About
Meaning behind “NiuLIFE”
“Niu” refers to the coconut – the tree of life for us Polynesians. The coconut supplies so many essentials for us: the water cleanses and re-energises the body, the milk is widely used for cooking, the flesh is a nutritious food, the logs are used for building, the leaves are used for shelter and to weave household and personal items, and the shell is used for many purposes.
The “niu” in my business name also symbolises my commitment to helping Pacific families, especially first-home buyers, achieve a “new” life by owning their own homes.
My mission is to guide Pacific and Māori families like yours on the journey to financial security—helping you achieve the dream of homeownership and build lasting wealth through property, from buying your first home to smart refinancing and debt solutions.
My Mission
You value your family, and I know obstacles like uncertainty, lack of confidence, and unexpected debts can make buying a home feel impossible. That’s why I simplify every step—giving you the knowledge, support and clear path you need to turn homeownership from a dream into reality.
Understanding
Experience in the Industry
My Approach
I know how banks operate—after nine years at two of New Zealand’s biggest lenders, I’ve seen it all. I began at Westpac as a teller and, within two years, was helping families turn homeownership dreams into reality.
Craving deeper expertise, I moved to ANZ as a Business Banking Manager, arranging finance for cafes, motels, tradespeople, developers, and more—whether it was for family homes, commercial properties, or businesses.
Those experiences gave me the confidence to launch my own mortgage advisory business, dedicated to empowering Pacific and Māori families. In February 2016, after 12 months of research and planning, I took the leap—and I’ve never looked back.
I focus on what’s possible, not what’s standing in the way.
Growing up in Porirua—going to Cannons Creek Primary, Brandon Intermediate and Porirua College—I was surrounded by Māori and Pasifika peers, but when I headed to Massey University in 2004 to study Design, I suddenly felt like an outsider. Presentations were daunting, I was the minority in every lecture, and there were times I almost gave up. When I had to repeat papers, I worked through the summer so I’d still graduate with my original cohort. That determination—you can call it stubbornness if you like—was driven by a promise to myself and my community: to prove that a degree is possible, even coming from a low-income neighbourhood.
That same “plan-and-execute” mentality carried me through sport. After a lifetime playing rugby union, I switched codes at 30 to league, made a step-by-step plan, and two years later earned a spot in the NZ Residents team—the country’s top non-professional representative side. Whether it’s study, sport or helping your family secure a home, I bring the same relentless positivity and proven process to every challenge.