New Zealand Home Loans

Office address: 1/903 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204 
Website: nzhl.co.nz 
Year established: 1996 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 250+ 
Expertise: home loans, mortgage refinancing, debt management, financial coaching, insurance solutions, personalised service, interest savings strategies, online banking 
Parent company: Kiwi Group Capital Limited 
Key people: Kip Hanna (CEO), Darren Lauese (CFO), Doris Murphy (group GM people), Paul Barnes (GM franchise and distribution), Michael Beattie (group GM risk and strategy), Tracey White (group GM tech and operations), Janelle Ericksen (head of group marketing) 
Financing status: corporate backed or acquired 

New Zealand Home Loans (NZHL) is a trusted Kiwi-owned brand with over 27 years’ in operation. It is based in Hamilton and helps Kiwis with home loans and insurance through more than 70 offices and 250 staff. The firm is part of Kiwi Group Capital, a government-owned company, and is known for its local business owners and independent board. 

History of New Zealand Home Loans 

New Zealand Home Loans began in Hamilton in November 1996. Founders John Erkkila and Murray Ferguson wanted to help families manage their home loans and finances better. The company started small but quickly found its place in the local market. 

Growth and ownership 

In 2006, Kiwi Group took a 51% stake in NZHL. By July 2012, Kiwi Group owned 100% of the company. Even with this change, NZHL kept its own identity and business model. The team grew from one franchise in Wellington to over 250 staff in offices across New Zealand. 

New Zealand Home Loans’ impact 

By 2016, NZHL clients had saved more than $33 million by paying off their home loans faster. This showed that the company was meeting its original goal. NZHL became known for helping Kiwis take control of their finances and reach their goals sooner. 

Expanding the network 

In 2022, New Zealand Home Loans acquired a majority stake in Link Financial Group, which is known for its Mortgage Link brand. This move was part of a plan to grow and bring new technology to the business. NZHL saw this as a chance to offer even better service and tools to clients, using LFG’s advisory software, Advice Link. The company continues to look for ways to help more New Zealanders with their home loans and insurance. 

New Zealand Home Loans products and services 

New Zealand Home Loans helps Kiwis save money on interest and reach their financial goals sooner. Clients can talk with a local Mortgage Mentor to explore their options.  

Here are NZHL’s main offerings: 

• first home loan: support for first-time buyers, including deposit advice and Kainga Ora options 
• second home loan: help with buying a new home, upsizing, downsizing or adding a property 
• investment property loans: lending solutions for building a property portfolio 
• holiday home loans: options for buying a bach or holiday home 
• refinance: switching existing mortgages to NZHL for better rates or structure 
• interest rates: clear information on current mortgage rates 
• mortgage calculators: tools to estimate savings and compare options 
• home loan FAQs: answers to common questions about the lending process 

New Zealand Home Loans combines personal service with practical tools to make home loans simple. More than 50,000 New Zealanders use NZHL for guidance and support. 

Company culture and values 

New Zealand Home Loans has a close-knit team of over 250 people. Staff work with industry leaders and help educate local communities about home ownership.  

The company offers a range of benefits: 

• career growth: pathways in financial services and options to own a business 
• learning support: funding for Level 5 Certificate, role-based training and ongoing development 
• flexible work: options tailored to roles and personal needs 
• discounted packages: special rates on banking and insurance 
• wellbeing services: employee assistance and confidential support for personal or work matters 
• medical advice: remote access to expert doctors for staff and families 

NZHL’s offices are run by local business owners who are active in their communities. The team supports NZHL XRACE, a national family event series focused on fun and better outcomes. Staff join regional and national activities that reflect their Kiwi values and commitment to local families. 

About CEO Kip Hanna and key people 

Kip Hanna is the CEO of New Zealand Home Loans and has over 25 years’ experience in financial services. He has led major banks in New Zealand and the Pacific, building strong teams and growing businesses. Hanna is a chartered accountant with deep skills in banking, risk and financial advice. 

New Zealand Home Loans’ leadership team who supports Hanna is made up of:  

• Darren Lauese is the CFO, leading finance with global banking and digital platform expertise 
• Doris Murphy leads as group GM people, bringing HR depth from ASB and franchise banking knowledge 
• Paul Barnes is GM for franchise and distribution, with hands-on NZHL and adviser experience 
• Michael Beattie leads on risk and strategy, known for vision and business transformation skills 
• Tracey White heads technology and operations, focusing on scalable solutions and business transformation 
• Janelle Ericksen leads group marketing, brand and communications, with creative expertise from MYOB and Animates 

The team supports Mortgage Mentors across New Zealand, helping deliver better outcomes for clients every day. 

The future at New Zealand Home Loans 

New Zealand Home Loans was an excellence awardee in three categories at the 2025 New Zealand Mortgage Awards, including Best Customer Service of an Individual Office. The company’s recognition highlights its strong service and commitment to helping clients achieve homeownership.   

In that same year, New Zealand Home Loans released a property insights report showing buyer caution, steady prices and new trends in 2025. The report gives clients and advisers a clear view of the market, helping them make better choices. Through sharing these findings, NZHL supports informed decisions and builds trust in the market.