Our Story
For over 30 years, founder and lead adviser at Collaborative Consulting, John Milner, has been a trusted name in New Zealand financial services. John has built his reputation on delivering expert, personalised advice that helps Kiwis make smart financial decisions.
Our team of Certified Financial Planners bring decades of combined experience in wealth management, retirement planning, and insurance solutions. We understand the unique challenges facing New Zealand investors and tailor our strategies accordingly.
Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to optimise existing investments, we’re here to provide the guidance and support you need to achieve your goals.
Our mission and vision
Our goal is to provide evidence-based solutions, long term certainty, and foster strong partnerships with our clients. At Collaborative Consulting, we're dedicated to putting our clients’ needs before our own, and a commitment to achieving outstanding results.
Assets
managed to date
$850M
Years
of Experience
30+
Satisfied
Clients Served
5.0K
You’ve made your wealth, we’ll grow and protect it for the future, the right way with us.
Research from New Zealand’s Financial Services Council indicates that Kiwis who receive financial advice have, on average, over 50% more in their KiwiSaver accounts than those who do not.
Our Values
With decades of experience in the New Zealand market, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing Kiwi investors.
With decades of experience in the New Zealand market, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing Kiwi investors.
Integrity, without compromise
We act with unwavering honesty and discretion, guided always by the long-term interests of our clients and the trust they place in us.
Partnership with purpose
We cultivate enduring relationships grounded in empathy, insight, and alignment. Standing not beside our clients, but with them, as stewards of their legacy.
Excellence as a standard
We pursue mastery in everything we do, offering refined solutions, anticipatory guidance, and a standard of service that reflects our clients’ ambitions.
NZ Market Expertise
Guided by ethical decision-making that builds trust and fairness, we bring dedication and meticulous care to every aspect of our work.
Meet our founder,
John Milner
CFPcm, CLUcm
Although John was born a proud Southerner, he grew up in West Auckland. His father operated multiple businesses over the years, which allowed John to see how companies affected the financial lives of many. After witnessing friends and family invest in the share market as if they were playing Lotto (and winning like it as well), John realised the value of advice. He became eager to learn and help others succeed. He started his career in the music and recording business, working with iconic Kiwi names like brothers Neil & Tim Finn of Split Enz, Dave Dobbyn of DD Smash, and Jordan Luck of The Exponents. Being part of local and international deals and seeing the industry fade over time, he learnt what worked and what didn't and gained an understanding of what a strong financial investment is. John was then involved at the infancy of Kiwi businesses The BBQ Factory & Noel Leeming. He loved the excitement of growing these businesses from just one store into big retailers and got a taste of how businesses could be scaled. From there, together with two business partners, John built a successful financial services business that became known as the gold standard in New Zealand. Now John's boutique practice works with a small number of private high net worth clients. He enjoys working with them to create a retirement plan that works for them, so they won't outlive their money.
Research, Governance & Oversight
External Investment Committee
Collaborative Consulting works in partnership with the Consilium Investment Committee, an independent group of experienced investment professionals who provide research, oversight, and guidance on investment strategy.
Damon O’Brien
Investment Director
Mitchell Bristow
Chair, Head of Investment Services
Professor Ben Marshall
Independent Academic Consultant
Our Process
With decades of experience in the New Zealand market, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing Kiwi investors.
Some of the many companies we partner with:
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about wealth management? We’re happy to discuss your situation — get in touch.
What is wealth management and how is it different from financial planning?
Financial planning is the process of setting goals and building a strategy to achieve them. Wealth management is broader — it encompasses financial planning alongside investment management, tax strategy, estate planning, and often private banking services. We provide both as an integrated service.
Who is wealth management suited for?
Wealth management is suited to anyone who has accumulated meaningful assets and wants a comprehensive, coordinated approach to growing and protecting them. This includes people approaching retirement, business owners, professionals with complex financial situations, and anyone who feels their current financial arrangements are not properly integrated.
How do you charge for wealth management services?
Our fees are discussed transparently before any work begins. The structure depends on the scope of services required and the complexity of your situation. We are always clear about what you are paying and what you receive in return.
How many clients do you work with?
We deliberately work with a limited number of private clients. This ensures every client receives John’s direct attention — not a junior adviser or a rotating team. The quality of the relationship is as important to us as the quality of the advice.
How often will we meet?
We conduct formal reviews at least twice a year and are available for additional conversations whenever you need them. We also contact clients proactively when market conditions or legislative changes warrant a discussion.