Profile
“Being true to who we are is key; we are purely a referral-based business. There is zero marketing or advertising”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
Amanda Gwetu joined Squirrel Mortgages in September 2024 after an 11-year career at ANZ, where she held a range of roles, including service consultant, construction coach, and business lending specialist. Over that time, she learned the value of truly “knowing your stuff” – understanding your clients, your products, your support networks and, just as importantly, your own strengths and limitations.
Specialising in self-employed clients and small to medium business owners, Gwetu knows this space can be complex and challenging to navigate. She enjoys guiding clients through that complexity, helping them meet lender requirements and celebrating the wins along the way. Regardless of the outcome, she is committed to doing her absolute best and ensuring every client leaves the conversation informed, supported and equipped with a clear plan to reach their goals.
In the last 17 months, Gwetu has helped clients purchase homes, grow their existing businesses and acquire new ones. This has meant getting to know a wide range of industries – from fuel and gas stations to supermarkets, gym and health studios and the construction sector – experience that strengthens both the quality of her advice and the strength of the applications she presents to the bank.
575 Wairakei Road, Burnside, Christchurch 8053
027 731 0713
zebunisso.alimova@mikepero.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/zebunisso-alimova
squirrel.co.nz/mortgages/mortgage-broker-christchurch
Amanda Gwetu
Mortgage Adviser and Analyst
Squirrel Mortgages
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Bio
Milestones
“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
2003–2004
2004–2014
2014–2024
2021
2025
Associate broker, commercial property excess and surplus lines accounts at CRC Insurance Services
2003–2004
Joined Amwins 2004 and built a large book of property (real estate focused), becoming a coverage and manuscript policy form expert
2004–2014
Led property practice for Amwins’ large Atlanta brokerage office
2014–2024
Received the Gene Eisenmann Award, Amwins’ highest honor for mentorship
2021
Named Amwins’ national real estate practice leader – property
2025
Milestones
Milestones
ELITE WOMEN 2024 JUDGE
“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day,” he says.
While at the helm of a rapidly growing business and a family that includes two young children at home, Rakowski has learned to manage what he calls a “never-ending list of commitments” that consists of a new team member each month, a new interstate office and two to three new referral partners monthly.
“Our business is a human business, so investing genuine time in every person can be draining on a personal level. Balancing it all is a challenge,” he says. “Simply put, do what you say you will do, and act at all times with honesty and integrity, being respectful and empathetic. The financial outcomes are a byproduct of the human interactions we have.”
Attracting, retaining and delivering exceptional client outcomes and service starts with a sincere interest in their journey and remaining relevant to them as their lives and needs evolve, notes Rakowski. He points out that he and his team put in most of the work upfront in building meaningful relationships, which is a testament to its 99% client retention rate.
He says, “We are clear in the types of clients we work best with and our value proposition. We also look for a cultural alignment with all of our referral partners, and we are acutely aware of our strengths and how different we are from our industry peers.”
Rakowski recently opened a Queensland business and plans a foot in every other capital city. He strives to establish the brokerage as a national business with on-the-ground representation in every state by the end of 2025.