39 Women Reshape New Zealand's Mortgage Industry

Thirty-nine women are changing what success looks like in New Zealand's mortgage industry, and their approach is built to last.

NZ Adviser announced its 2026 Elite Women list this week, celebrating female leaders from brokerages, lenders, and advisory firms across the country. These aren't just top performers who hit their numbers and move on.

The honorees were selected after nationwide nominations and editorial review of their results, leadership, and impact over the past year. What sets them apart is how they're reshaping their profession through client advocacy, sustainable growth, and building others up.

"She doesn't just win personally; she creates pathways for others to succeed, too," said Elyce Peters, founder and head mortgage adviser of The Mortgage Girls. That mindset represents a shift in how the industry measures influence.

Becs McCallum, senior mortgage adviser at Loan Market McCallum & Co, sees it as moving from billing to building. "It's that shift from just doing the work to actually shaping the craft," she explained.

The list spans diverse roles and specialties. It includes Simi Sethu from Kripa Financial Solutions, Jenny Campbell from Finsure NZ, and Amanda Gwetu from Squirrel Mortgages, among many others. Some lead large teams while others operate solo, but all share a focus on long-term impact over short-term wins.

The Ripple Effect

The 2026 Elite Women prove that when success gets redefined, entire industries evolve. Their client-first approach and commitment to lifting others creates a foundation that extends far beyond individual transactions.

This recognition matters because it highlights a new blueprint for professional excellence. When leaders prioritize sustainable growth and inclusive mentorship, they don't just change their own trajectories—they transform the landscape for everyone who follows.

The full report showcases how these women balance business growth with culture building, proving the two aren't mutually exclusive. They're demonstrating that creating space for others to succeed actually strengthens the entire profession.

New Zealand's mortgage industry now has 39 powerful examples of what happens when talent meets purpose and long-term thinking replaces short-term gains.