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, hover your mouse over or click on the relevant team member to access their full profile.
SUSAN JOHANSON
Group Finance
& Operations Manager
TARAIA ROBIN
Financial Adviser
& Relationship Manager
EMMA GIBSON
Compliance & Business Improvement Manager
VENITA SIMCOX
Marketing & Client
Experience Manager
ANNETTE MACLEOD
Annette joined Stewart Group's Hawke's Bay office in 2018, bringing more than eighteen years of experience across private and business banking. As a Paraplanner, she works closely alongside advisers and clients, supporting high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners as they build and manage long-term wealth. Whatever the task, her work is grounded in a clear focus: making sure each client's experience is considered, thorough, and delivered to a high standard.
What sets Annette apart is a genuine interest in the investment space itself. She values the role capital markets play in growing wealth over time, and just as much, she enjoys the conversations that sit around it. Many of the clients who come to Stewart Group are excited about what's possible but stepping outside their comfort zone, having traditionally put their money into property, business, or term deposits. Annette takes a flexible, client-first approach, meeting each person where they are, asking the right questions, and enjoying the chance to learn alongside them as their journey unfolds.
Annette holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University, majoring in Human Resource Management. Before joining Stewart Group, she spent most of her career in private and business banking, working with high-value clients and supporting advisers to deliver a consistently high standard of service. Alongside her role at Stewart Group, she remains a business owner in her own right, running an agri-business that gives her a practical, first-hand feel for the decisions and challenges her clients face.
Outside work, Annette spends much of her time in her country garden, tending more than seventy roses alongside seasonal beds of peonies, dahlias and hydrangeas. The patience and attention to detail it asks for reflect the same qualities she brings to her work with clients.
STEPHANIE HOWE
Based in Stewart Group's Wellington office, Stephanie brings a practical, people-first perspective to her role as a Paraplanner, where she has worked since 2021. Alongside the advisory team, she supports wealth management for families and retirees, translating complex financial decisions into clear, workable plans that reflect each client's goals and stage of life. Much of the detail that makes advice usable happens in her hands, from the structure and modelling to the careful checking. She takes real satisfaction in helping people move towards retirement on solid footing.
Before joining Stewart Group, Stephanie built broad experience across business and rural banking in New Zealand and Australia. Her work spanned client management, lending, and contributions to system and product development, all of which shaped a practical understanding of how financial decisions play out in real life. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences majoring in Psychology, which informs her interest in how people think about money and the behaviours that shape financial outcomes.
Outside work, most of Stephanie's time is spent alongside her children, whether that's coaching, supporting from the sidelines, or keeping up with their activities. When there's a moment to reset, she enjoys a long walk with the dogs, a simple habit that mirrors the steady, consistent approach she brings to her work.
Rebekah joined Stewart Group in 2024 as a Client Services Officer. She supports the firm's advisers and clients, helping ensure administrative processes run smoothly while providing a positive experience for clients. With a strong background in administration, Rebekah enjoys building lasting relationships and making sure clients feel well looked after.
Before joining Stewart Group, Rebekah spent 13 years in the real estate industry, working in administration roles across reception and accounts. Her experience has equipped her with strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a practical, client-focused approach.
Outside of work, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her friends and family, staying active through regular exercise, including the gym and the trails of Te Mata Peak. She is also a keen photographer.
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.
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.
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! .
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.
