Business South August 2025

| 115 “What would normally take three to five years took just 12 months. Along with the high-performing team, we had to add extra support staff.” T T Aimee Wilson Success builit on passion for people Becky is now one of the company’s five mortgage advisers, and this year was formally invited to join the board as a director and shareholder. MortgageMe Dunedin PROPERTY Recently nominated for Best New Adviser of the Year at the New Zealand Mortgage Awards, powerhouse Dunedin businesswoman Becky Runga is redefining success, building a reputation that stretches far beyond her office walls. With a drive to help others succeed, the mother of four co-founded Elevate Mind and Business, a mentor programme dedicated to connection, growth and empowerment, alongside her 9-5 financial job. Becky joined MortgageMe Dunedin in early 2021, after leaving a toxic finance job. At the time, the company had just three advisers and three admin staff, and Becky eagerly stepped into her new role. With a culture centred on team support and care, Becky found MortgageMe’s environment exactly what she needed to thrive. Driven by a passion for modern business and helping people grow, Becky quickly progressed beyond her support position. She began sharing her knowledge online, building a small social media following that gained momentum – her witty, down-to-earth style setting her apart. Becky recalls fumbling through her first Instagram reel, finally uploading it after an hour and 20 minutes. “The first three months of social media were torture. But I’m like a dog with a bone – once I’m committed to something, it happens,” she says. Supported by her boss, MortgageMe owner Daryl Taylor, (who Becky is forever grateful to for not “clipping her somewhat chaotic wings”), Becky is now one of the company’s five mortgage advisers, and this year was formally invited to join the board as a director and shareholder. In 2025, MortgageMe has experienced what Becky describes as “insane growth,” expanding its team to 14. “Social media was my point of difference,” she says. “What would normally take three to five years took just 12 months. Along with the high-performing team, we had to add extra support staff.” That’s MortgageMe’s key advantage, she explains. A strong support team allows advisers to focus fully on clients without the bulk of admin tasks. “That’s a model we do really well. We remove as much admin as possible so advisers can reach their capacity.” At the heart of Becky’s success is genuine connection and meaningful conversation. There are no scripted pitches or corporate polish – just honesty built on trust and care. Becky’s down-to-earth nature makes clients feel seen, heard and supported, like talking to a trusted friend rather than someone chasing the next deal. Her Elevate Mind and Business group has now achieved charitable trust status, after remarkable success in creating a motivating and inspiring community. And as if she doesn’t have enough on her plate, Becky also has a financial confidence podcast called ‘Broke to Brilliant’, and leads workshops that tackle big questions in finance and business, intertwining health and wellbeing in today’s world. With many people feeling like their dreams are unachievable, Becky says she is committed to breaking that mindset by educating, inspiring and guiding people to move forward with confidence and create their own path to success. “I just want people to not be alone and feel empowered to pivot if things don’t feel good.” Financing your Kiwi Dream We’ll find the right mortgage for you Becky Runga Mortgage Adviser First home Next home Investment property Refinancing Address: 155 Princes St, Dunedin Central Phone: 03 471 5861 Web: mortgageme.net.nz

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