Hunter Dean works across all major NZ lenders
If you're comparing mortgage brokers, this page gives you an honest answer to the question you're actually asking. Large platform brokers and specialist independent brokers do different things well. Here's what to consider before you decide.
Free · No obligation · We'll tell you honestly if we're the right fitHunter Dean works across all major NZ lenders
Platform brokers have built strong businesses on scale, technology, and volume. They work well for straightforward transactions where efficiency is the priority.
A specialist independent broker works differently. Hunter Dean works specifically with Auckland buyers and investors who have more complex situations — non-standard income, low deposits, or growing property portfolios — where lender selection and deal structure matter as much as the rate.
This page exists to help you decide which type suits your situation. If a platform broker is the right call, that's a legitimate choice. If what's below sounds like what you need, it's worth a 30-minute conversation.
A general comparison between large platform brokers and specialist independent brokers like Hunter Dean.
| What matters to you | Large Platform Broker | Hunter Dean |
|---|---|---|
| Direct broker relationship — one person, not a team | Varies — often team-based | ✓ Always Hunter |
| Auckland-specific lender knowledge | National — not Auckland-specific | ✓ Auckland-focused |
| Non-standard income (commission, self-employed) | Standard process | ✓ Specialist approach |
| Low deposit structuring (5–10%) | Standard lender options | ✓ Low deposit specialists |
| Investment property — portfolio structuring | Handled — varies by advisor | ✓ Core speciality |
| Strategy across multiple properties | Deal-by-deal approach | ✓ Portfolio-level strategy |
| After-hours availability | Business hours | ✓ Evenings & weekends |
| Online application process | ✓ Technology-led | ✓ Available |
| Access to 9+ NZ lenders | ✓ Multiple lenders | ✓ 9+ major NZ lenders |
| 100% free service | ✓ Free | ✓ Free |
Not every mortgage needs specialist handling. But if your situation has any of the following, the broker you choose will make a material difference to your outcome.
Commission, contract, self-employed, or irregular income. Different lenders assess this very differently — some are significantly more favourable than others. Knowing which lender to approach, and how to present the application, determines whether you're approved and at what capacity.
Low-deposit lending is more restricted, but options exist from 5%. Which lender you approach matters enormously — some have more flexibility on low-deposit products and are currently more active in this space. A broker with current lender intelligence picks correctly.
Investment lending is structurally different from standard home lending. How your loans are structured across properties determines what you can borrow next. A broker who structures each deal in isolation can inadvertently close the door on future acquisitions.
Large platforms are optimised for efficiency — a feature for simple cases. For complex cases, it can mean you're processed rather than advised. Hunter Dean's model is conversation-first — understanding your full situation before recommending anything.
Real situations where the broker choice made the difference.
"Both my partner and I are on commission-based income, which made things complicated. Hunter found us a lender who understood our situation and got us a great rate. We honestly didn't think it was possible this soon."
"Hunter restructured our lending across two banks, which freed up equity we didn't even know we had. We went from thinking we were maxed out to buying our fourth property within six months."
"We had limited savings but Hunter helped us understand our KiwiSaver options, got us pre-approved quickly, and walked us through every step. Turns out we were closer than we thought."
No pressure. No process. A real conversation about your situation first.
Hunter asks about your situation — what you're trying to achieve, your deposit or equity position, your income structure. You leave knowing whether he's the right fit and what your realistic options are.
30 min · free · no obligationIf Hunter is the right broker for your situation, he'll outline what he'd do and why. If a different type of broker would serve you better, he'll tell you that too. The goal is the right outcome, not the sale.
No pitch — just clarityLender selection, application, negotiation, paperwork, bank communication, settlement. You deal with Hunter — not a platform, not a team, not whoever picks up.
One broker, start to finishHunter will give you an honest answer about whether he's the right broker for your situation. If he is, you'll know exactly what your options are. If he isn't, he'll tell you that too.
Free · No obligation · Available evenings & weekends