“All our mortgage brokers come from the inside of banks."
Sam Stepney: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Essex in England in a town situated on the border of Hertfordshire and London. I moved to New Zealand by myself in 2012 and settled on Auckland’s North Shore.
How did you get into Mortgage Broking?
I’ve primarily worked in financial services and started in Fraud in banking and insurance. I transitioned into lending a few years ago when I recognised synergies to the fraud risk world and mortgage advising. I wanted to be more client facing and this role has enabled that.
What cliché do you most hate?
I don’t actually know – there’s probably a few that I sigh to when I hear them.
What gives you joy?
The small things bring me joy – being in nature and enjoying New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes. Coffee in the morning – one of my favourite rituals. Spending time with good people, exercising, new experiences, travel and enjoying some of New Zealand’s great wines.
If you won a $1million lotto prize today, what would you do with it?
I would most likely purchase a few investment properties, gift to family and have some ‘fun’ money in the mix too.
What is most important to you in friendship?
Authenticity on both parts.
What is your best movie ever?
Shawshank Redemption – could watch it and have watched it several times.
What are the three words that give you inspiration?
Believe – Accomplish – Gratitude.
What is a pet peeve?
Someone who is chronically late – I think this devalues your time and commitment.
Tell us something very few people know about you.
I was a dancer for 14 years growing up (ballet, tap, modern and Jazz), I reached professional levels in exams and part took in Pantomimes, shows etc, but decided to study Crime Scene and Forensic Investigation as an extension to my curiosity in Criminology growing up.
Alexander McAlpine: Where did you grow up?
I am a local, grew up in the amazing suburb of Grey Lynn.
How did you get into Mortgage Broking?
After working as a mobile mortgage manager at one of the big four banks, I thought, how else can I help my clients even more. The only way was to have access and work to a wide range of lenders and be able to provide tailored solutions to best suit customer needs. Mortgage broking was the natural progression.
What cliché do you most hate?
Gingers cannot tan…some gingers can tan…slightly.
What gives you joy?
Meeting new people from all walks of life. Travelling the world was also amazing pre Covid-19.
If you won a $1 million lotto prize today, what would you do with it?
Be smart with it. Invest it and make it grow into $2 million. Then buy some toys with the $1 million.
What is most important to you in friendship?
Trust and loyalty. Friends are there to push you to be a better person. They also should be brutally honest with no filter! Say it how it is.
What is your best movie ever?
When I was a kid, it use to be Grease Lightning. Nowadays, I enjoy movies based on real life with a powerful message.
What are the three words that give you inspiration?
Never give up.
What is a pet peeve?
Negativity. People who say ‘they can’t do it’. Find a way to make it possible, if not now, then in the future.
Tell us something very few people know about you.
I speak French. Bonjour!
Contact our Vega team on: 0800 834 253,
E: hello@vegalend.co.nz, www.vegalend.co.nz
Facebook: @Vegalend, Instagram: @vega_lend
Mortgages Ponsonby team: 0800 834 253
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