Our team

Director, Financial Adviser, CFP^CM
Diploma Business Studies, endorsed in Personal Financial Planning (Massey)

Ian’s work in financial services began at the bank in 1984, where he worked as a successful foreign exchange trader for 15 years, mostly operating from Wellington. In 2000, his career in financial planning began, as he set up his own business in South Canterbury. In 2006, he was offered the opportunity to take over a long-standing financial planning practice (Sentry Financial) and subsequently moved to Christchurch.

Ian’s strong analytical mind and personable demeanour was purpose-built to be a personal financial planner. He’s strong on values and keeping it simple, despite his background in the more complex world of trading.

Unsurprisingly, a love of finance runs in the family, as Ian’s wife, Michelle, is a Chartered Accountant. When he’s not working with clients, you’ll find them busy keeping up with their six children and growing number of grandchildren. A lover of fine wine and art, Ian and Michelle enjoy travelling and exploring this beautiful and fascinating world in which we live.

Email: ian@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

Personal Assistant to Ian Walden

Our newest Adviser Assistant to the Fortitude Financial family. 

Julia is passionate about helping and supporting our clients and being the first port of call for the care of our client portfolios and day to day administration. She is looking forward to meeting our clients and helping them on their financial journey.

Julia started her career in financial services in 1996 with Westpac Trust and then taking a break from banking and going back into the travel industry until 2006, when she started with the National Bank. Julia has worked the last 15 years with SBS Bank, the last 10 of those as a Banking Specialist, where she also completed national certificates in financial services (Level 5), which included lending and investments along with life/health and disability insurance papers.

When she isn’t helping our clients and advisers, Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and teenage daughter and their Boxer dog, Indi. In the summertime they like to go jetboating, she  is quite partial to a little online shopping and loves to travel.

Email: julia@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

Financial Adviser, Certified Financial Planner (CFP^CM)
PGDip Business Studies, specialising in Personal Financial Planning (Waikato)

Originally from Invercargill, Tony’s career in finance began back in 1985 working for General Finance Ltd and then Westpac Financial Services in Wellington - predominantly in administrative or corporate custodial roles. In 1991 he became an Investment Consultant for Westpac at their Hamilton-based Investment Centre, and later he joined the Medical Assurance Society (MAS) as a Personal Financial Planner for their Central North Island clients in 1993.

In 1995, Tony was promoted within the Society and charged with delivering independent financial planning services to its (referred) South Island members. MAS would later endorse Tony’s move into private practice and in 2003, based in Christchurch, Tony would continue to act for medical related professionals across New Zealand - with a focus on building bespoke investment strategies that are tailored to the individuals for whom he works.

Tony enjoys building on his specialist knowledge through various professional development programmes in New Zealand and overseas. When he’s not following financial markets or helping clients roadmap their financial journey, you’ll find him with his wife Leeanne and their three daughters – perhaps pottering at the family’s bach in Hanmer or helping out at local community clubs, in governance or coaching roles (principally tennis these days).

Email: tony@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

Personal Assistant to Tony Munro

Mel has worked in financial services for 35+ years. She has considerable experience in many areas; including managing the offices of law and accountancy firms and overseeing their trust accounts. Up to 2012, Mel worked for an insurance specialist at a major NZ bank; until meeting and beginning work with Tony Munro.

In Mel’s current role, she’s responsible for day-to-day administration and the upkeep of client portfolios, attending to buy/sell orders and monitoring cash management accounts. She loves being one of the first ports of call for clients and is an integral part of the Fortitude Financial team (especially in her role as events and social club coordinator!).

When she’s not in the office, Mel loves spending time with her husband and their two grown-up daughters; and particularly enjoys gardening, cooking, travel and fine wines.

Email: mel@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

Financial Adviser, Certified Financial Planner (CFPCM)

Diploma Business Studies, endorsed in Personal Financial Planning (Massey)

Bachelor of Business Studies, Finance (Massey)

Patrick became a Financial Adviser in 2014, whilst working for Andrew Webster Ltd and he would go on to buy that business in 2018. Prior to specialising as a Financial Adviser, Patrick worked as a Business Adviser and Financial Analyst for the Inland Revenue Department, where he was responsible for assessing and reporting on the finance, budgeting and KPI measures for the Community Compliance division.

In early 2019 he joined Sentry Financial in their Fitzgerald Ave premises.

Patrick is passionate about delivering impartial advice, to attain the investment outcomes that will achieve his client’s financial objectives. When he isn’t helping to build and maintain his clients’ portfolios, he’s active in our profession as a committee member of the local Financial Advice New Zealand branch (FANZ), an advocacy organisation championing quality financial advice for New Zealanders.

With his interest and love of music, Patrick finds any spare moment to practice and perform with his band in local venues. But the most important time is always spent with his wife Karen and their three children.

Email: patrick@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

Personal Assistant to Patrick Clemenger
 

Kathryn has been with Fortitude Financial since 2018, supporting Patrick in delivering exceptional service to his clients. She enjoys the variety her role brings and values the genuine connections formed with clients - finding it especially rewarding to help make their financial journey that little bit smoother. 

Outside of work, Kathryn embraces the slower pace of semi-rural life in Southbridge, where she enjoys spending time with her partner, daughter and dog.

Email: kathryn@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

Originally a Wellingtonian, Tim has also spent time living in New York, San Francisco, and London. Over the last 15 years, since moving home from London, he has worked in operations for several big banks (NAB, HSBC and ANZ). His most recent stint was as a Business Development Manager for ANZ, where he met Ian, Tony, Patrick and the crew of Fortitude Financial.

He knew very early on into his ANZ role that he wanted to become a Financial Adviser, to enable him to help guide people through their money journeys. He is passionate about ensuring people are doing the little things right, to ensure that they have the best retirement they can. Tim completed his qualifications in early 2021, and joined the Fortitude Financial team in April of 2021.

When he's not working, Tim can be found spending time with his wife and kids on the ski slopes, their bikes, or the side line of the kid's sports games. He is also an avid reader and loves competing in triathlons.

Email: tim@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

Hannah started her career in financial services with the National Bank in 2006, which eventually became the ANZ, working in number of client consultancy roles over several years.

She joined Tony Munro's team in 2013, and went on to complete her financial adviser qualifications. She enjoys working closely with our advisers, contributing to the design and monitoring of our client portfolios and continuing to grow her experience. Hannah finds the complexity of Financial Markets intriguing and particularly enjoys being of service to our clients.

She enjoys the challenge of balancing a busy work life and a busy life at home, with her husband and two young children.

Email: hannah@fortitudefinancial.co.nz
 

Financial Adviser, Certified Financial Planner (CFPCM)

Graduate Diploma in Business Studies, endorsed in Personal Financial Planning (Massey)

National Certificate in Financial Services (Financial Advice) (Level 5), Financial Planning and Services 

David became a Financial Adviser in 2018. He has 15 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry, including private, commercial and corporate banking, relationship management and financial advice. After spending time working for an Asset Management company in London, David chose to return to New Zealand to pursue a career in Financial Services. Prior to joining Fortitude, David worked as a Financial Adviser for AdviceFirst and BNZ, encompassing roles in Financial Planning, Wealth Management and Investment Advice.

He’s passionate about working with clients to assist in realising their long-term financial and lifestyle goals. To achieve this David provides financial advice tailored to enhance his clients’ financial future, working closely with them to ensure the solutions he creates are appropriate for their situation.

As Financial Advice is a chosen profession for David, he has completed a National Certificate in Financial Services (Financial Advice) (Level 5), a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Personal Financial Planning) through Massey University, and obtained the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Davids commitment to the advice industry is also underpinned by being a Practitioner Member and committee member of the Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) Canterbury branch, an advocacy organisation championing quality financial advice for New Zealanders. 

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, David now lives with wife Angela in Rangiora, with their two dogs Josie & Jethro. In his spare time, David enjoys playing golf, skiing in winter, and walking his dogs.

Email: david@fortitudefinancial.co.nz