Looking for a full-service investment firm you can actually talk to? This guide explains what Craigs Investment Partners does, who it suits, how the service works in practice, and what to weigh up before you sign on. You’ll also find a side-by-side comparison with other options, a clear step-by-step to get started, and quick answers to common questions New Zealanders ask.
What is
Craigs Investment Partners is one of New Zealand’s largest full-service investment advisory and sharebroking firms. It helps people and organisations invest in shares, funds, fixed income, and KiwiSaver, backed by in-house research and a nationwide adviser network.
Unlike DIY platforms, craigs investment partners focuses on tailored advice. You can get help building a diversified portfolio, placing trades on the NZX and major global markets, accessing new offers and IPOs, and managing ongoing reporting and tax paperwork. It serves individuals, families, trusts, charities, businesses, and institutional clients.
In New Zealand, financial advice providers must be licensed or operate under a licensed entity and follow the Financial Markets Authority’s rules. Craigs Investment Partners also operates as an NZX market participant for trading on local markets.
How it works
The firm offers more than a trading login. The core idea is an advisory relationship, supported by online tools, custody, and reporting. Here’s how the moving parts fit together.
Service levels
- Execution-only: You place your own trades and use the firm to execute and settle them. No personal advice.
- Advisory: You work with an adviser who recommends investments based on your goals, timeline, and risk level. You approve each decision.
- Discretionary/managed: You agree a strategy, and the firm manages the portfolio day to day within that mandate.
This tiered approach lets you choose the level of guidance you want from craigs investment partners and pay for the depth of service you use.
Investment universe
- Shares: NZX-listed companies and large international markets.
- Funds: Managed funds and exchange-traded funds for diversification.
- Fixed income: Government and corporate bonds, term investments, and cash management.
- KiwiSaver: Access to diversified funds and advice on fund choice.
- New issues: Participation in IPOs and capital raisings where available.
Custody, settlement, and reporting
- Assets are typically held in a nominee/custody structure for ease of settlement and consolidated reporting.
- You receive regular statements and tax reports to simplify end-of-year returns.
- Online access lets you view holdings, performance, and documents at any time.
Fees and minimums
- Brokerage: A fee per trade for buying and selling securities.
- Advice/portfolio fees: Ongoing fees for advisory or discretionary services, often percentage-based.
- Product fees: Underlying fund or manager fees where relevant.
Exact pricing depends on the service level, portfolio size, and products used. Always ask for the current fee schedule and a total “all-in” estimate before you proceed with craigs investment partners.
Regulation and investor protection
- Financial advice is provided under New Zealand’s financial advice regime overseen by the FMA.
- NZX market participation is governed by NZX Participant Rules for trading and settlement.
- Client money and assets are handled under strict custody, reconciliation, and audit standards.
Types / examples
Here are common ways New Zealanders use craigs investment partners, with practical examples.
Building a long-term portfolio
A couple in their 40s wants growth with manageable risk. With an adviser, they set a 15-year horizon, agree on a 70/30 growth-to-income mix, and use a blend of NZ shares, global funds, and investment-grade bonds. Rebalancing happens once a year, and they get quarterly reports.
Income-focused investing
A retiree aims to live off dividends and interest. The adviser assembles a portfolio tilted to reliable dividend payers, listed property, and staggered bonds (a ladder). The target is stable income with low volatility.
KiwiSaver guidance
A first-time saver needs help picking a KiwiSaver fund and understanding risk. The firm maps their goals (first home in 7 years), runs a simple projection, and recommends a balanced fund with automatic contributions and periodic check-ins.
Ethical or sustainability preferences
An investor wants to avoid certain sectors and favour lower-carbon options. They set exclusions and use funds that screen for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, alongside select NZ companies with strong sustainability reporting.
Trusts and charities
A charitable trust needs governance, prudent income, and transparency. Craigs Investment Partners provides an investment policy statement, quarterly board-ready reporting, and portfolio construction aligned to the trust deed.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Personal advice: Access to an experienced adviser who knows your situation.
- Research-driven: In-house company and market research to support decisions.
- Broad access: NZ and global markets, fixed income, funds, and new issues.
- End-to-end service: Custody, tax reports, and regular reviews save time.
- Local presence: Branches across New Zealand and knowledge of the NZ market.
Drawbacks
- Higher cost than DIY platforms, especially at smaller balances.
- Minimums may apply for advisory or discretionary mandates.
- Advice quality depends on the individual adviser—do your due diligence.
- Some niche products or low-cost ETFs may be cheaper via pure DIY routes.
Comparison: craigs investment partners vs other options
| Feature | Craigs Investment Partners | DIY Online Broker | Bank Wealth Arm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advice depth | Full-service advice; discretionary options | No personal advice; you decide | Advice usually for higher balances |
| Fees | Brokerage + advice/management fees | Low brokerage; few ongoing fees | Advice/management fees; sometimes bundled |
| Minimums | May apply, varies by service | Very low or none | Often higher minimums |
| Product access | Shares, bonds, funds, KiwiSaver, new issues | Mainly shares/ETFs; limited fixed income | Shares, funds, some fixed income |
| Research | In-house research and market insights | Basic tools; third-party news | Bank research; may be global |
| Human contact | Dedicated adviser and branch network | Online support only | Advisers via branches or private banking |
| Best for | Investors wanting guidance and convenience | Confident self-directed investors | High-net-worth clients in a bank ecosystem |
How to use or choose
Here’s a simple process to decide if craigs investment partners is right for you and how to start well.
- Clarify goals: Write down what you want—growth, income, first home, retirement—and your timeframes.
- Set your risk level: Decide how much volatility you can handle without losing sleep.
- Shortlist services: Pick a service level (execution-only, advisory, discretionary) that fits your needs and time.
- Request fee details: Ask for a full breakdown—brokerage, ongoing fees, custody, FX, and underlying fund costs.
- Meet an adviser: Discuss your situation, ask for a sample portfolio and an investment policy outline.
- Check regulation: Confirm the firm’s FMA licensing status and NZX participation. Ask how your assets are held in custody.
- Open your account: Provide ID and address documents to meet New Zealand AML/CFT requirements.
- Fund and implement: Transfer money, phase in your investments, and schedule regular reviews.
Questions to ask before you commit
- What’s the all-in annual cost for a portfolio like mine?
- How will you diversify across NZ and international markets?
- What’s your rebalancing and risk management approach?
- Who is the custodian, and how are client assets safeguarded?
- What reporting and tax support will I receive?
- How is my adviser compensated, and are there conflicts of interest?
Who craigs investment partners suits best
- Busy professionals who value advice and time-saving admin.
- Retirees seeking steady income and regular check-ins.
- Trusts and charities needing governance-grade reporting.
- New investors who prefer guidance over trial and error.
FAQ
Is Craigs Investment Partners safe?
It is a long-standing New Zealand firm operating under the country’s financial advice regime and NZX market rules. Client assets are usually held in a nominee custody structure with regular reconciliations and audits. As with any provider, review their disclosures and custody arrangements in detail.
What are the fees?
Costs vary by service. Expect brokerage on trades plus ongoing fees for advisory or discretionary management. If you use funds, those funds have their own fees. Ask for a written schedule and a personalised “all-in” estimate.
Do I need a large balance?
Execution-only trading often has low minimums, but advisory or discretionary services may require a higher starting amount. Check current thresholds with craigs investment partners.
Can I buy international shares?
Yes. The firm can place trades on major overseas markets, and you can also use global funds or ETFs for diversification. Foreign exchange fees may apply.
How does KiwiSaver fit?
You can get help choosing a KiwiSaver fund and aligning contributions to your goals. The firm can explain risk levels, first-home withdrawal rules, and how KiwiSaver complements your wider portfolio.
Will I get tax reports?
Yes. Consolidated statements and tax summaries are part of the service, which simplifies your return. For complex situations, work with a tax adviser as well.
Can I request ethical or ESG screens?
Yes. You can set exclusions and choose funds that follow environmental, social, and governance criteria. Your adviser can tailor recommendations to match your values.
What happens if markets fall?
Your adviser will review your plan, check your risk level, and rebalance if needed. The goal is to keep you aligned to your long-term strategy rather than react emotionally to short-term drops.
Is there an online platform?
Clients typically get an online portal to view holdings, performance, documents, and research. Ask craigs investment partners to demo the features you’ll use most.
Bottom line
Craigs Investment Partners is built for New Zealanders who want a human adviser, deep research, and a wide investment toolkit. You’ll likely pay more than a DIY app, but you gain time, structure, and a guide who knows the local market. If that trade-off fits your goals and your budget, it’s a strong contender for long-term investing in Aotearoa.