120 | BUSINESS Canterbury Financial Services T T Karen Phelps Financial advice with the personal touch Mark, left, and Hayden O’Donnell - building long-term relationships with clients. “People trust us to look after their family, friends and colleagues because they know we genuinely care about helping people.” For Canterbury Financial Services (CFS), financial advice is built on something that goes beyond numbers, policies and investment returns – it’s built on relationships. The Rangiora-based business has been family owned and operated since Mark O’Donnell established it, with his son Hayden and daughter-in-law Becca now part of the team. That family connection is central to the way the business works, creating a long-term approach that sees clients supported through every stage of life. “Because we are a family-run business, our customers know we will be here for the long term,” says Hayden O’Donnell, general manager and financial adviser at CFS. “We build long-term relationships with our clients, and some have been with us since the business started.” Those relationships are often passed from one generation to the next, with word-ofmouth referrals remaining a strong foundation for the business. “It has always been built on client referrals,” says Hayden. “People trust us to look after their family, friends and colleagues because they know we genuinely care about helping people.” The family’s connection to the rural sector has also shaped the business. Mark’s background working in the farming industry as a musterer gave him a strong understanding of the challenges faced by rural families when he established the business in 1994. “While we still have strong connections with rural clients, we now work with people throughout New Zealand,” Hayden says. That practical, people-focused approach remains a defining feature of CFS. The business works closely with clients on investment planning and retirement preparation. As more people become aware of the need to plan ahead, Hayden says having a clear strategy can provide confidence and peace of mind. Investing for retirement and managing funds once you retire can be daunting,” he says. “A big part of our role is making sure people understand their investments and have a solid plan in place so they are comfortable with where they are heading.” That support can become especially valuable when circumstances change, such as after the loss of a partner. “Sometimes people need someone to sit down with them after a major life event and talk through what happens next,” says Hayden. “Being there for those conversations is a big part of the relationship we have with our clients.” FS also offers advice across insurance, investments, KiwiSaver, retirement planning and business insurance, with the aim of making complex financial decisions easier for clients. “The personal touch is important to us,” says Hayden. “There is a lot of trust involved in what we do, and we don’t charge for our consultations because we want people to feel comfortable coming in and having a conversation.” For many clients those conversations begin with protecting what they have built through life and health insurance. With a wide range of products available from different providers, Hayden says guidance can help people make decisions that suit their individual circumstances. A key area of focus is also working with younger clients, helping young families understand insurance needs, KiwiSaver and the importance of making the most of their working years. “We want to work with people throughout their lives, not just when they reach retirement,” says Hayden. “Putting good foundations in place early can make a significant difference later on.”
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