Rhys brings a wealth of experience across the I.T., FMCG, business advisory, and finance sectors, with a diverse background in sales, technical, operational, and management
roles. Having worked in everything from small local businesses through to large global corporates Rhys found his preference to be where customers were treated as people (not numbers) and where company profits stayed within New Zealand. Originally from Taranaki (New Plymouth) Rhys most recently lived in Auckland with his wife and two daughters (6 & 3) where he held a Managing Partner role in a property finance company. He and his wife made the move to Hawkes Bay to give their girls a ‘kiwi upbringing’ and to allow them to get back to nature.
E: rhys@mmt.net.nz
T: 06 870 3260
M: 022 580 1709

James has extensive industry experience having worked in banking roles in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore for JPMorgan, Merrill Lynch, Barclays, and Standard Chartered Bank and in financial services in New Zealand for KPMG and more recently as a residential and commercial mortgage advisor for Vega. James is a qualified NZ Chartered Accountant, Lawyer, and Financial Advisor. James moved his family to New Zealand in 2022 to be closer to family, to experience the great outdoors, and to grow up with a kiwi lifestyle.

E: james@mmt.net.nz
T: 06 870 3260

Christie’s path to Midlands Funds Management and the Finance Industry has been somewhat unconventional. Christie’s formative career was spent in corporate Sales & Marketing roles, in FMCG (food businesses), financial services, wine and retail industries in New Zealand and the UK. Christie then started up her own food business, which she ran for 10 years and eventually sold to Little Island Creamery.

During her business ownership, Christie took on the role of managing the business accounting and finances, which sparked an ongoing interest and passion in finance and investing and led to her to being bestowed with the title of ‘Self Taught CFO’ (Chief Financial Officer). Christie believes that if she can learn and navigate the world of finance and investing then anyone can. This is why she’s on a mission to improve the financial future of everyday New Zealanders by making the financial world less confusing and more accessible and engaging.

E:
T: 06 870 3260
M:

Miles is the Senior Credit Manager for Midlands and a member of the Investment Committee. Miles has 15 years’ experience in the banking and finance industry.

Prior to Midlands, Miles was a Senior Corporate Analyst at Westpac. He has experience across corporate finance, lending, credit, banking specializing in property finance and cash flow lending.

Miles holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Auckland. He is a member of Economic Development New Zealand.

E: miles@mmt.net.nz
T: 06 870 3260
M: 021 714 748

Andrew has over 25 years’ experience in the banking and finance industry. He has a background in residential and business lending having held relationship and management roles with ASB and Westpac.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland.

E: andrew@mmt.net.nz
T: 06 870 3260
M: 027 202 8148

Mark has 35 years’ experience in the financial services industry with a strong background in banking, specifically mortgages and asset finance, having held senior positions with Westpac & BNZ and internationally with the Provident Financial Group. More recently he has managed his own fund and has been involved with the local community, promoting financial literacy.

Mark has a postgraduate diploma in Management & Business.

E: mark@mmt.net.nz
T: 06 870 3260
M: 027 354 7223

Jenna is responsible for analysing loan proposals, monitoring and reporting on loans, and providing loan administration.

Jenna comes from a rural background and has a Bachelor of Accountancy from Massey University.

E: jenna@mmt.net.nz
T: 06 870 3260

John combines professional qualifications and disciplines together with wide management and directorial experience and joins the Midlands Board as an independent director bringing a wealth of legal and finance experience gained across Banking & Technology, Investment & Capital raising right through to Infrastructure and the all important primary sector. He is passionate about sustainable growth and building high performing teams to achieve the strategic vision of a company and has experience as a Director in NZ, Australia and UK including as a Bank of England approved Executive Director of a United Kingdom bank. He loves a challenge and has extensive experience (and interest) in dealing with difficult transitional environments. Outside of his various directorships, John is a keen fisherman.

A former partner in a leading Hastings legal firm and more recently a consultant lawyer, Dinah brings experience in lending to the Board. Dinah is an appointee to the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. Dinah has extensive experience in the compliance requirements of the financial sector and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Ken is a third-generation principal of Halliwells. He has an LLB from Auckland University and has been at Halliwells since 1976. His areas of expertise include financing, conveyancing, commercial, forestry ventures and administration of Trusts and Estates. Ken has been a director on the board since 2004.

John combines professional qualifications and disciplines together with wide management and directorial experience and joins the Midlands Board as an independent director bringing a wealth of legal and finance experience gained across Banking & Technology, Investment & Capital raising right through to Infrastructure and the all important primary sector. He is passionate about sustainable growth and building high performing teams to achieve the strategic vision of a company and has experience as a Director in NZ, Australia and UK including as a Bank of England approved Executive Director of a United Kingdom bank. He loves a challenge and has extensive experience (and interest) in dealing with difficult transitional environments. Outside of his various directorships, John is a keen fisherman.

Marise brings a wealth of experience to our Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. She is a chartered accountant and a partner at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in Taranaki. Marise has extensive board experience including being one of the founding directors of Fonterra, and directorships for FMG Insurance Limited, Landcorp Farming Limited and TSB Bank. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and CAANZ.