James Howard

What’s your professional experience?

Following my graduation, I joined EY, working in the International Tax and Transfer Pricing department. My involvement with the company spanned almost a decade, and included three years in the Netherlands working in the Amsterdam office.

After initially returning to EY in Christchurch on my return home to New Zealand, I moved to Otakaro Ltd – the crown-owned entity responsible for delivering the anchor projects currently underway as part of the Christchurch rebuild. Here I provided Commercial and Economic Advice as part of the Strategy and Planning Team.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy working with people to help them understand what goals they are trying to achieve, and then add value throughout their journey to achieving those goals. Wealth management should be as much about personal growth and fulfilment as it is about growing personal wealth. As a trusted adviser, we are in a privileged position to help clients through this process.

What qualities make you well suited to this position?

I have always been a strong believer that taking time to develop strong relationships will set the foundation for achieving value in the long-term. Often people make the mistake that service is always about the outcome, without focusing on the value associated with the journey to achieving that outcome. The journey is where clients will benefit the most from having a trusted financial adviser with a strong financial and business background.

What do you love most about being part of Cambridge Partners?

It is a privilege to work for a firm that is delivering a world class service for its clients based right here in Christchurch. The firm is made up of professionals with a range of backgrounds and skill sets who are all passionate about Christchurch and share similar philosophy’s on how to deliver our services to clients.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work hours?

I have a wife and a young baby which keeps me busy! I also love skiing, mountain biking, in fact pretty much any outdoor activities. I also used to be an avid rower, however it’s been a few years since I’ve sat in a boat. I am still involved in the sport though, as I sit on the board of Southern Rowing Performance Centre.