About Us

Bruce’s Story

Full of ups and downs and twists and turns, my 39-year journey has delivered the experiences and built my expertise to support, help and guide my clients along their journey to whatever they aspire to. However, this pales into insignificance in contrast with my why – which drives my enduring passion, energy and commitment to see you achieving the very best outcomes for you.

Family Focused

Raised in a household with four close brothers, family has always been important to me. My mother was a caring ICU nurse and is likely the source of my empathetic nature and listening skills. As well as accounting for my deep and enduring fascination with health and medicine. Looking back, family has had the biggest impact on my life and taught me the toughest lessons.

Tough Times

At 23, my mother’s sudden illness and death at the age of 55 from an inoperable brain tumour, three days from my brother Will’s 21st birthday, had a significant impact on my perspective of life. Life could change in an instant and suddenly I was watching my father have to try to focus and keep his business running, all while putting his life back together.

He died in his early 70’s, unnecessarily and too young from prostate cancer, and I saw first hand how critical having an effective will and trusts in place to protect your property and wishes are. The most profound impact and influence on my life personally and professionally and what drives my personal guidance of my clients was the death of my brother, Will. As the two youngest brothers of four, we were especially close – so it hit extremely hard when he was killed while guiding a client in the mountains on Fox Glacier. He was my first life insurance claim.

Business Background

Immersed in business from a young age, I grew up around my parent’s family business, learning the importance of delivering exceptional customer service to the close knit community of Blenheim. Business feels like part of my DNA and my love of it took me to Wellington and the world of finance. Exploring the different facets of banking, I was drawn to supporting small and medium businesses to develop plans and achieve more.

Into Risk Management

After focusing on business lending, I developed a passion for protecting the futures of families and businesses with insurance products and investment funds. Getting married to my amazing wife Jean, an ICU nurse, we spent six months travelling in South Africa and experiencing what cultural diversity really looks like. We witnessed the referendum to dismantle apartheid, before heading to London. 

With bankers being laid off left, right and centre, I embarked on a pivotal career change and the chance to serve the needs of my clients rather than the interests of insurers or banks, and have never looked back.

During my career, I recognised the value of comprehensive planning that considers various aspects of a client's financial life. However, I found that working exclusively with one company's products limited my ability to provide the most suitable solutions for my clients' diverse needs.

Upon returning to New Zealand due to my father's ill health, I shifted my career focus. I developed expertise in risk mitigation strategies and began working with multiple providers. This change allowed me to offer a broader range of solutions tailored to clients' specific needs.

Achieving Aspirations

Over the last few years, I’ve increasingly focused on working with families in business and business owners, developing and enhancing my holistic and aspirations-centric approach to enable my clients to achieve their unique aspirations and protect what truly matters to them.

And, I’d love to hear your story and vision for your future...

In Summary

Here's the more boring summary of what I've done, and my qualifications...

Professional Background and Experience

With over 35 years in the financial and business sectors across New Zealand and the UK, I've gained extensive knowledge about various aspects of business management and financial planning. This includes 27 years of running my own businesses, which has provided insight into the common experiences of business owners and professionals.

My areas of interest include:

• General risk management concepts

• Various types of insurance products

• Business advisory services

• Legal and accounting considerations for businesses

• Mortgage and debt management principles

• Cash flow management strategies

• KiwiSaver and investment fundamentals

• Asset protection concepts

I can provide general information on these topics and, when appropriate, facilitate introductions to licensed professionals in relevant fields.

Educational Background:

Diploma of Financial Planning (UK)

Professional Recognition:

Recipient of the Pinnacle Award for Professional Development

Professional Affiliations:

Former board member of the New Zealand Financial Advisers Association (NZFAA), prior to its merger with Financial Advice New Zealand

Previously, I worked as a volunteer with the Wellington Free Ambulance Service and Ruapehu Ski Patrol helping serve others in need whilst furthering my interest in all things medical. I’m a strong supporter of charities which include, Look Good Feel Better, Make a Wish and, unsurprisingly, the Cancer Society.

Our Team

Bruce MacQueen

Principle

Bruce’s journey blends personal loss and business experience to guide others with empathy and purpose.

Nick MacQueen

Paraplanner and Research Support

Supports the advice process with detailed research and planning, helping deliver clear, informed solutions for clients.

Christine Jelleyman

Executive Support

Keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes, supporting both the team and clients with care and efficiency.

Contact Us