Why Choose Sue

Sue's Story

Perhaps you have to grow up without a lot of money in order to realise the true value of it. The eldest of four children, Sue Tierney started life in Christchurch in a family where every dollar was precious. Her parents split when she was young, and Sue helped her Greek-born mother make ends meet by wiping tables at the Christchurch airport café on weekends from the age of 11.

Although her leadership potential was recognised early – she was head of her School Council at the South Island’s biggest intermediate school – Sue left full-time education with few qualifications.

Landing a job as a bank teller, she swiftly made the move into commercial and rural lending. Sue found she loved working with customers and representing their business to the bank (and vice versa). “Sometimes the bank would require a cashflow projection and the farmer wouldn’t know how to put one together. I’d ask for their accounts, then help them work out the figures. It was all about communication and getting involved in people’s lives.”

At the same time Sue was making her first tentative steps into property ownership. She had opened a home ownership account at the tender age of 15 and paid a portion of her cafeteria wages into it each week. 

“I was saving $10 a week, and that really taught me the discipline of focusing on a goal and saving for it.”

At 19 she found a section she wanted to buy and approached her employer, Trust Bank Canterbury, for a loan to put a house on it. Her loan application was declined, which came as a shock. Although Sue eventually found finance from another source, she reckons the experience taught her how the loan process can be stressful when you least expect it.

“It taught me to empathise with clients, and never underestimate what they’re going through.”

Sue’s passion for home ownership was infectious. She persuaded her siblings to start saving for property and eventually found herself managing a portfolio of four properties when her sister moved overseas.

“I’ve mowed lawns, hung wallpaper and painted houses. I’ve never objected to the hard work involved in property ownership – even though I might ask for more than the $10 a week my sister was paying me back then,” she laughs.

SUE MIHAKIS - TIERNEY

Principal / Mortgage Advisor

Worked in the mortgage space for more than 35 years.

LOUISE NICHOLLS

Financial Advisor

I've worked in financial services since the early 2000 joining Sue Tierney Mortgages and Insurance in 2017. I bring specific skills and experience to the team, having previously been a Senior Lender for a lending institution and a Business Development Manager for New Zealand’s largest insurance company. As a qualified and registered financial advisor, and having an eye for detail, I am focused on ensuring the right outcome for every client I assist.

Married with two children that keeps me on my toes and bring incredible joy and laughter to my life. The noise and mess they create at home, however, is another story.

TRACEY LITTLE

Lending Assistant

I have worked in the financial industry all of my working life, both in New Zealand and the UK. My passion has always been residential lending, and playing a part in helping people reach their dreams of home ownership.

In a suprise turn of events, I joined Sue in February 2024, after leaving a lengthy career in management at one of NZ's largest banks. I am thoroughly enjoying working with such an incredibly knowledgeable, hard working team, who do their very best for every single client, to achieve the best possible outcome.

This aligns perfectly with my values and goals, when it comes to delivering the highest standard of service to our customers, looking after their financial needs, and helping them to achieve their goals.

I am married with 3 very busy, always hungry, older adult/teenage boys!

In my spare time, I enjoy keeping active, reading, cooking, travelling and shopping!

OLIVIA COWIE

Personal Assistant

I started with Sue and the team in 2023 and am enjoying working in a fast paced and exciting field.

I am also a University student, completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication Studies - and very much looking forward to my graduation in a few years time!

On the side I enjoy playing (and coaching) netball, running, and travelling with friends and family.

Client Stories

Her team has positively contributed to my property portfolio and financial position.

I’ve been with Sue since my first house purchase back in 1998. I cannot overstate how much Sue and her team have positively contributed to my property portfolio and financial position.

During this time, there have been no ‘hard-sell’ or ‘in-your-face’ tactics from Sue or her colleagues. Instead, their approach to business is extremely polished and professional yet friendly, inclusive and consultative.

They do so much more than simply secure a great finance deal. They present options, make recommendations and have guided and supported me through many deals over the years.

I have no hesitation in recommending Sue Tierney Mortgages to my friends…In fact, I have, many times over.

- Brendon Pope

She works incredibly hard to satisfy her clients’ requirements and if it is possible to make a transaction work.

After my recent involvement with Sue Tierney and her firm in numerous mortgage applications made by buyer clients of mine, I feel it is time that I wrote with a few comments on the way she operates her business.

I have had over 30 years in a Real Estate Agency and have often been involved in assisting buyers with arranging their mortgage finance, mostly by introducing them to a specialist in this field. 

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Sue Tierney and, quite simply, I cannot fault the way Sue conducts her business as a mortgage broker. She works incredibly hard to satisfy her clients’ requirements and if it is possible to make a transaction work, Sue will do just that.

I would recommend her services without any hesitation, and wish her the best for the exciting future that I know she has ahead of her.

- Chas Wilson