More About Us

We help Kiwis make confident decisions across mortgages, insurance and KiwiSaver. We take a straightforward, personalised approach, giving you access to a wide range of bank and non-bank lenders, and advice that’s shaped around your goals – not a one-size-fits-all template.

Why Cooper?

Wholistic financial approach

Our wholistic approach means you won't have to explain your situation twice - we connect mortgage, insurance & kiwisaver so nothing falls through the cracks.

Comprehensive knowledge, without the jargon

We've mastered the complexities of mortgages, insurance, and KiwiSaver so you get clear, usable advice without needing a financial dictionary.

Transparency & Honesty

We've built our reputation on transparency, clear recommendations, and honest conversations about what's truely possible for your financial situation. No hidden agendas and no surprises.

Michael Cooper

Founder & Financial Adviser (Mortgages)

Michael’s journey into mortgage advising began with a simple but powerful belief: property ownership changes lives. After buying his first home and investment properties, he realised that the right property decisions create the freedom to build a lasting legacy. This inspired him to leave his corporate job and launch Cooper, a company dedicated to making property ownership accessible to everyday Kiwis.

As the founder, Michael is passionate about helping clients build long-term security through property. He specialises in providing expert mortgage advice, with a particular focus on guiding first-home buyers and aspiring investors on their journey. When he’s not in the office, you’ll find him out on the boat catching fish with his wife, Jess, and their three young boys in Papamoa.

James Puah

Financial Adviser (KiwiSaver + Mortgages)

As a dedicated Financial and Mortgage Adviser, James is committed to helping clients build financial security and long-term freedom. With a broad, global perspective from his experience as a financial adviser in Singapore, he provides clear guidance and customised solutions across the entire lending landscape.

Driven by a genuine passion for helping people succeed, James takes the time to understand your unique goals and long-term vision. He is also qualified to advise on KiwiSaver, supporting clients through every stage of their financial journey. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese Hokkien, James ensures smooth communication and exceptional service, empowering clients from all backgrounds to take their next financial step with confidence.

Haseena

Financial Adviser (KiwiSaver + Insurance)

As our specialist Insurance and KiwiSaver Adviser, Haseena plays a crucial role in protecting our clients’ financial futures. She is dedicated to ensuring your new home (and your ability to pay for it) is secure against life’s unexpected turns. By taking a holistic approach, she helps clients build a robust financial foundation that supports their long-term goals.

With extensive experience in comprehensive financial advisory, Haseena provides expert guidance on everything from optimising your KiwiSaver for retirement or a first home, to structuring the right insurance to protect your family and assets. Her thoughtful and thorough approach gives clients the peace of mind to move forward with confidence.

Anna Pease

PA & Admin

Anna is the organisational lifesaver and administrative backbone of the Cooper Group team. She ensures that every client's journey is smooth and seamless, managing the details so that nothing falls through the cracks. Her proactive support and friendly demeanour make her the go-to person for keeping everything on track.

When she's not expertly managing schedules and paperwork, Anna is based in Taranaki with her husband, three daughters, and their golden retriever. She loves to run, chase the sunshine, and tackle ambitious projects with a great sense of humour, bringing a can-do attitude to every aspect of her life and work.

Clarisse Kyla San Juan

Insurance & KiwiSaver Support Specialist

Clarisse works closely alongside our insurance advisers to ensure clients have a smooth and supported experience with their insurance and KiwiSaver. From client communication and documentation to coordinating with providers, she takes care of the moving parts behind the scenes so that nothing gets missed and everything keeps moving forward.

Her dedication to both the team and the clients she supports means everyone feels confident at every step of the process. Outside of work, Clarisse unwinds by gaming - her go-to way to recharge after a busy week.

Christine Sumayao

Lending Support Specialist

Christine plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in the Cooper team, providing back-end support to our mortgage advisers to ensure every client's lending journey runs smoothly from application through to settlement. With over seven years of experience in banking and finance, she brings a strong understanding of financial processes and a genuine commitment to exceptional client service.

Christine's attention to detail keeps documentation organised, timelines on track, and communication clear - so that clients always feel in good hands, even when the hard work is happening quietly in the background. When she's not keeping the team running like clockwork, Christine is at home perfecting her cooking skills as the proud private chef of her small family.

Jess Cooper

Marketing Manager

As Michael’s other half and the marketing force behind Cooper, Jess is passionate about sharing the company’s story and connecting with clients. She ensures that when people are looking for guidance on their home ownership journey, they can find a team that genuinely cares. Her work is driven by the belief that every Kiwi deserves the chance to build a secure future through property.

When she isn’t running marketing campaigns or managing the website, Jess is busy raising her and Michael’s three active boys. She brings the same energy and dedication to her family life as she does to her work, embodying the family-focused values at the heart of Cooper.

Book a free call

Have a question or need some guidance? Book a chat and we’ll walk you through your next steps.