Wealth Diversification
Don’t have all your eggs in one basket — the world is changing. The research and work we do with academics shows the patterns that allow us to invest wisely. Having the right investment mix is vital to protecting your capital.
Many New Zealanders have built significant wealth through property or a family business — but that concentration creates real risk. We help you build a more resilient asset mix without disrupting your life or income.
Are you too highly geared in property or business? Have you got a clear investment mix across different asset types? Are you unsure how to even start diversifying? These are exactly the questions we help our clients work through.
The markets are shifting, and governments are changing laws on a regular basis. Are you protected if the industry you’re invested in changes quickly? With over 30 years’ experience, we know all the ins and outs of the game. Our clients are invested across more than 45 countries.
What's Included
It seems counterintuitive at times, but the research and academic work we undertake shows clear patterns we can follow to invest wisely. A diverse investment mix is your best protection against an uncertain world.
We work with clients across a wide range of asset concentrations — from those heavily weighted in property to business owners whose personal wealth is almost entirely tied up in a single enterprise. Whatever your starting point, we can help you build something better.
Asset class diversification strategy
We assess your current holdings and develop a plan to spread your wealth across a mix of growth and defensive assets — New Zealand and international shares, bonds, property, and cash — appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance.
Transition planning to minimise disruption
We build a gradual transition plan that moves you toward a more diversified position without forcing unnecessary asset sales, disrupting your income, or triggering avoidable tax consequences.
Global market access through Consilium
Through our research with Morningstar and partnership with Consilium, we provide access to investment opportunities across more than 45 countries — a level of diversification that individual investors cannot easily replicate on their own.
Ongoing concentration risk monitoring
We monitor your portfolio regularly to ensure concentration risk does not creep back in as certain assets grow faster than others. Diversification requires ongoing attention, not just a one-off restructure.
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.
Protecting your wealth through intelligent diversification
Countries our clients are invested across — providing genuine global diversification for every portfolio we manage.
It seems counterintuitive at times, but the research and academic work we do shows the patterns we can follow to invest wisely. A diverse investment mix is your best protection against an uncertain world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about wealth diversification or investment strategy? We’re happy to discuss your situation.
Why is wealth diversification important?
Concentrating your wealth in a single asset class — such as property or a family business — exposes you to significant risk if that sector underperforms. Diversification spreads that risk across different asset types and geographies, helping protect your capital while still growing it.
Am I too heavily concentrated in property?
This is one of the most common situations we encounter. Many New Zealanders have built significant wealth through property but find it increasingly difficult to access that capital or manage it as they get older. We help you think through what a better mix looks like for your situation.
What does a diversified portfolio look like?
A well-diversified portfolio typically includes a mix of growth assets (such as shares and property) and defensive assets (such as bonds and cash), spread across New Zealand and international markets. The right balance depends on your goals, timeline, and appetite for risk.
How do I start diversifying without selling everything at once?
We build a transition plan that allows you to gradually shift toward a more diversified position in a way that is tax-efficient and minimises disruption to your income and lifestyle. You do not need to do everything at once.
Can you help with diversification if I own a business?
Yes. Business owners often have most of their wealth tied up in their business. We help you think about how to diversify away from that concentration over time, so that your personal financial position is not entirely dependent on the success of one enterprise.
Do you work with clients across New Zealand?
We are based in Auckland and work with clients across New Zealand. We are comfortable using Zoom, phone, and email to manage advisory relationships at a distance.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
John Milner is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP™) with over 30 years of experience. His qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Personal Financial Planning), Certified Life Underwriter (CLU), Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), and Certificate in Financial Services Level 5.
Related financial advice and wealth management services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of financial planning needs.
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Portfolio Management
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Wealth Planning
Make sure your KiwiSaver is working as hard as possible as part of your broader wealth strategy.