One year of Colab Mortgages

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Colab Mortgages came to life. What started as an idea on paper has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of.

Launching Colab was about more than starting a mortgage firm. It was about creating a business that supports the people who build New Zealand, literally. The builders, developers, and families who pour everything into creating homes and communities.

Over the past year, I’ve spent countless hours working on compliance, branding, and content, but the most rewarding part has been reconnecting with so many amazing people in the industry at conferences, builder events, and out in the field. The collaboration and passion across this sector are inspiring.

Creating better finance options for builders

A big focus for me has been developing TurnKey Pro, our exclusive lending solution designed to make new-build finance simpler and more accessible for builders. It’s been incredibly rewarding to partner with a funder that shares our values and vision for supporting the delivery of great homes across the country.

Colab itself has been a real labour of love, built (pardon the pun) on years in finance and a long-standing passion for the building industry. That passion began when I watched my parents build our family home as a teenager, sparking a lifelong interest in helping others achieve the same dream.

Colab is a full-service mortgage advice firm

We help everyone from first-home buyers and families purchasing existing homes to investors growing their portfolios. But my passion and focus have always been the new-build and development space, helping make the finance side of that journey simpler and more transparent.

I still get a huge buzz from helping first-home buyers take the leap into building their first home, and just as much satisfaction from supporting builders and developers to grow their businesses and deliver great homes.

Looking forward to the future

It’s no secret that it’s been a tough year for many, with high costs and a slowing economy. But I’m genuinely optimistic about what’s ahead. Lower interest rates, easing test rates, and more flexible lending criteria are already bringing new energy into the market. The “survive to 25” mindset is giving way to a real sense of optimism for 2026.

I’m especially inspired by the builders and developers who are raising the bar with homes that have character, thoughtful design, and energy efficiency at their core. People are becoming more discerning; they want homes they can truly see themselves living in (with parking!), not just another cookie-cutter house. My hope is we’ll look back on this period as the time when design, sustainability, and liveability became non-negotiable in New Zealand housing.

A massive thank you to everyone who has supported Colab over the past year, from industry partners to clients who trusted me on their journey. Here’s to the next chapter, more collaboration, and continuing to build something special together.