Kingbird: Your Trusted Partner for Financial Solutions

Kingbird is a New Zealand-owned financial services company that specializes in providing both Residential and Commercial clients with access to funds for their business, cashflow requirements, asset purchases, or mortgage lending.

About Us

Kingbird is a financial services company based near the sunny shores of Takapuna Beach, Auckland, New Zealand. Our team of licensed advisers specialise in residential and commercial finance solutions, including business funding, cashflow support, asset purchases, and mortgages. Our team works with 20+ lenders and provide tailored solutions based on your financial situation so you can achieve you goals.

Kingbird holds a Class 2 Financial Advice Provider (FAP) license from the Financial Markets Authority (FMA): FSP100364. All our advisers have licenses that extend to include Consumer Credit Contracts approved by the Commerce Commission.

Our People

Michael Sweeney

Head of Strategic Relationships

I have over 20 years of experience in the New Zealand financial services industry and am passionate about sharing my knowledge and passion to assist you with your business.

I have held Business Development roles with ACC, NIB and Pepper Money NZ by thinking outside the box and introducing new ideas and solutions.

I arrived in New Zealand in 2006 after serving 12 years as a Detective in the Greater Manchester Police.

Laurent Ball

Licensed Adviser - FSP1004828

I am an experienced lender with over thirty years of banking behind me. I understand financial institutions and what they are looking for. Most importantly I have dealt with customers all my working life and I understand what good service looks like. I care about what customers need and my passion is coming up with solutions for them.

Manik Bathla

Licensed Adviser - FSP1005706

I am passionate about helping clients to understand their needs and working to meet their desired goals. I have 6 years of experience working as a manager in customer service role and also owns an e-commerce business.

In my spare time I keep myself up to date with current global affairs and read books related to finance. My hobbies include trekking and gyming.

Nicklaus Li

Licensed Adviser - FSP1003889

I possess a deep expertise in Lending, Relationship Management, Investment Advisory, and Team Leadership. Moreover, I have comprehensive knowledge of diverse home loan products, ensuring that I can devise the most fitting solutions for first-time homebuyers, savvy property investors and those seeking refinance or additional loan capabilities.

My primary goal is to provide reliable financial counsel and mortgage brokering services to my clients, empowering them to make informed investment decisions. My diverse cultural experiences further augment my ability to connect with and serve a broad spectrum of clientele.

Philip Mairs

Licensed Adviser - FSP1006566

With a background of 20 years as a Chartered Accountant and 3 years as a mortgage broker, I possess a deep understanding of mortgage and lending requirements. I also understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique and am committed to tailoring mortgage solutions that suit your needs. Whether you’re a first home buyer, looking to refinance, or interested in property investment, I am here to simplify the process and guide you every step of the way.

Book an appointment with me today and discover how I can help you navigate the property and lending landscape. Outside of work I enjoy all sports and doing as much fishing as work allows!

Lan (Toni) Wang

Licensed Adviser - FSP1006716

Lan (Toni) Wang holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource and International Business from Massey University, and a Graduate Diploma in Translation and Interpretation at AUT. She has also completed her Certificate in Financial Services (level 5) as a requirement for her role as a mortgage broker.

Toni is bi-lingual – speaking fluent Mandarin and has a high proficiency in Cantonese and English. She also has experience in business finance and asset lending across multiple businesses where she was the Director and Owner. Here, she provided solutions to complex financial problems. Toni joins Kingbird to allow her to provide mortgage and finance solutions to the wider market. She has a specific focus on the Asian and Chinese community where she has nurtured relationships and has strong community connections.

As a business owner, Toni assisted clients across all nationalities including English and Asian speaking clients. She takes pride in her ability to work with clients to find the best financial solution that meets their needs.

Sheron Prakash

Licensed Adviser - FSP1006842

I am a creative and successful professional with a wealth of knowledge in relationship building, sales, and customer retention in the technical customer services industry. I have a track record of successfully putting strategies into practice that have expanded businesses by gaining market share and revenue, satisfying customers, and safeguarding the organization’s interests. I like building relationships with people based on honesty, openness, and respect.

I can help you get the loan you need whether you’re buying your first house, looking for an investment, just refinancing, or climbing the property ladder. To begin making better mortgage decisions, get in contact with me right now.

Pramit Shrestha

Licensed Adviser - FSP1007642

Pramit Shrestha is a passionate and dedicated mortgage adviser at Kingbird, committed to helping clients realize their homeownership aspirations. Known for his meticulous attention to financial details and exceptional customer service, Pramit is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the mortgage industry.

Pramit holds a New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services Level 5 (Residential Property Lending) from Strategi Institute. This credential has equipped him with a robust understanding of financial principles and honed his analytical skills, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning and professional development.

Paulo Summers

Licensed Adviser - FSP1007730

I have been helping people with their finances for over 20 years, ranging from everyday needs to complex housing purchases. There is not much I have not seen, and I always make sure to work in partnership with my customers to get the best outcome.

I have a young family, including 3 kids and a cat, so I definitely relate to the challenges that are out there at the moment and am here to help.

Gaurav Jaiswal

Licensed Adviser - FSP1007983

Coming from a hospitality and insurance background, I have experience working with clients to achieve their desired needs. Having completed the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services Level 5 (Residential Property Lending), I now aim to help clients with their first home and investment property portfolio using the skills and knowledge I have gained.

I am fluent in both English and Hindi.

Erin Vlasveld

Licensed Adviser - FSP1007818

I am an experienced finance professional with over 15 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant. I joined Kingbird Mortgages and Finance to continue doing what I am passionate about: helping others achieve their goals. I hold a New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services Level 5 (Residential Property Lending) and am here to help you make your homeownership dreams come true – no matter how complex it is.

I am a Christchurch Local and have lived here the majority of my life, aside from a few years when I was in the UK and Australia. I have two young children and we purchased our home in Christchurch, whilst living in Australia. This process involved researching different policies amongst the lenders (due to international income and residency) and was an experience I enjoyed. I look forward to helping you find a solution that works for you and your unique situation.

Cameron Pearson

Client Support

I am in my 3rd year of my business degree in Financial Services at Massey University. I’m passionate about helping our clients throughout their lending journey, whether they’re refinancing, purchasing a new property, or business finance and everything in between.

Lance Navarro

Digital Marketing Manager

I have over seven years of experience in New Zealand’s digital marketing industry and have a strong background in social media, front-end website development, copywriting, and email marketing automation. My most recent role was with an agency that included mortgage advisory firms in their client list. Before that, I worked for a financial advisory firm where I managed all aspects of their marketing including management of their websites, paid social, and the creation of e-books. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and currently hold a Certificate in Financial Services Level 5 RPL strand. I came to Kingbird to manage all aspects of the company’s marketing and promotional materials.

Frida

Director of Employee Happiness

Hey there, it’s Frida, the top dog at Kingbird. My job? To bring some serious tail-wagging joy and emotional support to my colleagues. I greet clients with my irresistible charm, promote a happy workplace culture, and maintain a clean office (no chewed up papers on my watch!). I’m a good girl, and my role includes stealing the show and reminding everyone who the real boss is. I am currently overseas assisting my Australian support team. Woof woof!