Life Insurance
Life insurance is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. If you die, the right cover ensures your family can pay off debts, replace your income, and continue the life you have built together.
Life insurance
Making sure your family is financially secure if the worst happens
Many people underestimate how much life cover they actually need — or have a policy that was set up years ago and no longer reflects their current income, mortgage, or family size. We help you get it right.
If you were to die tomorrow, could your family pay off the mortgage? Could they replace your income? Could they maintain the lifestyle you have worked to provide? These are the questions life insurance is designed to answer.
Life insurance is not just for people with dependants. It is also relevant if you have significant debts, a business partner, or anyone who relies on your financial contribution. We assess your full situation and recommend cover that is genuinely appropriate for your life.
What's Included
The right amount of life cover depends on your income, your debts, your family obligations, and how long your dependants would need financial support. Getting this wrong — either too little or too much — is a costly mistake.
We work through the numbers carefully with you, compare options across the market, and recommend cover that provides real protection without unnecessary premium cost.
Sum insured calculation and needs analysis
We calculate the right level of cover based on your mortgage, your income, your debts, and your family’s financial needs — so your policy provides genuine protection rather than an arbitrary round number.
Policy structure and ownership advice
How your life insurance policy is owned and structured can have significant tax and estate planning implications. We make sure your policy is set up correctly from day one.
Market comparison and provider selection
We compare life insurance products across the New Zealand market to identify the policy that offers the best combination of cover, conditions, and premium for your situation.
Regular review as your life changes
Life cover needs change as your mortgage reduces, your children grow up, and your assets increase. We review your cover regularly to make sure it remains appropriate and cost-effective.
What people say about Collaborative Consulting
“I got to know John whilst working with him in developing his company’s brand principles to strengthen the emotional connectedness with his clients. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of John’s ethics and strong desire to help people both through the good times and the bad times.
His strongest desire is to make a tangible difference for his clients and future generations of their family. John has a strong sense of family, he believes strongly in wanting to contribute back to the community.
I can honestly say I have not met a financial adviser where money is not the financial driver for him, it’s much more personal, it’s about making a difference. I’d recommend anyone who wants certainty in their financial investments talk to John.”
Michael Major BA (Hons) MDM
Property Development Consultant, Future Proofing Strategist
“John is the consummate professional in the Financial Planning and Investment sector. He has walked the talk, having successfully grown and lead businesses to achieve dramatic results. Through it all, he has helped people reach their personal and professional goals and engages with them comprehensively to ensure they achieve what they need to.
There’s no nonsense with John – if you want to succeed, he will help you do it and in doing so, you will meet and be assisted by one of the nicest and most professional people I know, who also lives by a set of principles steeped in integrity. A hard thing to find these days!
I strongly recommend you contact John and get to know him. You won’t regret it.”
Warren Cummins
Managing Director, Dale Carnegie Auckland and BRS Management
“Choosing someone to look after your money is an important decision especially if you are like me and have no idea about investments.
When I left my marriage I had money from the sale of the house. As I was now on my own financially I understood that I needed to ensure that not only was my money going to be safe but would also be working for my future.
I met with a few financial advisers but none of them really instilled me with confidence. I was feeling a bit lost and frightened about making the wrong decision.
Pam Martin
Arbonne Independent Consultant
“We are all specialists in our own area of business. We love referring our clients to an equally dedicated specialist, John Milner of Collaborative Consulting Ltd.
John has been able to help our clients leverage and re-invest their hard-won gains, made both personally, and in business. John has been working in his area of Investment Expertise for a long- time, so has ridden all of those waves in the marketplace. He is committed to helping clients mitigate their investment risk, and in these days and times, his level-head and thorough but relatable approach to Investment are exactly what we all need.
He makes investing simple, effective and takes the worry away.”
James Kelso
CPA, Director, Kelso Marsh Consulting Ltd
“I have known for some time now as part of my business networking group. From the start I have been impressed by John’s professionalism and his knowledge base. John takes what he does seriously and is quite clearly very dedicated to serving his clients well.
I have no trouble recommending him to anyone in need of sound financial advice.”
Rory Laubscher
Corporate Photography Specialist Firefly Photography
Our Process
When you work with us, we use our proven 3-step system. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Life insurance that genuinely protects your family
Years of experience helping New Zealanders structure life insurance as part of a comprehensive financial plan.
The right life insurance policy gives your family financial certainty at the worst possible time. We make sure the cover is right, the structure is right, and the premium is appropriate for what you are getting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about life insurance? We are happy to discuss your situation with no obligation.
What is the difference between term life and whole of life insurance?
Term life insurance provides cover for a specified period — typically until your mortgage is paid off or your children are financially independent. Whole of life insurance provides cover for your entire lifetime and is generally more expensive. Most New Zealanders are best served by term cover, but the right answer depends on your situation.
How much life insurance do I need?
A common starting point is ten times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your mortgage, your debts, your family’s ongoing expenses, and how long they would need financial support. We calculate this precisely for your situation.
Does life insurance pay out for all causes of death?
Most life insurance policies pay out for any cause of death, including illness and accidents. There are some exclusions — typically for pre-existing conditions or high-risk activities. We review policy terms carefully to make sure you understand exactly what you are covered for.
Can I get life insurance if I have a pre-existing health condition?
Yes, in many cases. Insurers assess each application individually. Some conditions may result in a loading on your premium or an exclusion for that specific condition. We help you navigate this process and find the best available option for your health situation.
Should my life insurance be inside or outside my KiwiSaver?
Life insurance is typically held outside KiwiSaver as a standalone policy. This gives you more flexibility and control. We advise on the most appropriate structure for your overall financial plan.
What happens to my life insurance if I change jobs?
A personally owned life insurance policy is not tied to your employment and remains in force regardless of where you work. This is one of the advantages of personally held cover over group insurance through an employer.
Do you work with clients across New Zealand?
Yes. We advise clients throughout New Zealand via video call and phone. Your location is no barrier to getting quality life insurance advice.
Related insurance and financial protection services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of protection and financial planning needs.
Receive a lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke — covering treatment costs and income loss during recovery.
Replace your income if illness or injury prevents you from working — keeping your mortgage, your savings, and your family’s living costs on track while you recover.
Ensure your mortgage repayments are covered if you die, become seriously ill, or are unable to work — protecting your family’s home whatever happens.