Investing beyond your rural business
For generations, rural New Zealanders have done what they do best - worked hard, built successful businesses and focused on the long game.
The priority is often to pay down debt and reinvest in the business. And that makes sense.
The result is that for many farmers and business owners, most of their wealth sits in land, property, livestock or the business itself - assets that are familiar and tangible.
But should some of that wealth be working elsewhere too?
Diversification is always part of the conversation. District Life is exploring a range of ways rural businesses are creating resilience, from agritourism to off-farm investing.
In this article, we find out how investing can help protect and grow what people have spent a lifetime, or generations, building.
From sheep to shares
Christchurch-based JBWere adviser Michael Ensor understands both sides of the equation.
Raised on a sheep and beef farm near Hanmer, he combines a farming background with more than 20 years' experience in wealth management. Today, he works with clients throughout the South Island, helping them think strategically about what comes next.
Michael says one of the biggest misconceptions around investing is that people think the conversation starts with products, returns or where to allocate funds.
But the reality is every situation is different, so before discussing investment options, Michael works to understand how a family operates, what their long-term goals are and what level of risk they feel comfortable with. From there, a strategy can be built around their specific circumstances.
“Clients who come to us are not looking for an off-the-shelf solution; they want to build a meaningful off-farm asset that complements their existing investments and reflects their specific circumstances.”
Creating more options
JBWere has been helping clients navigate financial markets since 1840, drawing on more than 185 years of experience in wealth management
The firm's longevity reflects an approach built on long-term relationships rather than short-term results. It's an approach that’s just as important today.
For Michael, the conversation is often about helping rural families balance the wealth they've built on the farm with investments that provide greater flexibility.
"Diversification and liquidity matter because they give people options," he says.
For many farming families, that means offsetting some of their exposure to land and the agricultural sector with a well-structured investment portfolio. The aim isn't to replace the farm as the family's core asset, but to complement it with investments that aren't directly linked to the ups and downs of agriculture.
"Your investment portfolio can provide cashflow, access to capital when opportunities arise and greater flexibility when it comes to succession planning."
Protecting what you’ve built
For many rural families, the farm will always remain the foundation of their wealth. Off-farm investing is about complementing it and creating more options for the future.
"Every family and every business is different. Good investment planning isn't about chasing quick wins, it's about building a disciplined, sustainable strategy that gives people confidence and frees them up to focus on what they do best."
To learn more about how JBWere can help you with your personal and financial goals, contact:
Michael Ensor
Wealth Management Adviser
P. 021 566 301
W. jbwere.co.nz
About JBWere
With a heritage dating back to 1840, JBWere has been helping clients navigate financial markets for more than 185 years. Built on a foundation of integrity, innovation and long-term relationships, JBWere provides tailored investment advice, deep market expertise and dedicated support to help successful New Zealanders grow and preserve their wealth. Our client-first approach is centred on understanding individual goals and delivering trusted advice that supports long-term financial success.
