We’ve got someone new on board—and she’s already making a big impact.

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Last month we welcomed Tania as our new Business Manager at Velocity Financial. She’s one of those people who jumps in with both feet and somehow manages to be everywhere at once (in the best way). With a strong leadership background and a self-described “Jill of all trades” vibe, she’s helping us smooth out the behind-the-scenes stuff so our team can stay focused on what we care about most—our clients.

Tania’s all about smart, future-focused decision-making, which is the kind of thing we encourage clients to do too! So she fits right in with what we do here. Outside of work, she’s on a couple of Boards and loves coaching, zooming up and down Mt Kaukau, and getting lost in a good sci-fi or thriller.

This Q&A dives into some of the real talk we’ve been having around the office—about money, mindset, and what it means to make confident financial choices. There’s a bit of KiwiSaver, a bit of property chat, and yes, even a bit of tiramisu and jet planes.

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Tania's Take on Money & Mindset

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If you could give your past-self financial advice or a pat on the back, what would it be?

Saving even small amounts helped me get onto the property ladder early, which also allowed me to support friends who needed a place to stay.

Saving even small amounts helped me get onto the property ladder early, which also allowed me to support friends who needed a place to stay.

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How has your relationship with money changed over the years?

I now value good advice. I once lent a friend bridging finance, which didn’t go as planned. That experience taught me to ask more questions and understand the risks.

I now value good advice. I once lent a friend bridging finance, which didn’t go as planned. That experience taught me to ask more questions and understand the risks!

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What’s one financial habit that helps you stay on track?

Saving—so when the unexpected happens, we’re less likely to need a loan.

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What have you taught your kids about money—or what do you think kids should know?

Balance is key. Enjoy life, but also be sensible. Saving from an early age helps build good habits and reduces focus on material things.

Balance is key. Enjoy life, but also be sensible. Saving from an early age helps build good habits and reduces focus on material things.

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If money weren’t a limitation, what would you do differently with your finances?

I’d help more people in my life find financial security. Money should support us—not be a constant worry.

I’d help more people in my life find financial security. Money should support us—not be a constant worry.

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Tania's Career & Industry Insights

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What drew you to the financial services industry?

I was drawn to Velocity Financial because I wanted to support people. Helping others navigate their financial future is incredibly rewarding.

I was drawn to Velocity Financial because I wanted to support people. Helping others navigate their financial future is incredibly rewarding.

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What do you enjoy most about your role so far?

I love being a sponge—soaking up knowledge about a completely new industry while working with a genuinely lovely group of people.

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What’s something interesting you’ve learned about the industry since starting?

I hadn’t realised how many subtle differences exist between banks and providers—and how those can significantly impact someone’s financial choices.

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Are there any areas of finance you’re particularly passionate about or curious to explore?

KiwiSaver. It’s such a powerful tool, yet so many of us don’t fully understand it. I’m excited to learn more and make smart decisions.

KiwiSaver. It’s such a powerful tool, yet so many of us don’t fully understand it. I’m excited to learn more and make smart decisions.

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What’s one skill you’re hoping to develop in this role?

I want to be someone who can support others with financial matters—even in small ways—and continue building a broad, useful knowledge base.

I want to be someone who can support others with financial matters—even in small ways—and continue building a broad, useful knowledge base.

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How do you stay up to date with trends or changes in the financial world?

At Velocity, we cover everything from mortgages to investments and insurance. We stay current by sharing updates and tracking global economic trends.

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Tania's Financial Goals & Aspirations

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What does financial freedom look like to you?

Being able to go to the supermarket without stress, enjoy the occasional treat or holiday, and support loved ones—without worrying about the bills.

Being able to go to the supermarket without stress, enjoy the occasional treat or holiday, and support loved ones—without worrying about the bills.

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Are you more focused on short-term or long-term goals?

Definitely long-term. Focusing on the future often helps with short-term goals too.

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Do you have a “dream purchase” you’re working toward?

We’d love to invest in a rental property—something healthy and affordable, or a way to support someone we know with housing.

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How do you track or measure progress toward your financial goals?

We regularly discuss how much we can set aside, what it might grow into, and what big expenses might be coming up.

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Have your financial goals changed over time?

They’ve evolved—from paying the mortgage and maintaining the house to now also planning for retirement.

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Is there a financial milestone you’re especially proud of?

Every small milestone—saving for something or paying something off—brings us joy.

Every small milestone—saving for something or paying something off—brings us joy.

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Do you prefer specific financial targets or a flexible approach?

We have a general idea of future needs and costs, but we keep things flexible. It’s a regular conversation in our household.

We have a general idea of future needs and costs, but we keep things flexible. It’s a regular conversation in our household.

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Are there any financial goals that feel out of reach right now?

Unexpected things can always happen, and that’s always on my mind. But I believe there’s always a solution.

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If you were to get financial advice right now, what would you ask?

What are some smart, simple things I can do to be more effective with my money?

What are some smart, simple things I can do to be more effective with my money?

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Do you have any financial goals you’re working toward?

We want to support family and friends into home ownership, manage our finances well, and ensure we’re set up for retirement.

We want to support family and friends into home ownership, manage our finances well, and ensure we’re set up for retirement.

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What do you think Kiwis are generally good at when it comes to money—and what could we do better?

Kiwis are incredibly entrepreneurial, but running a business is very different from having a great idea. We need to share more knowledge to help each other succeed.

Kiwis are incredibly entrepreneurial, but running a business is very different from having a great idea. We need to share more knowledge to help each other succeed.

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And the usual Velocity Icebreakers....

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What’s your favourite dessert or sweet treat?

Tiramisu—I love the coffee and chocolate combo.

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If you could teleport to any holiday destination right now, where would you go?

The Inca Trail—it’s been on my list for a while.

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What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I love stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve had motorbikes, jumped out of a plane, and had children!

I love stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve had motorbikes, jumped out of a plane, and had children!

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What’s your go-to “bribe” item—coffee, chocolate, wine, something else?

Coffee and jet planes—they’re always a hit at the office!

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What are you currently reading or watching?

*Will Trent*—I enjoy the plots and the humour.

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If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

A bartender on a tropical island—chatting with people, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the beach.

A bartender on a tropical island—chatting with people, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the beach.

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Do you have a favourite quote or motto that inspires you?

“Beware your inner critic.” Our brains try to keep us safe by telling us we’re not capable—but we are. Try new things, ask for help, and don’t tell yourself you can’t.

“Beware your inner critic.” Our brains try to keep us safe by telling us we’re not capable—but we are. Try new things, ask for help, and don’t tell yourself you can’t.

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Say Kia Ora to Tania

Feel free to reach out here

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