BUSINESS OPERATIONS TEAM
Our business operations team are experts in their fields, with the experience and know-how to ensure your client journey is a smooth one.
Based across our Stewart Group Hastings and Wellington premises, our team are always happy to help if you need it.
For more details, please hover your mouse over or click on the relevant team member to access their full profile.
RORY O’NEILL
Rory joined Stewart Group in 2015 as a Financial Controller and quickly advanced to Head of Operations & Finance.
Currently, he serves as General Manager and Financial Adviser (FSP1006697), where he adeptly manages Stewart Group’s operations while also focusing on the investment side of the business.
In 2022, Rory expanded his leadership role by joining the Board of Directors of Te Rehe Group, our holding company.
With a deep passion for finance and economic trends, he finds immense satisfaction in helping clients navigate complex financial subjects and making a meaningful impact on their lives. Outside of work, he is an avid rugby enthusiast.
EMMA GIBSON
Emma is the Compliance & Business Improvement Manager at Stewart Group, supporting strong governance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the business. Born in Northern Ireland and raised in the Isle of Man, Emma brings an international perspective shaped by living and working across multiple jurisdictions. She married a New Zealander, and together their family has lived and raised children in the Isle of Man, Ireland, and England before settling in New Zealand. This global experience underpins her practical understanding of complex regulatory environments and diverse client needs. Emma’s professional qualifications include Trust and Estate Planning, compliance, and completion of the Institute of Directors programme. She is known for translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, workable processes that support advisers, clients, and long‑term organisational integrity.
REBEKAH TRAFFORD
Rebekah joined our team in June 2024 as a Client Services Officer.
She supports our wealth advisers and clients, utilising her many years of experience providing administration support across various industries including real estate and finance.
CHRIS NORRIE
Chris joined Stewart Group as a temporary team member, and it didn’t take long for her talent and warmth to shine through. After just four months, we were delighted to welcome her into a permanent role as our accountant.
With over 30 years of experience across various financial areas of business, Chris brings deep expertise and a steady hand to our operations. Her attention to detail and collaborative spirit make her an essential part of the team.
Beyond her professional skills, Chris is also the heart of our morning routine. Her coffee brews are a daily highlight, and the team always appreciates the sweet treats she shares to keep spirits high.
Outside the office, Chris enjoys reading, cooking and spending quality time with her children, grandchildren and her beloved dog, Ollie.
SUSAN JOHANSON
Susan joined the Stewart Group in May 2024 as the Group Finance and Operations Manager.
She is a Chartered Accountant with CAANZ and has extensive experience in the financial services sector in New Zealand and internationally.
Her expertise encompasses commercial, financial, and compliance aspects, and she is dedicated to creating value by interpreting and utilising financial data.
STEPHANIE HOWE
Stephanie joined Stewart Group in 2021 as a Client Service Officer and later advanced to the role of Paraplanner. She has a strong background in banking, with valuable experience in business and rural lending, project management, and product development. Based in our Wellington office, Stephanie provides exceptional support to both our advisers and clients.
VENITA SIMCOX
Venita is a brand and digital marketing specialist with over a decade of experience across marketing strategy, communications and graphic design.
Before joining Stewart Group, she spent more than 12 years in senior marketing roles within the New Zealand wine industry, including as Marketing Manager for Craggy Range. Her background includes leading global brand campaigns, working closely with executive teams, and contributing to industry bodies through executive committee roles.
Earlier in her career, Venita travelled extensively while working onboard a superyacht, an experience that shaped her adaptability and attention to detail. Outside of work, she keeps busy with her two school-aged children, an ever-expanding menagerie of small animals, and a growing love of cultivating dahlias.
PRATHME RABESHEN
With over a decade of experience in marketing, Prathme brings both strategic insight and creative passion to her role at Stewart Group. After relocating from Sri Lanka to New Zealand in 2023, she joined the team to lead all marketing initiatives, blending creative thinking with hands-on expertise.
Driven by an unwavering enthusiasm for creativity, Prathme views marketing not just as a profession but as her true passion.
Outside the office, Prathme’s love for creativity continues. She finds joy in dancing, painting and cooking. Anything that sparks her imagination and allows her to express herself! .
TARAIA ROBIN
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou
Taraia joined Stewart Group in 2021 after 15 years in the UK and Australia, bringing extensive banking experience. Now a qualified Financial Adviser and a Relationship manager at Stewart Group.
Taraia has a rich Māori heritage. His iwi are Ngāti Kahungunu (father) with Kohupatiki Marae, and Ngāti Porou (mother) with Omahu Marae in Fernhill and connections in Waipiro Bay near Gisborne.
A former NZ U-19 Cricket World Cup representative, Taraia brings the same dedication from his sporting days to his professional life.
ANNETTE MACLEOD
Annette joined Stewart Group in 2018. She has over 20 years’ experience in investment and wealth management.
As our Paraplanner, she works alongside our advisers, providing a wide range of support across financial planning and investment services, assisting with technical documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal processes.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail and approachable nature, Annette delivers friendly, personalised service that makes clients feel supported and confident in their financial journey.
Outside of work, Annette enjoys spending time with her family on their farm and exploring the scenic limestone tracks of Hawke’s Bay.
JACKIE WATTS
Jackie recently joined Stewart Group as Senior Accountant, bringing a strong background in the primary sector and a practical understanding of the agricultural industry.
Born in Southampton, England, Jackie’s family immigrated to New Zealand when she was a child and grew up in Hawke’s Bay. Her accounting career began in Invercargill, where she worked in agricultural-focused CA firms as well as in a management accounting role within food manufacturing. Before moving into accounting, Jackie gained hands-on experience in the primary sector on sheep and beef stations and dairy farms, giving her valuable insight into the realities of farm businesses and the challenges faced by clients.
Jackie has extensive experience in agricultural reporting, tax compliance, financial management and accounting systems, with strong capability across Xero and MYOB platforms. She is known for her analytical approach and her ability to translate financial information into practical, actionable insights.
Outside of work, Jackie is passionate about endurance sport and completed the Taupō Ironman in March 2026.
GERMAINE MEEUWS
Germaine was a cherished member of the Stewart Group family. We were deeply saddened by her passing in January 2025.
She was a true go-getter, a master of her tasks, and impeccable in everything she did. Her wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made her the go-to person for anything and everything. Germaine will always be fondly remembered at Stewart Group.
Contact Stewart Financial Group
At the core of our operations is the desire to help people. If you’re looking for a second opinion or need help getting started on your financial journey, contact us today and book your free, unbiased discovery session with one of our expert financial advisers.
