What do you do for Midlands?
I’m Head of Credit. My role is responsible for overseeing the credit team, managing credit risk, setting credit policies, and ensuring that lending practices align with Midlands’ financial goals and regulatory requirements.

Career highlight?
I’ve had a few; however, the one that stands out the most was being selected as a Platinum Achiever for Westpac, which came with an all-expenses-paid trip to Fiji.

What is the best investment advice you ever received?
“Get into property early, my boy” — Credit: My Dad. I purchased my first investment property in Christchurch when I was 20. The capital growth and subsequent sale allowed me to travel and then purchase properties in Petone and Napier.

What was your first job?
My first job was working at a floating petrol station at Westhaven Marina in Auckland during the America’s Cup. Superyachts would dock for hours, filling up on diesel.

If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you do?
Introduce a system that allows free tertiary education in order for the next generation to get ahead without the hangover of a student loan.

Best kept Hawke’s Bay secret?
Faith, Hope, Love — a little Malaysian restaurant in Napier. From the outside, it’s not much; however, when you enter, you are welcomed with the biggest smile. The food is superb, with my go-to being the roti with curry sauce, dumplings, and the rendang curry. Now the secret’s out, you won’t be disappointed.

Something your colleagues don’t know about you?
I enjoy baking. I bake every weekend with my two boys, Grayson (9) and Kingsley (7), ensuring we have fresh scones and biscuits.

Cats or dogs?
Both. I have two Jack Russells, Benji (14) and Caramel (1), and two cats, Isabel (9) and Samira (6). Benji swims with me every morning in my pool while Caramel runs around the outside barking.

Marmite or Vegemite?
Neither. Give me marmalade on my toast.

Pineapple or no pineapple on your pizza?
Absolutely no pineapple on my pizza. I like pineapple, and I like pizza, but the two should never meet.