COLIN AUSTIN >
About the DecisionMakers Team
We are confident our tailor-made plans and investment strategies are designed to enable you to become financially independent. Gain the advantage of our co-operative network of advisers who share knowledge, expertise and insight while offering collaborative support.
As an independent advisory service, we don’t work for a fund manager or large corporation – we are dedicated solely to our clients.
Work with one adviser, receive the experience of many
We are a co-operative, when you work with our advisers, – you’re talking directly with owners and employees who work as a team to make the most of all their experiences to help you.
We’re with you long term, just a phone call away
Understand exactly what your options are and what needs to be done – we believe transparency around your financial situation and options is vital to good decision making, so we leave financial jargon at the door and communicate clearly at every stage of the process.
For the years you work with us, we’ll take a weight off your shoulders by actively managing your investments.
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE
Our mission is to help New Zealanders achieve their goals and dreams.
That's why we're so passionate about helping our clients to create solid financial plans that support them and generously give back for years to come.
Our personalised options enable us to create a plan to suit your needs, whether you're investing for yourself, setting up a portfolio for your grandchildren, or establishing a charitable trust.
Colin Austin
Financial Adviser, Takapuna & Lower Hutt
GradDipBusStud (Personal Financial Planning), Certified Financial Planner, Financial Advice NZ Member.
Having entered the profession in his twenties, Colin now has over 20 years’ experience in financial planning and was one of the founders of DecisionMakers. He finds daily reward in establishing long term relationships with his clients, sharing their victories and supporting their journeys.
Colin works primarily with people who are within sight of retirement or already retired and who are eager to make the most of their accumulated resources by generating reliable passive income from their assets.
In the office, Colin is co-Chair of DecisionMakers and our go-to guy and problem solver - always ready to lend a hand for leadership or support. This has included his years serving as Chairman of the Institute of Financial Advisers (IFA) in Auckland, and as National IFA Council member (this is now Financial Advice NZ). He values continuous improvement and keeps up to date with sector developments and technology.
Outside of work, Colin enjoys travel, eating out, and staying fit with his wife and two teenage daughters. He is also passionate about restoring “Albert”, a classic 1957 Ford Anglia that belonged to his grandfather, and sponsoring an annual bowling club event in memory of his late father-in-law.
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Bruce Anderson
Financial Adviser, Takapuna Office
B.Com (Accounting and Commercial Law), B.Acc (Accounting), Member Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, Financial Advice NZ Member.
Bruce was born in Scotland, grew up in South Africa, but has been a proud All Black supporter for the last 25 years. He has held senior financial positions in major companies such as ANZ Bank, including Head of Finance Commercial & Agri Division, and Divisional Controller and Head of Management Information Systems for New Zealand.
A Chartered Accountant for 25 years, Bruce has volunteered his expertise in a number of not-for-profit organisations. He served on the Board of Rhema Media for seven years, including five years as Chair, and as a Board Member of Family Life.
Bruce enjoys engaging with his clients to inspire a clear vision of the financial future they desire and then works hard to secure their investment goals.
Outside of work, he is a keen motorcycle enthusiast, and regularly heads out with friends over the weekend for a scenic ride and a hearty breakfast. Bruce has been married to Tracy for over 30 years and they have three adult sons.
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Candice Schneider
Operations & Paraplanner, Takapuna
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Masters in Business Management;
Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
Candice is a born and bred South African however ironically enough grew up watching and supporting the Auckland Blues where she now finds herself living.
She has worked in the financial services sector for over 10 years in both para-planning and advisory roles. She has a passion for the retirement space and gains great pleasure helping clients achieve their goals. As with any type of relationship honesty and open communication is imperative and something she has always incorporated into both her personal and business life. Her long-term desire is to educate more people to understand the importance of having a plan and saving towards it, to have the life you not only desire but deserve.
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her young family either around a table playing board games or out at sea on the SUP boards and hopes to one day get her entire family playing the game of golf which is dear to her heart.
Dave Gosper
BTheol, National Certificate of Financial Services,
Financial Advice NZ Member.
Dave entered the insurance and investments world over 12 years ago and has worked for a number of different organisations. More recently AMP, where he looked after employees of large corporate clients and MAS, where his focus was on high-net-worth clients in the health sector.
Integrity, honesty, and empathy are three values that Dave brings to all his interactions whether he is putting together a bespoke portfolio for a client or contributing to the greater team at DecisionMakers.
Outside of work hours, Dave is a busy dad to two young children that he and his wife Laura are homeschooling. They live in the Wild West of Auckland and spend their weekends tending their lifestyle block and enjoying family time.
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Kate Baxter
Operations & Paraplanner, Takapuna
With a background in finance and banking, Kate combines her experience and comprehensive knowledge of our portfolio management system to support DecisionMakers’ advisers and clients.
Kate works closely with Colin and his clients, providing outstanding continuity of care. When not in the office, Kate is keeping up with her two primary-aged children, getting outdoors and exploring.
Tanya Gilchrist
Financial Adviser, Tauranga
BBus (Financial Planning & Advice), Certified Financial Planner, Financial Advice NZ Member, Responsible Investment Association Australasia, Financial Adviser Member.
Having been an investment adviser for over 20 years, Tanya gets the most enjoyment out of seeing people live the life they plan to. After working out a plan together, she helps to manage the ups and downs of life along the way. She has a wide range of clients, some who take a regular income from their investments and others who don't, and some are saving regularly.
As we know, the only constant in life is change, and as we go through life we all know that we can be taken by surprise by unexpected events. Tanya is there to walk beside you as you face life's ups and downs, which will undoubtedly affect your finances and long term plans.
Tanya is known in the team for her technical and IT skills and loves to use these to discover new opportunities.
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Annah Leef
Operations & Paraplanner, Tauranga
National Certificate of Financial Services; BComm Accounting and Commercial Law; Graduate Diploma in Accounting
After moving home from Australia in 2022, Annah took the opportunity to work with Tanya in the financial advice space. She previously worked as a management accountant in Australia before being a stay-at-home mum to her three boys.
Annah works closely with Tanya, supporting her in terms of administration and client relationships and has completed her National Certificate in Financial Services so can widen her scope of assistance.
Outside of work Annah enjoys spending time with her young family, whether it be bush walking, adventures at the beach or just spending time at home.
Hayley Austin
Takapuna Office Reception and Administrator
Hayley joined our team in 2023 to assist Kate with Reception and Administration tasks. Hayley is with us part time while she continues her dance studies.
