What to Bring to Your Mortgage Broker First Meeting in New Zealand
Your first meeting with a mortgage broker is a big step, it’s where your home journey really starts. This guide explains what to bring, why it matters, and how to feel fully prepared.
At Taranaki Home Loans we get that getting started can feel overwhelming so get in touch if you need some guidance.
Whether you’re getting mortgage pre-approval, buying a first home, or switching banks, having the right documents upfront can save time and help you move forward with confidence.
Why Preparation Matters
Banks want a clear picture of your financial situation before they offer a home loan. Your mortgage broker uses the information you provide to match you with the right lenders and streamline the process.
Being prepared means:
• Faster pre-approvals
• More accurate advice
• Less back-and-forth with paperwork
Every lender has slightly different requirements, but this guide covers what most mortgage brokers in NZ will ask for in that first meeting.
ID and Proof of Address
Start with the basics. Your broker needs to confirm who you are and where you live. These are legal requirements under NZ’s anti-money laundering (AML) rules.
Bring:
• A valid passport or NZ driver licence
• A utility bill or bank statement, less than three months old, showing your name and address
If you’re applying as a couple or with a co-borrower, bring ID for both of you.
Income and Employment Details
Next, your broker needs to confirm your income and job stability. This helps determine your borrowing power.
If you’re employed:
• Last 3 payslips
• A recent summary of earnings (from myIR)
• Employment contract (if new in the role)
If you’re self-employed:
• Latest 2 years of financial statements from your accountant
• IR3 tax returns
It’s okay if your income varies, a broker will explain how lenders assess that. It is usually an average over the two years.
Recent Bank Statements
Bank statements help show your spending habits, regular expenses, and ability to manage money. Most lenders require these for at least the past 90 days.
Bring:
• 3 months of statements for your main everyday account
• Statements for any savings or credit cards
• PDFs or online downloads are fine
At Taranaki Home Loans we send you a secure link to upload all your documents including bank statements. We will reconcile these for you and pre-populate your spending to save you time and effort.
KiwiSaver and Deposit Info
If you’re using KiwiSaver to contribute to your deposit, it’s important to have that information upfront. Same goes for any savings or family support you’re relying on.
Bring:
• Latest KiwiSaver balance (can be downloaded from your KiwiSaver online portal)
• Proof of any other savings accounts (usually 3 months history required)
• Gift letters (if receiving funds from family)
• Confirmation of eligibility for Kāinga Ora support if relevant (valid for 6 months)
Your broker will explain how each part of your deposit works and what counts toward it.
Debts and Commitments
Lenders don’t just look at income. They also review your current debt to work out what you can afford. Be upfront, it’s normal to have some commitments.
Bring:
• Statements for any personal loans, credit cards, or hire purchases
• Student loan details (these show up on your IRD summary too)
• Child support or other financial obligations
The broker uses this to help structure your loan in a way that works for you.
FAQ's
Bring ID, proof of income, bank statements, savings info, and any debt details. Your broker will use these to assess your situation and recommend next steps. At Taranaki Home Loans we will send you a secure link to upload the documents required removing unnecessary paperwork and saving you time and effort on your application.
It helps, but you don’t need everything to start. A broker can guide you on what’s missing and how to gather it quickly.
Yes, if you’re eligible to withdraw it. You’ll need to show your current balance and check if you qualify for the First Home Grant or Loan.
Not straight away. Brokers don’t usually pull your credit report at the first meeting but they’ll explain how credit history affects your application.
Yes. Bring documents for both applicants, including ID, income, and bank statements. Your combined information will be used to assess the loan.