From the outset, we have placed our clients at the heart of everything we do – starting right from top with our business model. We recognise that your entire lifestyle and wellbeing are dependent upon your overall financial health. Your goals, needs, and aspirations cannot be met with stand-alone cookie-cutter financial products. As such, our focus is on customised solutions which incorporate a wide range of financial and related products and services including:
- Strategic financial and retirement planning
- Tailored advice
- Brokerage services (mortgages and loans, insurance, Kiwisaver and investments)
- Financial coaching and education
- Referrals to our partners for legal, accounting, tax, business, real estate and wellbeing services
Our advisers are also supported by experienced industry specialists who are equally passionate about helping our clients live better. Judging from the comments we receive from our clients, it’s an approach that’s working.
Our Story
We Help financial Advisors that exclusively serve
We first opened for business in 2015. Our founder, Sam Kodi, had grown frustrated with the financial sector’s focus on products, believing a more holistic approach to personal finance and wellbeing was needed. Sam took the leap and began “Sam Kodi” from his dining room table. Six years later, “Sam Kodi” had grown to a team of nine and out of the house with premises in Pakuranga, Auckland. In August 2022, the time was right to acknowledge that we had become far more than “Sam Kodi”. We rebranded to Smart Adviser to better reflect what we have become and where we still intend to go.
About Our Founder
The childhood personal experiences of founder Sam Kodi shape much of what Smart Adviser does and why.
Sam originates from Sri Lanka where his formative years were spent learning the value of family, hard work, and respect for others. Having grown up in a household where their lifestyle was built on a mountain of debt and money anxiety, Sam recognised early on that money represents choices, opportunity and ultimately, freedom.
Determined to achieve financial freedom despite his circumstances, Sam overcame the challenges caused by financial hardships and the Sri Lankan civil war to complete tertiary study, ultimately achieving an MBA from the University of Houston, USA.
Sam has worked in finance now for over 30 years, with the last 17 years in New Zealand. From the ‘shop floor’ to senior management, Sam has held positions at Deutsche Bank, NDB Bank, MARAC Finance, Westpac, ASB Bank and Apex Advice Group. As a Registered Financial Advice Provider, Sam has won numerous awards for his work and strives to bring his clients one step closer to financial freedom too.
Meet Our Financial Advisers
Sam Kodi - FSP78103
Financial Planning & Investment Specialist
Education
- Registered Financial Markets Authority NZ
- Authorised Financial Adviser (AFA), 2011
- University of Houston – USA
- MBA (Master of Business Administration) 2000
Awards
- AIA Business Excellence Award, 2021 Special Industry Award
- AIA Platinum Award, 2019
- ASB Wealth Manager of the Year, 2011
- MDRT- Top of the Table, 2016, 2022, 2023
- MDRT- Court of the Table, 2015, 2020, 2021
- My Solutions – Gold Elite, 2016
- My Solutions – Platinum Award, 2018
- My Solutions – Diamond Award, 2019, 2020
- My Solutions – Top Achiever, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Sovereign – Platinum Plus, 2013, 2014, 2015
Carrie Eady - FSP1001118
Life and Health Specialist (Personal & Business Risk)
Journey
Carrie’s Journey into Insurance: Protection When It Matters Most
Carrie entered the insurance industry after experiencing a life-altering health crisis. The event impacted every part of her life, physically, emotionally, and financially. While she had some insurance in place, it quickly became clear that it wasn’t the right protection for the challenges she faced. The gaps in her coverage left her vulnerable at a time when she needed support the most.
That experience became a turning point. Today, Carrie is driven by a clear mission: to help others prepare for life’s “what ifs” with thoughtful, comprehensive insurance plans. Her goal is to ensure individuals, families, and businesses have the right protection in place, not just coverage on paper, but meaningful support when it matters most.
With a deep commitment to the longevity of relationships, Carrie focuses on building trust and clarity, guiding clients through the complexities of insurance. Whether it’s health, life, or business protection, she helps people plan ahead so they’re never caught off guard by the unexpected.
Because having a plan isn’t just smart, it’s essential
Meet Our Team
Maria Oserio
Group Executive Officer
Maria oversees the full operations of our business across Insurance, KiwiSaver, Investments, and Financial Planning. With deep expertise in business and financial management, she ensures our systems are compliant, efficient, and growth-focused. Marialeads our Paraplanning and Underwriting functions, manages reporting and financial control, and plays a key role in maintaining the quality and consistency of our client outcomes.
Andrew Blomfield
Mortgage Manager
Andrew brings over 16 years of banking experience and a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. Since joining SmartAdviser in 2021, he’s been committed to a service-focused, transparent approach, sharing real-life insights from his own journey as a homeowner and parent. Recognised with multiple high-achievement awards in sales and service, Andrew combines expertise with empathy to guide clients through every step of their mortgage journey.
Sithari Ranawakage
Business Development Manager
Sithari leads strategic growth and client engagement for SmartAdviser and the Sam Kodi brands, with a strong focus on financial resilience, motivation, and community impact. Her role spans content creation, public relations, social media strategy, sales support, and training development. She plays a key part in expanding our reach, especially within the Sri Lankan community and across New Zealand’s diverse cultural landscape.
Kanchana Vidanagamage
Brand Adviser
Kanchana leads the branding and marketing for Smart Adviser and its wider ecosystem, bringing 16 years of expertise in advertising and brand building. He plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the brand and its customers through well-crafted strategies ranging from digital campaigns and content creation to brand positioning and community engagement, to drive awareness, trust, and growth.
Meet Our Support Team
