Modern-day investing is often clinical, with screens and digital meetings replacing relationships and ‘service with a smile’. But New Zealand-based, Midlands Fund Management, is bucking that trend, with a reputation for personalised service that has been a core ethos over its long history.
We spoke to Christie Campbell, Head of Marketing and Investments at Midlands, who provided insight into the rich history of the business and how they run today.
Midlands Fund Management proudly claims to be “not a pack of bankers”. But behind that tongue in cheek attitude is a serious investment and specialist non-bank lending company with a track record that many of the big firms would be envious of.
Based in New Zealand’s stunning Hawkes Bay, Midlands Fund Management is 100% Kiwi owned and operated, with a legacy that stretches all the way back to 1896.
Midlands provides a low risk, on call investment that offers regular cash returns and is secured by real property and land assets. It’s an alternative, low risk way to invest in the New Zealand property sector, without direct property ownership that delivers steady, consistent returns to its investors. Whilst returns are variable, their 10 year average annual return is 5.31%* and the Fund delivered 6.90%* annualised pre-tax return in the latest quarter.
Midlands offers lending solutions to New Zealanders wanting to invest in property and grow their future wealth when the big banks say no. With traditional lenders increasingly becoming selective with who they approve – often ruling out the self-employed and driven entrepreneurs – Midlands Fund Management takes a more holistic view of an individual’s situation.
“We’re not a big bank and we’re proud of that. We embrace everyday, hard working New Zealanders. We help them get better returns on their hard earned money or grow their long term wealth by enabling them to invest in property and land assets when the big banks say no.”
“We believe in good old-fashioned service. You won’t find stuffy suits, clinical responses or chatbots here. We invite our clients looking to invest– to come into our offices, meet with one of the team over a cup of coffee and have an open and honest chat about how we can assist them. It’s a refreshing approach that our customers love.”
Midlands has worked with Nexia for many years now, receiving support with payroll, balance sheet reconciliations, transactions, streamlining its services, and a plethora of other advice.
“We love that Nexia approach business with the same no-nonsense approach as we do. They’re not only experts in their field, but they value the power of a good relationship: picking up the phone to check in, taking an interest in the individuals that power our company. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring we operate with confidence and can continue to innovate.”
With Nexia overseeing tax services—including advisory, lodging returns, and the crucial transition of Midlands’ Income Fund into the PIE regime—Midlands Fund Management has been able to offer its investors more tax-effective opportunities.
Beyond financial management, Nexia plays a key role in supporting Midlands’ internal finance team. By running payroll, mentoring the internal accountant through the Chartered Accountant (CA) program, and providing ongoing guidance, Nexia ensures that Midlands’ in-house financial operations continue to grow in expertise and efficiency.
Nexia’s involvement extends beyond the office, with the consultancy participating in investor events, offering tax advice to its clients and stakeholders.
The long-standing partnership between Midlands and Nexia is built on trust, expertise, and a shared commitment to financial excellence. As Midlands continues to uphold its legacy of providing tailored investment solutions for Kiwis, the strategic support from Nexia ensures that both the business and its investors remain on a strong and secure financial path.
* 5.31% is our average annualised return, after fees but before tax, for 10 years ending 31 December 2024. 6.90% is our annualised return, after fees but before tax for quarter ending 31 December 2024. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
