“My broad experience in financial services helps my clients achieve their goals”
Kevin O’Donnell | Director & Financial Adviser
Kevin joined Team Tōtara as a Financial Adviser in 2022. He has 16 years’ experience advising clients on a range of financial services. He shares with the team his passion for supporting clients to grow and protect their wealth and has a keen focus on simplifying the often complex world of finance.
Kevin competes in “Adventure Racing” across NZ, tramping, packrafting, mountain biking and navigating across the wilderness, often on little or no sleep. On a “normal” weekend Kevin and wife Stephanie’s identical twin girls keep them busy. They can often be found exploring the great outdoors, running, mountain biking and orienteering as a family.
Contact Kevin on 03 548 9000 or ko@totarawealth.co.nz
“My job is to help clients manage their financial well-being so they can spend time pursuing the things they love doing.”
Meredith Cornelius | Financial Adviser
Meredith has been advising clients in New Zealand since 2002. She emigrated from Oregon, USA, returning to Nelson where she lived as a girl during the 1970’s. She is a Financial Adviser (FA) and holds degrees in Business Administration (Finance & Economics) and Public Accounting from Oregon State University, and the Massey University Graduate Diploma in Business Studies in Personal Financial Planning Endorsement.
She is active in the promotion of the value of financial advice and served on the Board of New Zealand’s Institute of Financial Advisers, now Financial Advice New Zealand.
Meredith's advice begins with client objectives – be it to help clients plan and accumulate a retirement fund, use capital to generate an income, invest a financial windfall, or manage a life transition. It all starts with a plan.
Meredith is married to Jim and most weekends see the two exploring NZ’s amazing cycle trails. They have two adult children, Will in Fort Collins, Colorado with wife Ellie, and Maddie who lives in Nelson – and, the world’s spunkiest Jack Russell Terrier, Winnie.
You're welcome to contact Meredith to talk about your financial affairs by calling her on 03 548 9000 or email mc@totarawealth.co.nz.
“I’m always learning and striving to help produce great customer outcomes.”
James Hunt | Financial Adviser
James is a fresh graduate (2020) from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting, James has recently gained his New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) and is now a Financial Adviser. Prior to his move into the financial world, James had gained a trades qualification in Mechanical Engineering while working in the port of Nelson.
James has a keen interest in financial markets and financial analysis and is always keeping an eye on market developments.
James enjoys being active in the outdoors, with a passion for Running, Mountain Biking and Motorcycling and Tennis. James can often be found running or cycling around the various trails and tracks Nelson has to offer, or on the Tennis court! James and partner Ellie love exploring the region, on foot or on wheels, with their much loved companion, “Bear” the black Labrador.
Contact James on 03 548 9000 or jh@totarawealth.co.nz
“I will go the extra mile to ensure your experience with Tōtara Wealth is a positive one.”
Rebecca Young | Practice Manager
Rebecca joined us as the Practice Manager in 2021.
She brings with her a wealth of experience, having worked in banking and financial services for over thirty years. In July 2023 she gained the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services - Investments (Level 5).
Rebecca is highly organised and will go the extra mile to ensure your experience with Tōtara Wealth is a positive one.
Her interests include biking, walking, gardening and spending time with her family, which includes plenty of time for Maisy the family dog.
Contact Rebecca on 03 548 9000 or ry@totarawealth.co.nz
Rebecca Thomas | Director
Rebecca has a strong pedigree in funds management, with a career spanning 35 years', both in New Zealand and offshore. Rebecca is the current Founder and CEO of Mint Asset Management, founded in 2006, and the Founder and CEO of Amplifi Group, founded in 2021.
Her previous executive positions include Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Johnson Fry, a London-based funds management firm, acquired by Legg Mason, where she went on to hold the position of Group Chief Executive Officer. On moving to New Zealand she became Chief Investment Officer for ING (NZ) Limited.
Rebecca has been a Director and Chair of the AFRC of KiwiRail Holding Limited and an Associate member and AFRC Chair on the Board of the Financial Markets Authority from 2011-2016. She has also held several non-executive directorships for investment and property trusts, including Pathfinder Development Companies and LMI European Utilities Investment Trust Plc.
Currently, Rebecca is the Chair of Gilligan Sheppard and Director and Audit and Risk Committee Chair of Tainui Group Holdings Ltd. She has completed examinations for the UK Institute of Investment Management and Research and the London Stock Exchange.