this episode, Tim and Rory unpack the true value of advice. Russell Investments recently quantified the value financial advisers bring to New Zealand investors at 4.52%, Rory breaks down the “price of wisdom” and explores the real benefits that extend far beyond portfolio performance. (00:00:43) What’s in the 4.52%: asset allocation, customised planning, and behavi...

Are yesterday’s market champions tomorrow’s winners? History says not likely. Driving the discussion: Financial advisor Bruce Jenks warns investors against concentrating portfolios in these high-performing stocks, despite the fear of missing out. While these companies benefit from AI-driven productivity gains, past market leaders like ExxonMobil and Chevron have shown that dominance doesn't last f...

Can even the smartest minds outsmart market mania? Sir Isaac Newton lost a fortune in the South Sea bubble—proof that FOMO can derail even genius. In this episode, Tim and Nick unpack what Newton’s misstep teaches us about bubbles, herd behaviour and today’s hype-driven markets. Discover why diversification, discipline and wise counsel remain your best defence against financial folly. Important ti...

Is your KiwiSaver working hard enough for your future? KiwiSaver should be part of a broader, holistic financial strategy—not a standalone account. Many Kiwis opt for overly cautious KiwiSaver options because they're not considering their entire asset mix. Tune in as Tim and Rory discuss how aligning your investments, property, insurance, and income can set you up for long-term retirement success....

Is home ownership still the Kiwi dream, or has reality shifted? Featuring Brent Allcock, Financial Adviser, this episode dives into the realities of New Zealand’s housing market in 2025. Tim and Brent discuss the impact of interest rates, wage growth, and inflation on home ownership, the causes and consequences of our housing correction, and whether owning property is still a realistic goal for yo...

Whether you're earning a little or a lot, today we’re unpacking how short-term thinking and our spending habits can cost us more than we realise. From the weekly budget trap to guilt-free online splurges, we explore the psychology behind our choices, the hidden cost of cheap goods, and how to align your money with your values. Tune in now and take control of your financial mindset. Important time...

A "state-protected oligopoly" dominated by four major generator-retailers? In this episode, Nick Stewart, CEO and Tim Ewen, Risk Insurance Manager, delve into the complexities of New Zealand's electricity market, covering high energy prices, their impact on manufacturing and employment, and the historical context of policy failures. Explore the government's conflict of interest due to its sharehol...

Join Tim Ewen, risk insurance manager, and Rory O'Neill, Financial Adviser, Director and General Manager of Stewart Group, as they delve into the pressing issue of the Reserve Bank's recent OCR cut and its implications for financial planning in New Zealand. In this episode, Tim and Rory share their insights on how the OCR cut is impacting interest rates, the importance of diversifying investments,...

Rate increases, or daylight robbery? Join Nick Stewart, CEO and financial advisor at Stewart Group, and Tim Ewen, risk insurance manager, as they delve into the pressing issue of local authority rates in New Zealand. In this episode, Nick shares insights on the rates crisis, discussing the financial challenges faced by local councils and their impact on residents. The conversation covers the reaso...

You can't bank time for later - you've got to use it today. That's the key message from our latest podcast, where Brent Allcock, our Financial Adviser from the Wellington office, discusses why procrastination can negatively impact your financial security. With Kiwis feeling the pressure from rising costs, he provides practical tips to take control of your finances. When it comes to managing your m...

Just like modern cars come equipped with essential safety features, your investment portfolio should be built with protection in mind. In this episode, our General Manager and Financial Adviser, Rory O’Neill, joins host Tim Ewen, our Risk Insurance Manager and avid car enthusiast, to explore how the safety systems in today’s vehicles mirror the protective strategies found in smart investment portf...