Bolton, from Squirrel Mortgages, says it was nice to receive the award because its a reflection of how well the business is going and it is great to get acknowledged for that.

Last year when Bolton won the award he settled $67 million of business and this year $100 million.

He says the one thing he appreciates now more than ever is referrals as that is where the best business comes from.

"The reality is existing clients are an absolute gold mine when it comes to referrals and that's where I am putting a lot of focus in," he says.

New Zealand insurance adviser of the year Adam Brownie from Brownie and Associates says he thinks winning the award is fantastic as he has been developing the business and moving into a new office.

He says his success comes from doing his best to add as much value as possible to his services for the client.

He says it is worth keeping in regular contact with clients and referrals come from that.

Sally Thompson from Kiwi Mortgage Market Dunedin says she and Gary Beattie are rapt with winning the financial services business of the year as they are "small players" in the market.

Thompson believes the key to their success has been that the business is a one-stop shop offering mortgages, valuations and insurance.

She says most of the company's work comes from its client base of 2,000 with continuing business or refferals.

"We really work our client base and look after our clients," she says.

Allied Kiwi says congratulations to all finalists and winners as their achievements in 2010 were outstanding, particularly in a difficult climate.

Regional winners:

South Island Region

Mortgage adviser of the Year - Tony Mounce, Tony Mounce Mortgages

Insurance adviser of the Year - Vaughan Broderick, Kiwi Mortgage Market, Christchurch

Financial services business of the year - Kiwi Mortgage Market, Dunedin

Central North Island Region

Mortgage adviser of the year - Peter Bozinoff, Bozinoff Mortgages

Insurance adviser of the year - Adam Brownie, Brownie & Associates

Financial services business of the year - The Home Loan Shop

Northern North Island Region

Mortgage adviser of the year - John Bolton, Squirrel Mortgages

Insurance adviser of the year - Greg Munt, One50 Group

Financial services business of the year - Squirrel Mortgages