The awards are based on voting by mortgage advisers across New Zealand. Westpac won the award after it totally changed its third party distribution model.
Under the changes it has reintroduced trial commission and has a made a big commitment to working in partnership with mortgage advisers. Most recently it has introduced digital lodgement which allows advisers to submit applications electronically. This has helped speed up turnaround times and reduces the potential for errors.
Kylie Kneale, who heads up adviser distribution, said she was "ecstatic" about winning the award. It reflected the hard work done by her team in making the changes, as well as being an award judged by mortgage advisers.
"Because the award comes from advisers it is a big deal," she says.
Westpac also scooped the Business Development Manager of the Year award. This was won by Auckland-based Tania Ropati.
Specialist lender of the year was won by RESIMAC.
The overall adviser of the year went to Prosper Group's Paul Fuller. Fuller is based in Blenhiem and has won many awards over the years.
Meanwhile the Rookie Broker of the Year award went to Loan Market's Simon Maule. Maule is based in Christchurch and has been a broker for less than a year.
