Your friendly professionals.
Buddy Mortgages friendly chat
When it comes to arranging home loans, business finance and insurance we’ve been around the block a few times. We’ve worked in banks (in lending and insurance), and as financial advisers, so we know the ins and outs, the tricks and traps, and the policies and procedures that can catch people out.  

We’re straight up, down to earth, and love helping everyday New Zealanders get the best loans and insurance cover.
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Meet the team
Jason Longo
Financial Adviser
Staff photo
After a couple of decades in banking and another 5 years as a financial adviser, Jason wanted to start something that genuinely offered what’s best for his clients and delivered in a way that’s simple and easy to understand. Jason began working at the BNZ at the age of 17. He stayed for 14 years and worked in accounts, personal banking, lending and as a senior branch manager. He was Head of Distribution (Northern Region) for Westpac’s Life Insurance division and was a founder and financial adviser at Float. His clients keep coming back and call him smart, attentive and tireless. You can give him a call, or send him an email if you prefer.
Evan Kennerley
Financial Adviser
Staff photo
Growing up as one of eleven kids and now raising two small humans of his own, Evan brings a genuine understanding of protecting what matters to Buddy. With nearly a decade in financial services across banking, financial advisory and corporate trustee services, he's worked with everyone from local households to major institutions, including supervising some of New Zealand's largest KiwiSaver schemes. Evan specializes in risk protection and has a knack for making complex concepts easy to understand. When he's not advising clients, you'll find him on the tennis court or producing music. Whether you need help safeguarding your family, business, or planning for retirement, Evan's here to help.
Tom Greenwood
Financial Adviser
Staff photo
Tom comes from a background of customer facing roles in both the public and private sectors, and prides himself on his ability to deliver jargon-free advice. Since qualifying as a financial advisor, he has loved the job satisfaction that comes with helping good, honest people achieve their home ownership goals, while cementing long-lasting relationships along the way. He has recently been through the process of buying his first home, so understands that this is both an exciting and often daunting process. In his spare time, he can often be found in Cornwall Park with his wife and two young daughters, or otherwise watching his beloved football team Burnley F.C from his native England. Feel free to give Tom a ring or drop him an email and he will be more than happy to chat to you about your ambitions, aspirations and objectives.
Sam Brown
Financial Adviser
Staff photo
With six years of extensive experience in both residential and commercial finance working at two of NZ's largest banks, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as a financial adviser. Prior to his career in finance, Sam cultivated a passion for helping others through his background in physical education and personal training. Driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Sam approaches financial advising with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to client success. He recognises that each individual has unique financial goals and challenges, and he is dedicated to providing tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. Whether you're seeking to purchase your dream home, purchase a business or grow an existing business, Sam will guide you through every step of the journey with integrity and professionalism. Feel free to contact Sam to discuss your lending needs and he will be happy to assist you.
Dylan Crooks
Financial Adviser
Staff photo
Dylan brings a fresh perspective to the industry coming from a background in sports science, with a genuine passion for helping people. Clients can count on Dylan to not only meet their insurance needs but to truly understand their goals and build a strategy that lasts. His love for people and value-driven service shines through in his work. Outside of the office, he loves his sport, and he’s an active participant in his local community. Dylan’s holistic approach to health and well-being reflects his commitment to helping others thrive, both personally and financially.
Kish Patel
Financial Adviser
Staff photo
Kish brings a wealth of experience from a variety of industries, from owning his own business to most recently working as a Financial Adviser at WealthHQ. He’s often praised for his ability to clearly and concisely explain insurance jargon, making things simple, understandable and stress free. Kish prides himself on making sure each one of his clients has the right protection in place for when they need it most, and loves working through tailored solutions to meet all unique circumstances. He has a passion for travelling, cars, motorsport and loves spending his spare time going fishing.
Jo Bolton
Client Service Manager
Staff photo
Jo comes with years of experience in client services and management from a variety of industries, working in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, America and Ireland. Also having a financial background, she is a good support for the financial advisors at Buddy and is there to make their life a bit easier. She comes with a caring nature and always puts the client’s needs first. A person who is approachable, you will feel comfortable and at ease dealing with Jo. She is here to help and to try and make your journey as painless as possible. Jo’s three children are the most important things in her life, and she is managing to survive the teenage years. An avid foodie, she is also a qualified chef and loves to spend time in the kitchen on her days off. The financial advisors avidly await Mondays where Jo brings in freshly made goodies!
Kathy Plummer
Client Service Manager
Staff photo
With nearly three decades managing client relationships in the insurance industry, Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge to Buddy. Her genuine care for clients and attention to detail have been hallmarks of her approach, and she understands the importance of building lasting relationships. Kathy is a mother and a grandmother, and outside the office is found either at the gym or spending time with family in Auckland and in the Hawkes's Bay, or enjoying a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Jess Raymond
Marketing Manager
Staff photo
Jess has a love for life and sees the best in all people (but not all banks). She knows that mortgage applications can be stressful and insurance policies can be confusing and wants to be part of a business that treats people like they’re friends. Originally from Canada, Jess has a degree in Media Communications and has worked in marketing for more than 10 years. Incredibly detail-oriented with exceptional organisational and time management skills, Jess appreciates the importance of good communication and making things easy for customers. Jess is a fitness enthusiast and a fan of wine and chocolate rewards.
Jason Longo
Financial Adviser
After a couple of decades in banking and another 5 years as a financial adviser, Jason wanted to start something that genuinely offered what’s best for his clients and delivered in a way that’s simple and easy to understand. Jason began working at the BNZ at the age of 17. He stayed for 14 years and worked in accounts, personal banking, lending and as a senior branch manager. He was Head of Distribution (Northern Region) for Westpac’s Life Insurance division and was a founder and financial adviser at Float. His clients keep coming back and call him smart, attentive and tireless. You can give him a call, or send him an email if you prefer.
Evan Kennerley
Financial Adviser
Growing up as one of eleven kids and now raising two small humans of his own, Evan brings a genuine understanding of protecting what matters to Buddy. With nearly a decade in financial services across banking, financial advisory and corporate trustee services, he's worked with everyone from local households to major institutions, including supervising some of New Zealand's largest KiwiSaver schemes. Evan specializes in risk protection and has a knack for making complex concepts easy to understand. When he's not advising clients, you'll find him on the tennis court or producing music. Whether you need help safeguarding your family, business, or planning for retirement, Evan's here to help.
Tom Greenwood
Financial Adviser
Tom comes from a background of customer facing roles in both the public and private sectors, and prides himself on his ability to deliver jargon-free advice. Since qualifying as a financial advisor, he has loved the job satisfaction that comes with helping good, honest people achieve their home ownership goals, while cementing long-lasting relationships along the way. He has recently been through the process of buying his first home, so understands that this is both an exciting and often daunting process. In his spare time, he can often be found in Cornwall Park with his wife and two young daughters, or otherwise watching his beloved football team Burnley F.C from his native England. Feel free to give Tom a ring or drop him an email and he will be more than happy to chat to you about your ambitions, aspirations and objectives.
Sam Brown
Financial Adviser
With six years of extensive experience in both residential and commercial finance working at two of NZ's largest banks, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as a financial adviser. Prior to his career in finance, Sam cultivated a passion for helping others through his background in physical education and personal training. Driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Sam approaches financial advising with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to client success. He recognises that each individual has unique financial goals and challenges, and he is dedicated to providing tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. Whether you're seeking to purchase your dream home, purchase a business or grow an existing business, Sam will guide you through every step of the journey with integrity and professionalism. Feel free to contact Sam to discuss your lending needs and he will be happy to assist you.
Dylan Crooks
Financial Adviser
Dylan brings a fresh perspective to the industry coming from a background in sports science, with a genuine passion for helping people. Clients can count on Dylan to not only meet their insurance needs but to truly understand their goals and build a strategy that lasts. His love for people and value-driven service shines through in his work. Outside of the office, he loves his sport, and he’s an active participant in his local community. Dylan’s holistic approach to health and well-being reflects his commitment to helping others thrive, both personally and financially.
Kish Patel
Financial Adviser
Kish brings a wealth of experience from a variety of industries, from owning his own business to most recently working as a Financial Adviser at WealthHQ. He’s often praised for his ability to clearly and concisely explain insurance jargon, making things simple, understandable and stress free. Kish prides himself on making sure each one of his clients has the right protection in place for when they need it most, and loves working through tailored solutions to meet all unique circumstances. He has a passion for travelling, cars, motorsport and loves spending his spare time going fishing.
Jo Bolton
Client Service Manager
Jo comes with years of experience in client services and management from a variety of industries, working in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, America and Ireland. Also having a financial background, she is a good support for the financial advisors at Buddy and is there to make their life a bit easier. She comes with a caring nature and always puts the client’s needs first. A person who is approachable, you will feel comfortable and at ease dealing with Jo. She is here to help and to try and make your journey as painless as possible. Jo’s three children are the most important things in her life, and she is managing to survive the teenage years. An avid foodie, she is also a qualified chef and loves to spend time in the kitchen on her days off. The financial advisors avidly await Mondays where Jo brings in freshly made goodies!
Kathy Plummer
Client Service Manager
With nearly three decades managing client relationships in the insurance industry, Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge to Buddy. Her genuine care for clients and attention to detail have been hallmarks of her approach, and she understands the importance of building lasting relationships. Kathy is a mother and a grandmother, and outside the office is found either at the gym or spending time with family in Auckland and in the Hawkes's Bay, or enjoying a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Jess Raymond
Marketing Manager
Jess has a love for life and sees the best in all people (but not all banks). She knows that mortgage applications can be stressful and insurance policies can be confusing and wants to be part of a business that treats people like they’re friends. Originally from Canada, Jess has a degree in Media Communications and has worked in marketing for more than 10 years. Incredibly detail-oriented with exceptional organisational and time management skills, Jess appreciates the importance of good communication and making things easy for customers. Jess is a fitness enthusiast and a fan of wine and chocolate rewards.