I'm one of the financial advisers at Opes and as of March 2024 have helped my clients purchase 232 properties worth over 177 million. I take the trust of my clients very seriously.
To climb onto the investment property ladder my wife and I saved $500,000 in 6 years.
How? Well, there was no avo on toast lol. My wife rode her bike to uni and we rented a small room in a flat like teenagers.
Today, we control a property portfolio worth over $3.8 million and have been blessed with twin daughters + one on the way in June 2025.
So you might be worried – If you work with me as a financial adviser, am I going to tell you live off the smell of an oily rag?
No, the right balance must be found between enjoying the now and planning for tomorrow. What is the best plan? The one YOU can stick to!!
I understand extreme saving and that was fine before we had kids. That isn't right for most people though.
I also find budgets don't usually work. Better spending habits occur naturally with a simple plan and a deadline. Have you ever noticed that after booking tickets for a holiday your ability to save for that holiday miraculously improves?
I grew up in a wealthy family, have been broke, have been flush and have been through market cycles. I understand the emotional roller coaster and can help you through it.
I also LOVE numbers and details. So I'm not the right fit for everyone and that is OK.
Success with money is the repetition of good habits over long periods. Failure is the repetition of bad habits. Unfortunately, you can't invest your way out of a lack of time so begin NOW.
What are the good habits?
All you have to do is carve out a piece of your income and allocate it into scarce, desirable assets that tend to go up in value over time and hold on for the long term.
Property in New Zealand is a prime example.
It sounds simple because it is. But it isn't easy! That is why Opes was created.
We help you get the same results as if you were a full-time investor with a team of staff. And that is actually how I arrived here; originally I was a client.
Money isn't everything, it is up there with oxygen though. Life is very hard without it.
It would be a privilege to work with you on your long-term financial goals.
Episode 955 - Case Study Sunday: Under 30 and Buying Their 1st Investment Property ... How This Couple Are Doing It
Episode 1298 - Case Study Sunday: $140k Passive Income in 20 Years Through Property – How This Couple Will Do It
Thanks again for this invaluable advice
I highly recommend Derry and Opes Partners to anyone seeking clarity on their financial goals and what the best property investment strategy is for them and their family. Thanks again for this invaluable advice and for your time. Every kiwi should be speaking to a reputable financial adviser as early in their career as they can, and getting clarity on such important life goals. 5 stars!
Sally Y.3/4/2025
Great to work with, practical and just a genuinely nice guy.
Derry was great to work with, practical and just a genuinely nice guy. We generated a “Wealth Plan” and next steps which feel realistic so looking forward to touching base with him again later in the year.
Asha R.24/3/2025
Great financial advice session with Derry Brown!
We had a great financial advice session with Derry Brown! Would recommend to others. Cheers Luc & Summer
Luc Van B.8/3/2025
Derry Brown was easy and fantastic to talk to, he provided us with tangible goals and wealth considerations which helped to align us as a family and put some focus in our daily lives
Derry Brown was easy and fantastic to talk to, he provided us with tangible goals and wealth considerations which helped to align us as a family and put some focus in our daily lives - highly recommend.
Gemma and Bevan3/3/2025
Helped us flesh out a plan and clarify our thinking
My wife and I met with Derry the other day for a portfolio planning session. I was very impressed with Derry, he helped us flesh out a plan and and helped us clarify our thinking moving forward pointing out some good pro's and con's of our strategy. Highly recommend!
Jared D.12/2/2025
Provided the right tools and investment options
We chose OPES based on a recommendation and were extremely satisfied with our experience. We worked with Derry Brown, who was excellent. He listened carefully to our needs and provided the right tools and investment options to help us make the best decision for our situation.
Reece L.17/1/2025
Opes make it very easy – supporting you the whole way
We've used the expertise of Derry Brown at Opes Partners twice now to help us purchase new build investment properties.
Opes make it very easy - supporting you the whole way through the process from find a potential property, to completing your due diligence, regular updates throughout construction, settlement and finding a tenant.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Opes/Derry to anyone who was interested in purchasing a new build investment property.
Scott M.13/1/2025
Great advisors that focus on what’s best for you
Great advisors that focus on what’s best for you and not just themselves. Highly recommend Derry Brown.
Hamish W.12/1/2025
Derry came up with an even better one in short order
Derry Brown and his team were very helpful with great investment opportunities. When we ran into an unexpected roadblock with one property Derry came up with an even better one in short order. We are very happy with the service from Opes Partners.
Rob Y.22/12/2024
He made the entire process easy and was always available
I recently worked with Derry Brown at Opes and would highly recommend him to others. He made the entire process easy and was always available when we needed him.
Marty D.18/12/2024
We knew we were in safe hands
We first met with Opes financial advisor Derry Brown about 16 months ago and right from the start we knew we were in safe hands. He helped us with an initial financial plan to help us prepare for retirement, recommended practical money-management strategies to get us 'investor-ready', then when the time was right, he recommended and walked us through the process of purchasing an investment property that was best aligned to achieve our goals. All the while we never felt pressured, or 'sold to' - rather, Derry offered solid guidance in a relaxed but professional manner and it was all backed by data that gave us the reassurance to continue moving forward. Plus, he's a genuine, good guy and his flowery shirts a regular highlight. So far for us, our decision to work with Derry and the Opes Partners team has been a winner and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them in the future.
Lisa N.16/12/2024
Nothing short of exceptional
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Opes Partners, and it’s been nothing short of exceptional. Our financial advisor, Derry, has been an incredible source of knowledge, providing us with valuable insights every step of the way. The systems and processes they use make everything straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring we’re always on the right track. What stands out the most is the unwavering support from the entire team. No matter what question we have, they’re always available and ready to assist. I couldn’t ask for a better financial partner.
Kirsten & Martin S.10/12/2024
He is very patient and willing to walk the extra mile
Derry Brown is amazing. He is very patient and willing to walk the extra mile to help his customers 😀
Johnson D.27/11/2024
Went above and beyond to lay out a clear and achievable financial plan
Working with Opes Partners has been an absolute pleasure! Derry Brown and the entire team went above and beyond to lay out a clear and achievable financial plan for our property investment journey. They were incredibly patient and thorough, addressing all our questions (and we had plenty!) with expert advice and genuine care.
If you're considering property investments, we would absolutely recommend Opes Partners. Thank you, Derry and crew, for making what could have been a daunting process so smooth and empowering!
Donnel C.22/11/2024
Very knowledgeable and supportive in guiding us along the journey
Derry was very knowledgeable and supportive in guiding us along the journey to our next investment property. With Derrys’ expertise we were able to navigate all the hurdles that come with purchasing property. We look forward to working with him again and would gladly recommend.
Jake and Florence
Florence W.20/11/2024
Great financial advisor in helping us secure a great investment property
Derry has been a great financial advisor in helping us securing a great investment property. All went smoothly, with clear concise questions, analysis and guidance to find a suitable property to meet our objectives.
Rowan H7/10/2024
Transparent, flexible, and very knowledgeable
OPES were great to work with. We found them transparent, flexible (we live overseas so there's a time difference) and very knowledgeable. Our financial advisor Derry Brown helped break things down and create a plan for how we want things to look in some years. Derry was really accommodating and just fabulous to work with. Recommended.
Viktoria C29/9/2024
Gave us all the information we needed, listened to what we were looking for and provided us with access to all the experts
We were two pretty reluctant property investors. As a family with young kids (one on the way), full-on jobs and busy lives, the thought of managing a property investment, let alone finding one to invest in in the first place was overwhelming. We knew we wanted to do more to secure our family's future but didn't know where to start. Derry Brown from Opes made it so easy! He gave us all the information we needed, listened to what we were looking for and provided us with access to all the experts across the Opes Group. He met with us while on holiday, took us on a Facetime tour through the property and development and guided us through the process from start to finish. We are so happy with where we have landed and will be looking to use Derry again for the next investment property when we are ready to go.
Suzanne D18/9/2024
Have made our property investment journey so easy
The team at Opes, in particular Derry, Carina, Micky, and Gary have made our property investment journey so easy, it feels as if all we have done is turn up to a few meetings and now we own an investment property!
The amount of work these guys and their teams have done to ensure that the property we have purchased is right for us, that our mortgages are setup correctly, that the developer is solid, and keeping us up to date with everything that is involved in this journey has been phenomenal, we cannot recommend them enough.
Andrew T.G15/9/2024
Always made an effort to help us understand the process and its risks
Opes has been a pleasure to work with. Derry especially was transparent, super communicative and evidently on our side and always made an effort to help us understand the process and its risks. We did a majority of the process from overseas, so all of this was doubly appreciated.
Tony H26/7/2024
Always put us first as clients
Opes give you a lot of information and take you through the purchase process fast and efficiently. They helped us with all the aspects of purchase and have multiple professionals (and close relationships with partners) to help at all steps (mortgage brokers, valuers, insurance, lawyers, accountants, property managers… everything you need) Only point to note- be mindful they are paid by developers and although they have obligations to you under fma etc, just ensure you are comfortable with their advice. (The cynic in me felt a bit like I was the product and developer is client). No issues so far though - just something to be mindful of in this type of relationship. Our advisor Derry throughout the process was amazing and even organised a last minute price negotiation during conditional contract process which I was super impressed with. He was very helpful, presented all the information very clearly, answered all our questions and followed up on our questions (even the stupid ones). Always put us first as clients which is what you want. Our mortgage advisor (also Opes) was April - she’s also incredible so get her if you can. Very efficient and gets a good deal- pushes banks around. Thanks to whole team for their support!
David H16/5/2024
We loved the whole step by step process
One of our friends recommended Opes Partners and we had a great experience with them.
Derry was our property financial advisor and we absolutely enjoyed working with him and he made the whole process around buying our first investment property so seamless. Right from the start he was our point of contact. One of the main things we loved about Opes and Derry & Carina in particular is communication and quick turnaround.
Being first time investor we had a lot of questions. Derry was always patient and very approachable and took time to make things clear for us. We loved the whole step by step process starting with portfolio planning session, understanding the wealth gap, property selection sessions, signing the S&P, due diligence and finally going unconditional. Our property is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Derry also shared many interesting articles and helped us build our knowledge in property investment.
We highly recommend Opes Partners and we love listening to their podcasts, webinars, YouTube channel, articles and what not. All the information they share is making us confident investors.
Thank you Derry & team and Opes Partners.
Sincerely,
Nikhil & Megha.
Nikhil & Megha7/5/2024
Extremely helpful and very prompt
Fantastic experience with Amy and Opes Partners, really good communication, extremely helpful and very prompt when sorting out any issues that occurred. Highly recommend.
James A12/12/2023
There was no pushy sales talk
We were looking for property investment opportunities, but nothing so far had made me feel confident. Then our friends suggested Opes so we got in touch. I was immediately impressed by the focus on actual numbers, return on investment etc. it gave us good confidence that we could afford this and that the investment would be a relatively sound one.
Derry took us through the process of creating a wealth plan to get pretty clear figures on what we had to do in the next 20 years to have enough money for a comfortable retirement.
Every step of the way he listened, understood our needs and preferences. There was no pushy sales talk. I felt that the process was truly that. Going though all the factors to make sure the decision was the right one and that we could have changed our minds and all been in agreement if that is what needed to happen.
But to our great satisfaction we found and secured an investment property in 2 weeks. A great opportunity that will help us provide for our son in the future as well as give back to the community - with financial freedom we will be able to donate our time to good causes.
The team approach made the process easy - total of about 1-2 hours during the due diligence phase. Amazing. Thanks Derry and everyone at Opes who have helped us so far.
James H18/3/2024
Very professional and made the process very easy
Derry was a great help in developing our wealth plan and then assisting in the purchase of our investment property. The whole Opes team are very professional and made the process very easy.
Dillon T18/2/2024
Made the process of buying my first investment property a seamless and stress free experience
Great experience working with Derry at Opes - he made the process of buying my first investment property a seamless and stress free experience, and was great at responding to all my questions and scepticism in a clear and timely manner. Great support from the team also. Highly recommend!
Hannah Y31/1/2024
Wealth of information you guys shared
Thanks Derry and the wider OPES team for the wealth of information you guys shared and helping us navigate the process of finding (and purchasing) the right property for us! Really helped us to feel we were making a well informed decision.
Jarrod A22/1/2024
We will definitely be back to talk with Opes
Derry Brown was our Property Partner at OPES Auckland and we enjoyed working alongside him to purchase our new build property in Rolleston. He was great at talking it through with us and sharing his own personal experiences as well as the pros and cons of the properties we were looking at. Some of the concepts took us a while to understand as we are new to property investment, but Derry worked with us through each of our questions and we were really happy with the outcome. We are looking forward to getting the keys to our new rental in Feb the house looks great and is coming along with no issues at all.
We will definitely be back to talk with OPES and Derry on our next purchase. Thanks Team
Shannon & Nick H13/1/2024
His expertise and guidance was invaluable
We had a great experience with Derry at OPES partners who was our first contact and advisor for our investment property purchasing journey. His expertise and guidance was invaluable, making what is a stressful process much more manageable. He took the time to understand our financial goals and situation and recommended a property that aligned with our objectives. Highly recommend Derry and also Olivia our client relationship manager who guided us through the remainder of the property purchasing process.
James W16/12/2023
I feel like talking to a friend with him
I was very impressed with Derry and the team. They are good and best at what they are doing, very efficient and knowledgable.
Derry is an honest man and very easy to talk to. I feel like talking to a friend with him. Will definitely recommend him and buy more from him again. Cheers.
Piter K4/12/2023
Derry was there from the beginning
We have had a great experience with OPES having just settled on a property in Auckland. Derry was there from the beginning with advice whenever required and Ella was superb at securing the finance for us through turbulent times. Loved working with them both and look forward to doing so again soon.
The Webbs14/12/2023
The quantity and quality of information gave me the confidence
Derry and the team were great to work with.
The quantity and quality of information Opes made available to me and their teams professional approach and expertise, gave me the confidence to follow their advice when selecting an investment property.
Highly recommended.
My Opes team are Derry, April and Olivia.
Hamish25/12/2023
Bring on the next property!
We have been working with Derry for awhile now and have finally managed to go unconditional on our first property purchased through Opes Partners.
We have valued Derry and the teams well-rounded expert advice and guidance. They really have their finger on the pulse and we feel so confident purchasing property knowing the skill and resources behind Derry and the team we have been working with.
Bring on the next property!
Vanessa H8/12/2023
There was no question that they didn't know the answer to
Derry and his team from the Auckland office helped us navigate the process of buying our first investment property from start to end. There was no question we couldn't ask, or that they didn't answer. Derry also helped us to make goals for our retirement and created a plan to help us achieve those. It was all so smooth and slick, we were very impressed with the company.
Siobhan P11/12/2023
The property was tenanted quickly
Really happy working with Opes on taking the next step adding a new build property to our portfolio.
Working with Derry to work understand the options for what worked for us and using Opes' awesome calculators, research and podcasts/youtube etc gave confidence we were making informed decisions.
We were looking to move quickly and while the first place didn't work out, the second was quickly secured with Derry, Michelle and Olivia working hard to make it happen on our terms.
The property was tenanted quickly and we're super happy with the process so far.
Paul M1/12/2023
will definitely be using them and the team at OPES partners again
After helping set us up with our own wealth plan Derry Brown and Olivia helped us navigate through the journey of buying two houses, the process was made a lot easier with their knowledge and easy to follow procedures, will definitely be using them and the team at OPES partners again when we decide to expand our portfolio
Matthew O28/12/2023
Tenanted on day 1 with above expected rental returns
What a great experience, Derry Brown was fantastic to deal with and provided thorough answers to all our questions backed up with loads of data and information - it only took us a few weeks to go through the process and confidently buy our first investment property, which has valued well and was Tenanted on day 1 with above expected rental returns - definitely recommend this team!
Debbie C17/12/2023
The Opes structure was really helpful to go through as a couple
We have worked with Derry as our Opes property partner. He has been easy to talk to and we felt we could ask any question. He also has a video to elaborate on anything we asked. He guided us methodically to the point of confidently buying an investment property. The Opes structure was really helpful to go through as a couple. I can honestly say we had zero arguments despite going into it thinking it would be stressful and difficult. Everything was made clear to us both and we were on the same page the entire way. We would definitely recommend Opes and Derry.
Arvin G7/11/2023
Information was very clear and detailed
Worked with Derry to purchase an investment property. Information was very clear and detailed. He has a lot of knowledge in this area which made the process very streamlined and easy. Look forward to working with him in the future. Also worked with other functions of the Opes group who were also very knowledgeable. Thanks Suzanne
Suzanne P23/11/2023
A hassle free journey
Have listened to the Opes podcasts for years and decided to use them to help get into investment properties. Our Opes property partner, Derry Brown, was able to listen to our needs and formulate a plan tailored exactly for us. Derry and his team then made the selection, financing and settlement of a couple of New Builds seamless by guiding us and answering any questions or concerns along the way. Opes and specifically Derry & Olivia, made what could have been a scary dive into investing for our retirement , a hassle free journey. Thanks!
Greg H11/11/2023
Delighted with the service and attention to detail
Delighted with the service and attention to detail provided by Derry Brown at Opes Partners. His tenacity in ringfencing our property for us when the opportunity arose was much appreciated. Highly recommended and we look forward to continuing the partnership in the future.
Oli C17/11/2023
For novices like us it can be a scary and daunting process
We worked with Derry and the Opes team to guide us through buying our first investment property. For novices like us it can be a scary and daunting process. But Derry and his team are so experienced and knowledgeable they made the process seem easy. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to buy there 1st or 5th investment property. We will definitely be working with them again in the future.
Glen S11/12/2023
Derry give us all of the answers that we were looking for
After sitting on the fence for the past 5 yrs, eventually listening to Wealth Plan and meeting Derry at Opes Partners give us all of the answers that we were looking for.
We've always had these inner questions that have stopped us from making the leap these past few years. Derry made the process very easy for us to understand, including the team around him - which has been very smooth and a quick journey. Feels great to have finally purchased our 1st rental property and to have a plan/goals for our future. Hopefully this is the 1st of many!
Craig & Suzanne
Craig P26/11/2023
Derry has gone above and beyond
We purchased an investment property with the help and support from Derry at OPES. The service has been outstanding. Derry has gone above and beyond to make sure we stay on track with our long term goal of a comfortable retirement. Would highly recommend Derry and his team if considering purchasing an investment property. Thanks Carolyn and Maurice
Carolyn7/11/2023
Derry was extremely knowledgeable
My husband and I had a fantastic experience with Opes. Derry was extremely knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way. We are very happy with the purchase of our first investment property and will continue to use Derry and Opes for future investment advice.
Alex B8/1/2023
Really informative and supportive
I have been working with Derry at Opes Partners since February 2023, to plan and create a property investment portfolio. Thanks to Derry and the team, who have been really informative and supportive, I have purchased a property which is currently under construction and on my way to achieving my financial goals. Highly recommend contacting Derry, if you are considering starting or growing a property portfolio.
Andrea S7/12/2023
