Suits, gowns and celebrations are in, but first there is one important date for mortgage professionals to circle - Friday 16 October
Nominations for the New Zealand Mortgage Awards 2027 close at 11:59pm on Friday 16th October, leaving advisers, businesses and industry partners still time to put themselves, or someone deserving, forward. And with the awards moving into a black-tie format after four years as a cocktail event, next year’s gala promises an extra sense of occasion.
For returning event partner Liberty Financial, it is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people driving the industry forward.
“The NZ Mortgage Awards is one of the standout events on the industry calendar, and the change to a formal gala only adds to the prestige and significance of the evening.
“It's a chance to acknowledge the advisers, businesses and industry partners who consistently go above and beyond for their clients,” says Baden Martin, General Manager of Lending at Liberty Financial.
“I would strongly encourage advisers to nominate themselves, their teams or their peers. Recognition from the industry is not only rewarding personally, it also highlights the professionalism and commitment that advisers bring to helping Kiwi's achieve their property goals.”
Martin says Liberty’s involvement with the NZMA’s reflects its ongoing support for advisers.
“Liberty is proud to once again be an event partner. Supporting the awards aligns with our commitment to the adviser community and gives us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution advisers make to our industry every day.”
A night worth dressing up for
Taking place on 11 March 2027 at Cordis Auckland, the awards will bring mortgage professionals together to applaud outstanding work, strengthen connections and enjoy an evening dedicated to their profession.
And Elyce Peters, Head Adviser and Founder of The Mortgage Girls, is embracing the change to formalwear.
“I’m really excited to hear we’ve gone to black tie! The NZMA is such a special night for our industry, so I think it really suits the occasion.”
But first comes the nomination process, and Peters is making sure deserving colleagues and partners get their chance.
“We’re currently preparing multiple nominations across both our team and our BDMs to make sure we get them in on time before the cut-off date. There are so many people doing incredible work behind the scenes who deserve to be recognised.”
That camaraderie is central to the awards’ appeal.
“For me, one of the biggest reasons I love being involved with the NZMA is that it brings the whole industry together. There really isn’t another event where mortgage advisers from different aggregation groups and businesses can come together in one room to honour each other,” says Peters.
“I enjoy being able to catch up with people from across the country and celebrate what our amazing advisers have achieved. Because while we all work in different businesses, ultimately we’re all helping Kiwis with some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.”
Put your achievements in the spotlight
Across 21 award categories, the NZMA provides a platform for showcasing advisers, brokerages, aggregators, lenders, BDMs and the people supporting their success.
For entrants, it is a chance to reflect on the past year’s results, demonstrate outstanding client service and share the ambition and effort behind their progress. Being named an Excellence Awardee or winner also brings opportunities to raise their profile through NZ Adviser’s online coverage and industry events.
Cameron Muggeridge, Partner and Mortgage Adviser at Loan Market Remuera, has already taken action.
“The NZMA’s are always a highlight of the industry! It brings our wider community together to recognise the incredible people and teams in the NZ mortgage profession.
“Our nominations are officially submitted and it’s always a privilege to celebrate our peers and teams and their outstanding achievements.
“It’s a great excuse for us to step away from the daily grind, dress up, and honour everyone’s hard work.”
A shared success
Francine Kwok, General Manager of Everbright, is also pleased about the announcement for a black-tie format, welcoming the chance to gather with colleagues and mark the contribution of people and businesses across the profession.
“For us at EverBright Finance, the NZMA has been a meaningful part of our journey. We’ve been finalists and excellent awardees over the past few years, and more recently we were very proud to win Brokerage of the Year in the 6+ staff category.
“That was particularly special for our team because it recognised the collective effort behind the business, rather than any one individual.”
And that’s what Kwok enjoys most about being involved in the NZMA - it’s not simply about winning an award.
“It’s an opportunity to pay tribute to the people behind the industry - the advisers, lenders, support teams and businesses who continue to work hard for their clients, particularly through what has been a challenging and changing market.”
Everbright certainly intends to enter again and the good news is there is still time to join them.
Review the categories and criteria, gather the evidence of your achievements and submit your nomination before Friday 16 October at 11:59pm.
Think about the adviser who consistently delivers, the BDM who helps navigate a difficult deal or the team whose work deserves wider attention - you can nominate yourself, your business or a peer.
Excellence Awardees will be announced on 7 December, ahead of the March gala. But for now, the priority is getting those names in.
The black-tie event of 2027 is coming. Make sure you are part of it.
