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About Us
Stratus Financial Services has a team of experienced insurance and financial advisers all focused on providing the most suitable and up-to-date financial solutions to meet your needs. With over 80 years of experience in the financial services market between our advisers, and with specialists in general insurance and mortgages, we are able to assist you with achieveing a wide range of financial goals.
| David Collins | | Managing Director, Financial Adviser | | PH: 04 499 6520 | | Email: david@stratusfsl.co.nz |  David, the Managing Director of Stratus, has been active in the finance industry since 1990. He brings a wide range of expertise to Stratus in both management and client services.
David is one of AMP's top performing Advisers, most recently receiving an "AMP Sales Champion" Gold Ribbon award and an "AMP Savings & Investment Product Champion" Gold Award in 2009.
David oversees client investments worth more than $45 million. As well as managing clients' investment portfolios, he has built a strong business in the general insurance market and in company and personal risk management. David also administers the company's workplace savings and KiwiSaver business.
A keen sportsman who plays squash and tennis, David also has a passion for writing poetry and is interested in popular and modern music. |
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| Michael Dowling | | Director, Financial Adviser | | PH: 04 473 5374 | | Email: michael@stratusfsl.co.nz |  Michael, a Director of Stratus, has been a financial adviser since 1989 and is currently in the top 5 per cent of AMP advisers. His strength in process and business structures - drawn from his experience in the mechanical engineering, quality control and more than 20 years' involvement in the NZ Army - has contributed significantly to the growth of Stratus.
A Chartered Life Underwriter and Certified Financial Planner, Michael has completed studies in insurance and investment advice. He has represented Stratus on the AMP Advisers and Adviser Businesses Association, serving on this professional body's executive for a number of years and for two terms as President.
Between them, Michael and his wife raise five children. He enjoys photography, antique toys and travel and, since 1997, has been involved with Victim Support as a voluntary Crisis Worker and on the Kapiti Mana Victim Support Committee. |
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| Neil Carter | | Director, General Insurance Manager | | PH: 04 499 6580 | | Email: neil@stratusfsl.co.nz |  Neil is a Director of Stratus and is the General Insurance Manager. He has been working in the insurance industry since 1981. He specialises in business covers such as assets, loss of profits, liability, contract works, marine and professional indemnity.
Neil has a Diploma in Insurance Management and maintains current practicing certificates through regular training; important in keeping up to date with the industry and legislative changes. Neil has had managerial roles with major brokers and corporate clients, as well as being branch manager of a local insurance company. This gives Neil the very broad knowledge essential to advise how insurance policies can be tailored to best meet the client needs and contractual obligations.
A family man and keen sportsman, Neil now spends most of his spare energy and leisure time coaching and supporting his three children in their sporting activities. |
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| Graeme Hansen | | Business Insurance Specialist | | PH: 04 499 6500 | | Email: graemeh@stratusfsl.co.nz |  Graeme's 35 years in general insurance include more than 28 years' experience in business insurance, 13 years as an underwriter with State Insurance and four years as a consultant with GIO General New Zealand and AMP Business Direct. He tutored for three years in risk management and is also experienced in claims settlement.
A Senior Associate of the Australian & New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, Graeme is also a Certified Insurance Professional (Australian & New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance).
Away from work, Graeme is a Justice of the Peace and active within his church and the community, serving as Deputy Chair of the Tawa Community Board. |
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| Julia Morrison | | Health & Financial Adviser | | PH: 04 496 6397 | | Email: julia@stratusfsl.co.nz |  Julia has worked in the financial services industry for several years and within Stratus looks after personal risk management solutions such as life and trauma insurance as well as income protection and health insurance.
Julia focuses on finding solutions that ensure every dollar of your insurance premium is spent in the best possible way to protect not only your financial assets, but also your family and loved ones from financial hardship. Monitoring your portfolio is a priority and Julia takes a proactive approach making sure that your level of cover is reviewed on a regular base.
Besides her passion for helping people, Julia likes to spend time outdoors, either tramping or cycling around the greater Wellington area. |
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| Pip Paterson | | Mortgage Specialist | | PH: 04 237 9323 | | Email: pip@thomsonjones.co.nz |  Now a mortgage specialist aligned with Stratus, Pip's previous 10 years in banking include six years with the BNZ and Westpac Banks and four as an independent mortgage adviser, working for clients with all the banks.
Pip thoroughly enjoys helping people from all walks of life achieve their dreams of owning property. In 2008, her expertise and enthusiasm for her work saw her named as a finalist in New Zealand Mortgage Broker of the Year. |
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| Paul Brosnahan | | Mortgage Specialist | | PH: 04 298 6755 | | Email: paul@thomsonjones.co.nz |  Paul has a post-graduate diploma in personal finance planning from Waikato University and 20 years' experience in banking.
Prior to his association with Stratus, Paul was the mobile mortgage manager for BNZ, covering the Kapiti Coast where he was born and raised. He is equally familiar with the aspirations of people wanting to buy their own home and those setting out to secure an investment property.
Having been self-employed in the retail trade for more than six years also gives Paul an appreciation of the particular challenges faced by people operating small businesses. |
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| Niel Thomson | | Mortgage Specialist | | PH: 04 298 6766 | | Email: service@thomsonjones.co.nz |  Niel, who hails from Scotland, is a mortgage specialist with more than 17 years' lending experience. His expertise encompasses all aspects of lending where property is involved, including residential, commercial, investment, refinancing and debt consolidation.
He is keen on most sports, particularly rugby and football, but these days Niel's involvement is mostly from the sidelines. He recently took up golf, with the aim of reducing his handicap from its current 24.
Niel and his wife Tracey share a love of travel and hope one day to tour Australia, North America and Europe in a motor home. |
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