Wealth Planning
A comprehensive financial plan is the foundation of everything. Without one, you are making decisions in isolation — often at a cost you cannot see until much later.
A clear financial plan changes everything
Wealth planning is not just about investments. It is about understanding where you are today, where you want to be in ten or twenty years, and building a coherent strategy to get there — covering investments, retirement, insurance, tax, and estate planning together.
Are you clear on your plan to not only build but retain your wealth? Do you speak to your adviser regularly to make sure you are on the right path? Are you confident your financial decisions are working together rather than against each other?
With over 30 years’ experience helping New Zealanders build and protect their wealth, we understand what a genuinely comprehensive financial plan looks like. We take the time to understand your full situation before making any recommendations.
What's Included
We recently worked with a client approaching 60 who had accumulated significant assets across property, KiwiSaver, and some shares — but had never seen them as a coherent whole. No one had ever shown him how they all fit together.
After developing a comprehensive wealth plan, he understood for the first time exactly what his retirement would look like, what risks he was carrying, and what he needed to do in the next five years to get to the outcome he wanted.
Comprehensive financial goal setting
We work through your short, medium, and long-term goals in detail — including retirement age, target income, lifestyle expectations, and legacy intentions — and build a plan specifically designed to achieve them.
Investment strategy aligned to your plan
Your investment portfolio is built as part of your overall financial plan, not in isolation. Every asset allocation decision is made with your broader goals and timeline in mind.
Insurance and risk management review
A wealth plan is only as strong as its protection. We review your insurance coverage to make sure you are protected against the risks that could derail your financial progress.
Retirement and estate integration
We ensure your wealth plan connects seamlessly with your retirement income strategy and estate planning intentions — so nothing falls through the gaps between the different parts of your financial life.
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.
Financial planning that puts your goals at the centre
Years of experience helping New Zealanders build, protect, and pass on their wealth.
We are here to help you maximise your returns and make your money work hard for you. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we can work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about financial planning or wealth management? Get in touch — we’re happy to help.
What is financial planning and why do I need it?
Financial planning is the process of setting clear financial goals and building a structured strategy to achieve them. It covers everything from budgeting and saving to investment, insurance, retirement, and estate planning. Without a plan, most people make decisions in isolation — which often costs them significantly over time.
What does a financial plan include?
A comprehensive financial plan covers your current financial position, your short and long-term goals, investment strategy, risk management, tax considerations, retirement projections, and estate planning. We review and update it regularly as your life changes.
How long does it take to develop a financial plan?
After our initial meeting, we typically present a comprehensive plan within two to three weeks. The timeline depends on the complexity of your situation. We do not rush the process — a well-constructed plan takes the time it deserves.
How much does financial planning cost?
Our fees are discussed openly before any work begins. The cost reflects the complexity of your situation and the scope of the plan. We are always transparent about what you will pay and what you will receive in return.
Can you help me if I already have an adviser?
Yes. We are happy to provide a second opinion or a full review of your existing financial plan. Many clients come to us after feeling that their current adviser is not proactive enough or does not truly understand their situation.
How often should I review my financial plan?
We recommend a formal review at least annually, and more frequently if your circumstances change significantly — such as a change in employment, a property transaction, an inheritance, or approaching retirement.
Do you work with clients across New Zealand?
We are based in Auckland but work with clients nationwide via video call, phone, and email. Your location has never been a barrier to getting quality financial planning advice.
Related financial advice and wealth management services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of financial planning needs.
Investment Management
Active, personalised management of your investment portfolio, aligned to your wealth plan and reviewed regularly.
Retirement Success
Specialist retirement planning that ensures your wealth plan delivers the income and security you need throughout retirement.
KiwiSaver Advice
Make sure your KiwiSaver is working as hard as possible as part of your broader wealth strategy.