Five awards and new scholarship from Fidelity Life

Image: MDRT country chair Travis Hamilton (centre) flanked by Ross Collett and his wife after the announcement of the Ross Collett MDRT Scholarship - Supplied

Fidelity Life has announced its 2025 Adviser Awards recipients, with five awards presented across different categories. It also revealed a new $5,000 MDRT scholarship to launch in 2026.

In superhero guise, Fidelity’s Head of Individual Life Craig Wagstaff presented the awards personally at each recipients’ desk.

Travis Hamilton received the Cary Veenhof Award. Hamilton currently chairs MDRT New Zealand and was recognised for his leadership and advocacy work for New Zealand advisers internationally. The award is named after the late Cary Veenhof, a former Fidelity Life Business Manager.

Cory Bennett won Advice Professional of the Future. Bennett founded Float Insurances and The Life Collective, and is implementing automation and AI tools in his practice while mentoring new advisers.

CENTASTONE (formerly Winstone Partners) took Team of the Year. The firm, led by Johny, was recognised for its systems and collaborative approach to advice delivery.

Chris Aynsley received the Lifetime Award after 35 years in life insurance. Aynsley has been a long-term Fidelity Life advocate and industry mentor.
Shane Gadsdon, 28, won the Gordon Watson Award, making him the youngest recipient of this honour. The award recognises service and client dedication.
New scholarship announced

Fidelity Life will launch the Ross Collett MDRT Scholarship in 2026, providing $5,000 toward attendance at an MDRT International Conference. The scholarship will be open to all New Zealand-based advisers who meet MDRT qualification criteria.