Meet the Team

About Us

Established in 2001, Professional Investment Services Manawatu Limited’s team has grown from the team of three, to now eight, who all work together to help clients achieve their financial goals.


A ‘full’ Financial Planning business ensures we can guide clients from young and starting out, throughout their lives working in partnership to navigate all the financial decisions to be made, and work towards the financially comfortable retirement that they seek. If you imagine having a ‘Financial Coach’ with you every step of the way – that’s what we strive to be!

 

We have recently moved to 43 Walding Street, Palmerston North, so please do pop in and visit us.



Mission Statement


To provide in a professional and efficient manner, timely, sound financial advice which is client focused and valued, which works towards achieving realistic and achievable goals.


To provide a supportive, fun and focused workplace.

Goals


To enjoy  every single day at work and know that as a team we will work together and support each other.


Our clients feel valued, understood and are moving towards their goals.


Through our systems and processes we aim to maximise efficiency and results.


Maryann Pratt

Maryann has been an Adviser since 1995 and is a Certified Financial Planner.  Her passion for Financial Planning stems from her true belief that clients need to have clear and focused Financial Goals and she particularly enjoys helping her clients achieve these.

She graduated with her Diploma of Business Studies in 2006 and is planning further study to achieve her Certified Life Underwriter status.

Her broad knowledge of all areas of financial planning ensures that nothing is overlooked and sound planning will encourage clients to address all areas.

A Palmerston North born and bred girl, she enjoys living in Apiti and Palmerston North with her husband, and their three children. 


Alison Lissington

Alison is a graduate of Massey University (B.B.S.) and was admitted to the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1983.  She has worked in Public Practice, both in NZ and the UK, and spent six years (1985 - 91) as the Financial Controller of a Goodman Fielder company in Palmerston North, Manawatu. 

 She completed a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Personal Financial Planning) in 2004, and gained CFP (Certified Financial Planner) status in 2005.

Alison offers a comprehensive financial planning service, and has a particular interest in investment advice and retirement planning. Having access to a myriad of investment options at a wholesale level, Alison is able to structure investment portfolios that meet the needs of each client. A particular focus is monthly investment programmes, which have enabled many clients to build diversified portfolios to meet their changing needs.


Anna Cuming

From sowing seeds of knowledge at Lincoln University to reaping success as an Agribusiness Manager at Rabobank, our newest team member is a force to reckon with. With a DipAg from Lincoln, a Bachelor of Agriculture Commerce from Massey University and a passport filled with stamps from over 50 countries, she's primed to bring a fresh perspective to your financial goals. Hailing from the picturesque Apiti, her roots run deep in the Manawatu, and her rural upbringing fuels her passion for understanding individual ambitions.

 

An advocate for turning dreams into reality, she's on a mission to empower and uplift. When she’s not busy cultivating dreams and ambitions, you can find her riding horses, conquering ski slopes, travelling, exploring the great outdoors, and enjoying time out on the waters in a boat. With an unwavering enthusiasm for people and their dreams, Anna is here to make an indelible impact – to nurture growth, realise ambitions, and light the way forward.


Peter Morrison-Story

Peter has been an adviser since 1999 and has extensive experience working for major Banks and advisory services in New Zealand and Australia.

Peter provides clear and concise advice relating to the client's investment goals and has a relaxed and friendly approach to his role.


He graduated with his post-grad diploma in personal financial planning in 2008 through Waikato University.


Peter has been living in Palmerston North since 1999, enjoys biking and walking around the many parks and walkways, and takes a keen interest in most sports, particularly English football and cricket.


Maree Nicholson

Maree joined the company in 2008 with previous experience in the Financial Services industry.


Her role as Adviser Support Person involves assisting Maryann with business in the area of Kiwisaver and Investment. She deals with client administration relating to these areas.


Interests outside of work include spending time with family and friends, gym and walking. She enjoys getting outdoors to discover and explore new places and gain new experiences.


Rachel Thompson

Rachel has been the administrative force that keeps Alison supported and armed with the right documentation since 2019. Liaising with clients is all part of her day.


Her passion is working with people, both clients and colleagues, to provide a great service experience. She loves being part of a successful team, drawing on her extensive experience in the financial industry, and to assist the team in providing great financial solutions to our clients.


Married to Mark and with two adult children, Rachel loves spending time in her retro caravan, entertaining, walking the Schnauzer and being part of her local church.


Toni-Ann Dench

Hi I'm Toni-Ann and I joined the team at Professional Investment Services (Manawatu) Ltd in July 2021 as Insurance Administrator. I take care of all the administration side of the insurance from application forms, claim forms, and everything in between.


I have worked in the Risk Insurance industry for 15 years starting as a Personal Assistant and Trainee Adviser with Tina Jarvis. Over the years as an adviser, I have enjoyed helping people protect their ability to earn an income, help with medical costs for all kinds of treatment, and ensuring the family is protected at the time of death.


In 2023, I qualified in Level 5 with Risk and Health Insurances to be able to help more with renewal enquires and discussing new applications with our clients. 


Between my husband and I, we have 4 children aged 8-12. The kids keep us very busy between school, sports, and enjoying time as a family, but we love every minute!



Alex Ritchie

Born and raised in the Manawatu, it made sense to attend Massey University here in Palmerston North, I graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Business with a focus on Finance. I decided to further my education by gaining a Masters in Financial Risk Analytics, which I completed in 2022.

 

I have a great passion for the financial markets, so crunching numbers, dealing with spreadsheets, and graphs all come naturally to my position as KiwiSaver and Investment Administrator.

 

In my free time, you’ll find me on the golf course yelling fore!

I’m an avid sports fan which means I’m watching sports no matter the sporting code.

A self-proclaimed geography nerd I'm fascinated by people and places, I enjoy learning languages in my spare time.


Tania Bennett-Davies

One of our newer members of the team is Tania having joined the team in March 2024 as our Office Manager. She is responsible for a range of tasks that ensures our office runs smoothly, this includes anything from compliance controls and management, HR management, social media, and marketing co-ordination and oversight, through to accounts receivable and payable, being our CRM champion and co-ordinating our centre of influence and partnering professionals.

 

After a successful 20+ year career within HR across various industries and levels of management she took some time out and enjoyed a career break over the latter part of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. Here at PIS she’s enjoying utilising her diverse experiences but is also thriving in learning and growing in other areas. Tania is a true professional, she enjoys solving the most challenging problems to make things work, and is forward-thinking, positive, and proactive.   

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