Squirrel sets up a drey in Christchuch

Squirrel has acquired a majority stake in leading Christchurch-based mortgage brokerage, NZ Mortgages, with the businesses set to merge under the Squirrel brand.

Nathan Miglani founded NZ Mortgages (formerly Loan Market Paramount) in 2017. Miglani has expanded the business from a solo operation to a team of more than 20, serving clients in Christchurch, Rolleston, and beyond.

This is the second major acquisition for Squirrel in recent years, following its merger with Wellington mortgage advisory business The Home Loan Shop in 2022.

Squirrel chief executive David Cunningham, says this latest move marks an important next step on the company’s mission of becoming an iconic New Zealand brand with a nationwide presence, and waking Kiwi up to an easier way of getting a home loan.

“With our roots in Auckland, and now a strong presence in Wellington, the South Island was the natural next opportunity for growth. And when you’re looking to establish a brand presence in any new market, you can’t beat having an established team on the ground who already has all the local knowledge.

“Nathan’s built an exceptional company over the last few years—and one which shares a lot of the same values that underpin how we operate at Squirrel. It’s awesome to be partnering with him and the rest of the NZ Mortgages team on this next phase of our journey,” says Cunningham.

NZ Mortgages founder, Nathan Miglani, is set to join the Squirrel Mortgages leadership team, where he’ll be responsible for growing the Squirrel brand’s presence and market share in Christchuch and throughout the South Island.

Miglani says “this partnership is about more than just a joining of forces—it's the chance to create something bigger and better for New Zealand’s mortgage industry. Together, we’ll be able to offer new and innovative mortgage and funding solutions that otherwise wouldn’t be possible, better serving clients both in Christchurch, and across the South Island. I’m thrilled to be part of this next chapter and to help shape a new direction for the industry.”

Squirrel founder, John Bolton, says "delivering an exceptional customer experience has always been our first priority—and we’ve invested heavily in our technology over the years to enable us to achieve that goal. Between our systems and experience, and NZ Mortgages’ intimate knowledge of the Christchurch market, we’re excited to see what’s possible.”

The merger will see Squirrel’s advisory team grow to more than 50 people—including 33 in Auckland, 10 in Wellington and 10 in Christchurch—responsible for originating over $3 billion in mortgages each year, or one in every 20 new mortgages in New Zealand by value.

Squirrel and NZ Mortgages will continue to operate as separate brands until early 2025, with the immediate focus on integrating systems to tap into the best of both worlds, ultimately operating under the Squirrel brand.