Adviser-owned brokerage doubles down on wealth strategy for Kiwis
Kiwi mortgage advisers are set to see a higher-profile player in the education and strategy space, as MortgageHQ prepares for a leadership and brand refresh aimed at “ambitious, values-led New Zealanders.”
The development comes as recent bank disclosures and consumer studies show advisers now originate roughly half – and in some banks well over 60% – of new home loans in New Zealand, underscoring how adviser‑led, education‑focused models like MHQ are moving closer to the mainstream.
Award-winning advisers take full control
From 1 April, longtime senior advisers and award-winning strategists Simon McDonald and Zhiyang Cheng (pictured left to right) will assume full ownership and directorship of the Auckland-based brokerage and property education firm, which will rebrand from MortgageHQ to simply MHQ.
Founded in 2015, MortgageHQ built its name by refusing to gatekeep financial knowledge. Through its “Mortgage Lifecycle” masterclasses, Property Formula Workshops and Mortgage Snapshot tools, the firm has helped more than 70,000 Kiwis find clarity in their lending options.
Incoming director Cheng, a New Zealand Mortgage Awards 2025 excellence awardee, says the transition is an evolution of that mission.
“We are here to serve ambitious, values-led New Zealanders who want more than just a transaction,” Cheng said. “Our clients don’t just want a lower rate; they want to understand the systems they are participating in. As we become MHQ, we are doubling down on a coaching-first model—providing the perspective and strategy needed to exit the bank's grip and build long-term wealth.”
New MHQ brand and TEDx platform
The refreshed MHQ brand features a speech-bubble motif representing “The Conversation” – the pivotal discussions where clients shift from debt management to genuine wealth creation.
Incoming managing director Simon McDonald, a 2025 NZA Top Adviser, says MHQ remains “Your partners in financial freedom.”
“Our job is to provide the clear, unbiased view you need to move up the ladder,” he said. “Whether you are a first-home buyer or a seasoned investor, we bring strategy and empathy together.”
The announcement coincides with McDonald’s TEDxWynyardQuarter talk on 14 February. His presentation, “Generation Slave,” draws on 15 years in the New Zealand Army and a record-breaking finance career, arguing that “In an era of volatility, the real measure of freedom is time sovereignty,” and calling for a rethink of how financial systems shape clients’ lives as well as their loans.
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