Celebrating our
2025 award winners.
At our Engage on tour event on 22-October, advisers across the country experienced a premiere unlike anything we’ve done before.
Alongside unveiling bold new initiatives through our first ever keynote film – Operation: Spark the future – we also turned the spotlight on the people at the heart of advice: advisers and teams making a lasting difference for New Zealand communities.
The Fidelity Life adviser awards.
These awards are our way of celebrating the impact advisers have on their clients' lives. From rising stars to lifetime achievers, each award recognises advisers whose dedication, innovation and leadership are raising the bar for our whole profession.
Honouring our stars in style.
This year, our Head of Individual Life – Craig Wagstaff – took to the sky, travelling around New Zealand to surprise each winner at their own office. (And when we say sky… we’re not talking about a plane.)
Their reactions, and the moments honouring them, were captured as part of our Spark the future cinematic experience, with a dash of special-effects magic to give Craig’s showmanship a major boost.
This year's winners.
Read about what each award represents, who took it home in 2025 and why they were recognised.
Cary Veenhof Award.
In honour of a former Fidelity Life Business Manager who was cherished by many, this award is given to an adviser who demonstrates strong values, shows respect to insurance partners, and consistently delivers outstanding customer service.
This year’s winner: Travis Hamilton.
As Chair of MDRT New Zealand, Travis exemplifies leadership, integrity, and excellence. His influence extends beyond Aotearoa, strengthening New Zealand’s global MDRT presence and showcasing the high standards of Kiwi advisers.
His client-first ethos defines him. Integrity and empathy guide his work, reflected in outstanding customer satisfaction and trusted relationships. A mentor and motivator, Travis embodies the spirit of the Cary Veenhof Award — a connector, changemaker, and champion for clients and colleagues.
Advice professional of the Future.
Awarded to an up-and-coming adviser (less than 10-years’ industry experience), committed to ongoing education, industry involvement and finding ways to innovate to build a modern financial advice business.
This year’s winner: Cory Bennett.
The Advice Professional of the Future Award celebrates emerging leaders redefining how advisers serve clients and shape the industry. This year’s recipient, Cory Bennett, embodies innovation, purpose, and progress.
In under a decade, Cory has built a modern, client-focused advice business through strategic vision, smart technology, and exceptional customer experience. Beyond business success, he founded The Life Collective to unite professionals, raise standards, and strengthen community.
As a member of the Adviser Council and an active voice on LinkedIn, Cory shares insights that inspire others. At Float Insurances, he’s pioneering automation and AI, setting a benchmark for the next generation of advisers. Cory Bennett truly represents the future of advice — innovative, collaborative, and committed to better outcomes for all.
Team of the Year.
Awarded to an advice business with an outstanding strategy, brand and strong leadership team, driving excellent advice solutions.
This year’s winner: CENTASTONE.
The Team of the Year Award recognises adviser businesses that set new standards in excellence, innovation, and client care. This year’s winner, CENTASTONE, exemplifies those qualities through strong leadership, collaboration, and community focus.
Led by Johny Winstone, the team has transformed ambition into achievement, building lasting client relationships and a culture of integrity and teamwork. With six advisers and a growing support network, CENTASTONE operates as a unified force across every function — from compliance to claims — proving that shared purpose drives success.
Beyond the business, Johny’s involvement in the Adviser Council and Advice Masters reflects a genuine commitment to industry growth. His trip to meet the team’s virtual assistants in the Philippines highlights his belief in connection and appreciation.
CENTASTONE stands as a model of leadership, service, and unity — a team truly worthy of the 2025 Team of the Year Award.
Lifetime Award.
This award recognises a long-standing adviser (more than 20-years’ experience) who has shown a strong commitment and dedication in giving back to the industry, and celebrates the impact they have made over the course of their distinguished career.
This year’s winner: Chris Aynsley
The Lifetime Award honours advisers whose integrity, leadership, and service have shaped the industry. This year’s recipient, Chris Aynsley, is a true pillar of the profession.
With more than 35 years of dedication, Chris has helped countless families and businesses secure their futures, earning a reputation for excellence and trust. His depth of knowledge, innovative approach, and client-first mindset have made him a respected leader and mentor.
A loyal supporter of Fidelity Life and the adviser community, Chris has always shared his expertise to uplift others. His legacy is one of generosity, professionalism, and belief in the value of protection — making him a fitting recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Award.
Gordon Watson Award.
Named after Fidelity Life’s founder, this award is presented to an adviser who champions Fidelity Life’s customer led values, demonstrates remarkable achievements in driving business success, and showcases significant professional and personal growth with a commitment to improving themselves and those around them.
This year’s winner: Shane Gadsdon.
The Gordon Watson Award honours advisers who embody Gordon Watson’s legacy — viewing life insurance not just as a product, but as a promise to protect what matters most.
This year’s recipient, Shane Gadsdon, exemplifies that purpose through dedication, resilience, and leadership. Having first won the trophy at just 28, Shane remains the youngest ever recipient — a reflection of his drive and professionalism.
Over the past two years, he’s pursued this honour with focus and integrity, balancing personal challenges with unwavering commitment to clients and community. His growth through the Advice Masters programme highlights his passion for continual learning.
Shane Gadsdon truly represents the spirit of the Gordon Watson Award — protecting futures, leading with empathy, and upholding the promise at the heart of advice.
These winners remind us that advice is more than a profession.
As financial advisers, the work you do represents a lasting impact on the lives of whanau all around the country, and we can’t wait to celebrate even more of your achievements next year.