About Halo Advisers

At Halo Advisers, we believe insurance should be simple, clear, and built around you. We take the time to understand your needs and provide advice that is tailored to protect your family, your lifestyle, and your future.

Our Mission

At Halo Advisers, our mission is simple. To protect you, your family, and your future with advice you can trust.

We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, goals, and concerns so we can provide tailored recommendations that truly fit your life. No shortcuts and no one-size-fits-all solutions.

With experience on both sides of the industry, we offer honest, unbiased advice that is always focused on what is right for you.

Why Choose Halo Advisers

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Choosing the right adviser matters. Here is what sets us apart:

A Human Approach

We believe advice should feel personal, not transactional. You’ll always speak to a real person who listens first and advises second.

We don’t do one‑size‑fits‑all. Every recommendation starts with understanding your story — your family, your goals, your risks, and what truly matters to you.

We’re not tied to any one provider. Our only loyalty is to you, which means you get clear, unbiased guidance designed to protect your future — not someone else’s bottom line.

Insurance is easy when life is calm. The real test is during claims. That’s where we stand beside you, advocate for you, and make sure you’re not navigating the process alone.

Life changes — careers, families, health, priorities. Your insurance should evolve too. We review your cover regularly to keep it aligned with your life, not your past.

We don’t just “set up policies.” We help you make smarter long‑term decisions — from structuring cover correctly to avoiding common pitfalls that cost families money.

From young families to business owners to retirees, we’ve helped hundreds of clients secure the right protection at the right time.

Experience You Can Rely On

You are not just getting advice. You are getting experience, insight, and a team that
genuinely cares.

150 +

families supported across New Zealand

0 +

years combined industry experience

2 mil+

insurance claims paid out

0 mil+

KiwiSaver under management

100 +

children insured

What Our Clients Say About Us

Meet The Team

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Shakeel Lal
Director & Insurance Adviser

Shakeel began his career in the insurance industry at just 18 and has since built close to two decades of experience across multiple areas of the profession.

Having worked within insurance providers, he brings valuable insight into internal processes, helping clients navigate everything from choosing the right cover to managing claims with greater clarity and confidence.

Known for his approachable nature and client-first mindset, Shakeel is passionate about educating people and ensuring they have protection in place that truly supports their lifestyle, family, and future goals.

Highlights
Recipient of the Employee of the Year Award – Partners Life (2013)
Nominated for the ANZIIF Young Insurance Professional of the Year Award (2015)
Outside of work, Shakeel enjoys spending time with family, travelling to tropical destinations, and appreciating performance cars and motorsport. He believes life is about creating balance, enjoying the journey, and building a future that allows people to experience more of what matters most.

Avinash Kumar
Insurance Adviser

Avi brings a warm, practical, and client‑focused approach to financial advice. With extensive experience across finance, personal insurance and a growing specialty in KiwiSaver guidance, he is committed to helping clients make confident, informed decisions about their long‑term financial wellbeing.

Having lived in New Zealand for more than 25 years and originally from Fiji, Avi understands the diverse needs of families, migrants, and business owners. His advice always begins with understanding each client’s full picture — their family, goals, lifestyle, and future plans — before tailoring solutions that genuinely fit.

Avi is also known for his strength in personal branding on LinkedIn, where he simplifies complex financial topics into relatable, story‑driven content. His ability to communicate clearly — often with a touch of humour — helps clients and followers understand insurance and KiwiSaver in a way that feels human, not technical.

Clients value his honesty, patience, and strong advocacy, especially during claims where he ensures they’re supported every step of the way.

Highlights:

  • Deep experience in life, health, and income protection advice
  • Specialist adviser in KiwiSaver, including fund selection, contribution strategies, and long‑term planning
  • Strong track record in client advocacy during complex claims
  • Skilled at translating technical concepts into simple, practical guidance
  • Recognised for expertise in personal branding and educational content on LinkedIn
  • Trusted by families for long‑term, relationship and financial‑based advice
Annamaria

Annamaria Solana Szoják
Business Growth & Brand Strategist

Annamaria brings over 18 years of experience in building, scaling, and selling businesses across multiple industries, with a strong focus on strategy, branding, and client growth.

Working alongside Halo Advisers, she supports the business in strengthening its brand presence, refining client experience, and driving long-term growth initiatives. Her approach combines strategic thinking with a deep understanding of people, ensuring the business not only performs but connects.

She is known for turning ideas into clear, actionable strategies that elevate both the business and the client journey.

Highlights:

  • Built, scaled, and sold 9 businesses across multiple industries
  • Specialist in branding, marketing strategy, and business growth
  • Works closely with clients to enhance visibility, positioning, and engagement

Ananya
Insurance Advisor

Born and raised on the beautiful island of Vanua Levu in Fiji, Anu has always valued the importance of family, community, and financial security. After moving to New Zealand over 11 years ago, she recognised there was a lack of understanding around insurance and the role it plays in protecting people and their future.

With more than 7 years of experience in the insurance industry, Anu is passionate about helping individuals, families, and business owners put the right protection in place. She specialises in life, business, and health insurance, along with KiwiSaver advice, providing personalised support and practical guidance tailored to each client’s situation.

Anu is committed to building long term relationships based on trust, clear communication, and genuine care, helping clients feel confident about their future and the decisions they make.

Net Butiu

Net and her husband Edvin have been helping New Zealand families protect what matters most since establishing their insurance business in 2009. Together, they have built long standing relationships with hundreds of families by providing personalised insurance solutions tailored to each client’s individual needs and circumstances.

Before becoming an Insurance Adviser, Net worked as a Customer Service Officer at National Bank and previously held a Financial Analyst role within a government agency in the Philippines. She also completed the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services Level 5 in Core Knowledge and Life & Health.

Net is passionate about providing genuine support, clear guidance, and helping clients feel confident they have the right protection in place for themselves and their families.

Shaheen

Shaheen joined Halo Advisers in August 2025 as a Business Development Manager, bringing valuable experience from previously working within a financial adviser team. She plays an important role in supporting both clients and advisers, helping ensure a smooth and efficient experience throughout every stage of the process.

Shaheen is responsible for client coordination through CRM systems and manages all aspects of policy processing from application through to issuance. She works closely with clients to ensure information is handled accurately and efficiently, while maintaining clear communication throughout the process.

Known for her strong attention to detail, organisation skills, and client-focused approach, Shaheen is committed to delivering a high level of service and creating a positive experience for every client she works with. Her dedication and support help keep operations running smoothly and contribute to the ongoing success of the Halo Advisers team.

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