Our team

Ian Walden

Ian Walden, CFPCM

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER

Director, Financial Adviser, CFPCM
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

Judith Ackroyd

Judith Ackroyd

Personal Assistant

Personal Assistant to Ian Walden

Judith has worked in financial services for over 24 years. She joined Ian in 2016, and having worked in administration and accounting roles across insurance and investment industries, she brings a great understanding of our profession and unique appreciation for what our clients want.

A real people person, Judith enjoys catching up with clients whenever they’re in the office. As assistant to our advisers, she’s able to manage a number of practice-related areas of responsibility.

When she isn’t helping our clients and advisers, Judith enjoys going to the theatre, drinking nice wine with friends and family and holidaying in Central Otago. She has a passion for travel and exploring new destinations – within NZ and overseas.

Email: judith@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

Tony Munro

Tony Munro, CFPCM

Financial Adviser

Financial Adviser, Certified Financial Planner (CFPCM)
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

Melanie McGrath

Mel McGrath

Personal Assistant

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

Patrick Clemenger

Patrick Clemenger , CFPCM

Financial Adviser

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

Kathryn Farmer

Kathryn Farmer

Personal Assistant

Personal Assistant to Patrick Clemenger

Kathryn has been with Sentry Financial since 2018 and as their receptionist has been the first to greet clients on their arrival, both on the telephone or in person. She’s looking forward to meeting a much wider group of people, as the practices of Munro, Sentry and Webster come together.

Outside of work, Kathryn’s another of our team known for her baking prowess (more in the Winter months). In Summer, she can be found training or playing hockey on the fields in Leeston. Kathryn enjoys the great outdoors and in particular, lifestyle block living.

Email: kathryn@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

Tim 10

Tim Gibb

Financial Adviser

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 Harris

Hannah Harris

Associate Adviser

Hannah started her career in financial services with the National Bank in 2006, and worked 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

Sara Rennell

Sara Rennell

Personal Assistant

Personal Assistant to Patrick Clemenger

Sara began her career in finance in 2004 as a Bank Teller with Westpac. Over the years she took an interest in the many different client facing roles within Retail and Business Banking with ANZ Bank. In 2015, Sara joined the ANZ Wealth team, where she became a Registered Authorised Financial Advisor in Insurance, specialising in Life and Health Insurance.

She then took some time to welcome her 2 boys to the family and is now thrilled to have joined the Fortitude Team.

Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She’s also been known to take the stage singing when given the chance and loves getting involved in her community, for which she is a Board member of The Bridge South Brighton Trust.

Email: sara@fortitudefinancial.co.nz

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