Q&A: New Zealand Home Loans

The Rotorua NZHL team (from left to right) administrator Hayley Johnstone, Claire and Mark Sims.

Mark and Claire Sims started the Rotorua branch of New Zealand Home Loans (NZHL) in 2008.
It was recently named NZHL top branch for the second year running and was a 2013 Deloitte Fast 50 winner as the fastest growing mature business in the Central North Island.

In a nutshell, what does your business do?

We simply show people how they can pay their home loan off quicker which means more money for themselves and their families - too many New Zealanders are paying too much interest back to their bank.

What inspired you to set up your current business?

Prior to joining NZHL in 2001 Mark was the mobile manager for a large bank. He made the move when he saw how much clients could save with a NZHL managed loan rather than a typical bank loan and the service he would then be able to offer Rotorua families. More and more New Zealanders are looking for a way to get ahead.

What was the best business decision you have made?

Having great mentors to call on for guidance and advice and having a workplace with highly educated, efficient, caring people that make things happen when they need to.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity for your business in the year ahead?

Offering solutions in a confusing financial environment.

If you could do any other job for a day, what would that be?

When I have a good day here it's everything I ever want to be doing.

How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?

I realised early on that a good balance is essential for me to function at my absolute best. I want my clients to get the most value of their time when we meet, so I want to be physically and mentally prepared - I go cycling two to three times a week and to the gym as well.

What's the best thing about being in business in Rotorua?

The ability to make a difference to the people in our community - Rotorua is a small place so if you do a good job word gets around. We love how Rotorua is so centrally located, and is such a family friendly city within easy reach of many amazing outdoor attractions - from the lakes to the Redwoods.

If you were mayor of Rotorua for one day, what one change would you make?

I'd be applying what I know in business and be focusing on debt reduction. I would address the seriousness of not borrowing more than can be afforded.