Waikawa Yachts Moored.jpg
Waikawa Yachts Moored.jpg

locals helping locals


we're passionate about helping people make great financial decisions.
find out what makes us tick.

SCROLL DOWN

locals helping locals


we're passionate about helping people make great financial decisions.
find out what makes us tick.

sorting out insurances, planning for your retirement or wondering what to do about KiwiSaver can be pretty mind-boggling. 

That’s why we are here. In fact it is the very reason we get up every morning and jump behind our desks – because we love helping people make decisions that will give them the ultimate peace of mind. From sorting out life insurance to saving for that dream retirement, we tailor our advice to your situation and unique needs.

Let’s talk. We want to get to know you, your situation and your goals so we can come back with stuff that gets you where you want to be. We'll help you with that goal-setting if that feels daunting – whether paying off the mortgage, funding an education for the kids or planning an early retirement. Everything is possible – we'll work out the best and quickest way for you to get there.

When choosing a Financial Adviser, it’s important that you work with someone that has experience you can trust and who can understand your unique situation. Ross Frater has been a Financial Adviser for over 30 years and the team have over 50 years collective experience in the financial services industry so you can have confidence in our ability to provide you with the advice and service you need.

Core Advice are members of the Wealthpoint network of Advisers throughout New Zealand. Wealthpoint provide compliance, research and administration services and support us to provide advice for our clients.

ross frater

director & Financial Adviser

Financial Adviser, CFPCM, CLU, BBS(Mgmnt)

After 30 plus years of helping people manage their money and insurances, Ross knows the value of good advice. While it’s never easy seeing clients deal with a health crisis or unexpected event, it’s nice to know that planning ahead can help reduce the financial pressure. When he’s not in the office you can find him in the stunning Marlborough Sounds, riding his bikes, spinning the Chocolate Wheel at the St Mary’s School gala or playing guitar dreaming of being a rock star. With two boys keeping him occupied, he knows life gets busy so give Ross a call and let him do the running around to sort out your insurances and savings.

Ross provides financial advice on behalf of Wealthpoint Limited which holds a Financial Advice Provider licence. For more information, please visit Wealthpoint. Ross is qualified as a Certified Financial Planner (CM), Chartered Life Underwriter, holds a Bachelor in Business Studies (Management) and is a founding member of Financial Advice New Zealand holding the Trusted Adviser mark.

pippa wearing

adviser support

Pippa has a background in back-office support in the financial investment industry in London and provides professional and efficient assistance to Ross.

Pippa moved to New Zealand in 2013 with her husband and, having held various roles, is enjoying being back in financial and insurance services.

When not in the office, she can most often be found on their Waihopai Valley lifestyle block rounding up children, livestock and pets or relaxing under a shady tree with a good book or a quilting project.

chelle miller

adviser support

Michelle (Chelle) has a background in the insurance industry since leaving school and has been working with Adviser Businesses for 20 years. Her knowledge covers personal insurances, including life, trauma, income, disability & health cover across our range of providers.

When not in the office, Michelle is busy with her family which includes two grandchildren.  She enjoys walking the Wither Hills and walking her dog along the Taylor River.

vicky frater

adviser support

Vicky provides back office support for the team in addition to keeping Ross organised.

When she is not working or looking after their two boys Vicky is a very keen gardener and you will often find her at the local plant shops hunting out a bargain.


our friends

We love our back yard and sharing the fantastic outdoors with our friends, families and clients. Core Advice are pleased to support like-minded community groups making a difference and getting things done locally.

kaipupu point

mainland wildlife sanctuary

A community project which aims to restore a 40 hectare 'mainland island' in Picton harbour, Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary offers amazing wildlife viewing, engaging school or group visits and volunteering opportunities.  Only ten minutes from Picton, the Sanctuary can be accessed by private boat, water taxi or kayak.

Core Advice are proud supporters of Kaipupu Point through ongoing financial support and helping the pest monitoring program.

cycling marlborough

Cycling Marlborough runs track and road cycling events for all ages across Marlborough along with hosting the annual Cycling New Zealand Southern Tour. Ross is a keen cyclist and committee member and you will often find him at the Athletic Park track or road cycling events supporting the Club, cheering the riders on (and sometimes competing!).

Core Advice provide an annual sponsorship for Cycling Marlborough along with many hours spent behind the scenes.

marlborough-nelson marine radio

Being keen boaties ourselves, we appreciate the vital role of the Marlborough-Nelson Marine Radio Association. The purpose of the Association is to provide safety through communication on VHF channels and assistance to the boating fraternity in central New Zealand.

Core Advice are pleased to provide ongoing financial support towards operator training expenses. Stay safe out there enjoying the stunning Marlborough Sounds and join the Association for added protection on the water.

trees that count

By supporting native tree planting, we’re reducing our carbon footprint and helping New Zealand grow strong in lots of other ways.

Supporting native tree planting today will leave a legacy for future generations that we can all be proud of. As well as helping create a healthier environment, we are growing natural playgrounds for the tamariki of tomorrow and sustenance to help our wildlife survive.

Core Advice are funding trees to commemorate special events for our clients and associates.

st mary’s friends

St Mary’s Friends organise fundraising events and support to St Mary’s School providing funds for those important extra student requirements such as technology, playground equipment and teacher support. The biggest fundraiser is the annual Gala which includes the ‘world’ famous chocolate wheel.

Core Advice are long term supporters of the Gala, you can even see Ross in action on the chocolate wheel on the big day!

blenheim business association

Blenheim’s central business district lies at the heart of Marlborough, the hub of the region. The Blenheim Business Association is a team of collaborative organisations working to ensure Blenheim continues to grow and thrive as a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.

Core Advice are proud supporters of the Blenheim Business Association.


Financial Advice New Zealand

The most essential element of financial well being is quality financial advice. By helping advisers do what they do best, and helping more Kiwis access quality advice, Financial Advice New Zealand will help Kiwis be financially better off. Ross Frater is a proud member of Financial Advice New Zealand and a holder of the CFPCM and CLU qualifications.

Business Mentors New Zealand is the only independent national business mentoring service provider to the small business sector in New Zealand. The service matches experienced businesspeople, the Mentors, with small business owners.

Ross Frater is a volunteer mentor and has worked with a number of local business owners offering them support and guidance.


our clients

We are fortunate to work with some fantastic clients who understand the value of good advice and local service and trust us to look after their needs. Here’s what some of them have to say:

Ross and Core Advice have become our essential partner when it comes to navigating the complex world of insuring our lives and insuring our income. As our needs have changed as our family has grown Ross has given us great guidance on how best to assess and manage our financial needs. It's important to have easy access to the team of professionals you need in life. To work with a Marlborough based provider has been perfect for us. We'd never change. Brian & Tricia Dawson - Owners of Gist Training & Communication

Ross Frater has been wonderful to work with during the process of buying shares in a business. He is very thorough and efficient with his professionalism always shining through. Once our insurance was in place he has kept in touch to make sure we have the best fit policy with the most competitive pricing available.  As soon as my new baby arrived he was in touch to add him to our policy free of charge. I would highly recommend Ross! Alex Barton - partner BDO Marlborough