Retirement Success
Making sure great people don’t outlive their money — and their money doesn’t outlive them.
Retirement Success
Have you got a plan to not outlive your money — or your money outlive you?
You’ve worked your life to create wealth and an amazing retirement. It’s our job to help you manage your money so that you can enjoy life — without fear of running out.
Introduction
Planning for your retirement can be challenging and daunting. It’s a new experience — while it can seem simple on the surface, you may have lots of questions swirling around in your mind.
The markets are shifting and governments are changing laws on a regular basis. Are you protected if the industry you’re investing in changes quickly? With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, we know all the ins and outs of the game. Our clients are invested in over 45 countries, and our passion is to help each of them create an investment plan that works for them.
What's Included
With decades of experience working with New Zealanders on retirement planning, we understand what it takes to build a plan that lasts — and we’re here to make sure yours does.
We work with a carefully selected number of private clients, which means you get John’s full attention — not a junior adviser or an automated platform.
Personalised retirement income strategy
We build a retirement income plan around your specific assets, goals and timeline — covering how to draw down investments, manage KiwiSaver, and balance capital and income so your money lasts as long as you need it to.
Access to premium investment opportunities
With clients invested across more than 45 countries, we provide access to a globally diversified investment portfolio that most individuals could not access on their own — managed with institutional-grade rigour.
Transparent fees with no hidden costs
We believe you should always know what you are paying and why. Our fee structure is straightforward and explained clearly upfront — no hidden charges, no surprises.
Ongoing support and guidance
Retirement is not a set-and-forget event. We stay alongside you with regular portfolio reviews, proactive communication when markets or legislation change, and a direct line to John whenever you need it.
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.
Building retirement confidence for New Zealanders
Of our clients feel confident about their financial future after working with us — with a clear retirement income plan, a globally diversified portfolio, and an adviser they can call whenever they need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about retirement planning that isn’t answered here? Get in touch — we’re happy to help.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
John Milner has worked for over 30 years in the investment field. His qualifications include: Post Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Personal Financial Planning), Certified Financial Planner (CFP™), Certified Life Underwriter (CLU), Accredited Investment Fiduciary®), and Certificate in Financial Services Level 5.
What types of clients do you work best with?
Many of our clients have sold a business, farm or property, are preparing for retirement, or want more out of their current retirement. Bank deposits are just not delivering for them. Our clients are good people who want a financial adviser who will treat them like a human — not just a number. We build strong relationships with every client.
What is the first step in working with you?
Whether you are looking to set yourself up for a great retirement, build wealth, or plan your legacy, it all starts with a conversation. It’s important that we see if we can work together and that we can genuinely add some value to you. You can book a call by clicking the button below.
Do you work with clients across New Zealand?
We’re based in Auckland and work with clients across New Zealand. We’re regular users of Zoom and Skype, and our investments are based in New Zealand — we also keep in touch with clients when they travel overseas.
How do you make sure my retirement income lasts?
We build a drawdown strategy that balances capital preservation with income generation — taking into account your spending needs, investment returns, inflation, and life expectancy. We review this regularly and adjust as your circumstances change.
How is Collaborative Consulting different from a bank or fund manager?
Unlike a bank or fund manager, we work exclusively for you — not for a product provider or a shareholder. We have no incentive to recommend any particular product, which means our advice is genuinely independent and always focused on what is best for your retirement.
What does retirement planning advice cost?
Our fees are transparent and discussed clearly before any work begins. The cost depends on the complexity of your situation and the scope of advice required. We are happy to explain our fee structure in detail during your initial conversation — with no obligation.
Other retirement financial advice and holistic wealth management services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we are available for a range of steps and important opportunities to grow and protect your finances.
Retirement Income Strategy
A structured plan to convert your savings and investments into a reliable, sustainable income stream — so you can spend confidently knowing your money will last.
Legacy Planning
A thoughtful approach to protecting and passing on your wealth. We help you structure your assets and estate so the people and causes you care about benefit from what you’ve built.
Estate Planning
Ensure your assets are properly structured, legally protected, and transferred to the right people at the right time — simply, efficiently, and without unnecessary cost.