The PAA handed out its excellence awards, designed to recognise the passion, pride, professionalism and general excellence in the financial advice industry.

Insurance adviser of the year was Onny Faleafa (pictured), of Nido Insurance.

The PAA said Faleafa was recognised across the industry for helping his clients make smart financial decisions to protect and empower themselves.

David Isaacs, of Isaacs Financial Planning, was investment adviser of the year.

The PAA said his mantra was to “invest your money like it’s my money”.

Mortgage adviser of the year was David Windler, of the Mortgage Supply Co.

The judges said he was known for believing that advisers were like coaches, empowering, educating and leading their clients.

Last year’s judges’ excellence award winner Anand Srinivasan was this year named new insurance adviser of the year award. The judges said he had developed a unique approach to insurance planning and was known as the “review and repair specialist”.

Cameron Marcroft was named new mortgage adviser of the year. “He is a strong advocate of his peers as well as the mortgage industry as a whole,” the judges said.

Tracey Jones, of Thomson Jones Mortgages and Insurance was given the judges’ excellence award.

The IFA made three chair awards and two key contribution awards, recognising volunteer service to the institute at a local or committee level.

Lyn McMorran, chief executive of the Financial Services Federation, and former president of the IFA Nigel Tate were recognised for their years of board involvement, representing New Zealand at international Financial Planning Standards Board meetings and promoting financial advice.

Paul Sewell of Hawkes Bay and Michael Courtney of Wellington were also given chair awards in recognition of the work they had done for the IFA and the profession.

The IFA gave its pro bono award to the Southland branch of the IFA for its work with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

It also gave the award for an outstanding contribution to the financial advice profession to Philip Macalister, of Tarawera Publishing, which produces Good Returns, ASSET magazine, and The Mortgage Mag, among other digital and physical publications.

The institute said Good Returns, founded in 1997, was held in high regard by the industry. Macalister had deep knowledge of financial advice and was often called on to speak at conferences.

Previous recipients of the award include Graham Rich in 2012, Stephen O’Connor in 2013, Simon Hassan in 2014 and Milton Jennings in 2016.