Lyford Investment Management Ltd (Lyfords) - Petone

Richard went to Wellington College and then on to Victoria University where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree, Master of Science (Honours) and a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry. Whilst writing his thesis on reaction kinetics for his Ph.D. Richard worked at Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited. Upon obtaining his PhD, Richard continued to work for Mobil full time in a range of capacities. He also had an extensive overseas assignment with Mobil at their UK domiciled international research laboratory at Coryton.

A keen interest in outdoor activities resulted in being an active member and committee member of the Wellington Sky Divers Club and the Tararua Tramping Club. He has also served as the treasurer of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry. A feature of Richard’s office is a marine reef aquarium. He and Alison have adventure kayaked with icebergs in both Antarctic (2015 and 2016 seasons) and the Arctic regions (Greenland, Franz Joseph Land) in the summers of 2017 and 2018. In 2017 they also went on a Russian icebreaker to the North Pole. They both enjoy overseas travel and getting away from the large cities.

Richard is always keen to seek out new challenges. After 13 years with Mobil, he retired, financially independent, in order to spend two years as a full time caregiver to his two year old son, Ricky. From there, Richard decided that he needed further challenges and joined Alison in 1994 in her unbiased financial planning and investment advisory business called Creating Wealth Ltd. In April 2005 the Creating Wealth group of companies was re-branded to LYFORDS. Through Richard’s efforts the company has a high emphasis on using the latest computer hardware and software. Richard taught himself JavaScript, CSS and HTML programming languages to create the company’s initial web site in 1998. Richard has a Diploma in Personal Financial planning from Waikato University.

As one of the most highly qualified investment advisers in New Zealand his analytical skills, discipline, ability to think clearly and rationalise brings a superior level of skills to LYFORDS and to its clients.

Richard complies with the Continuing Education requirements of the industry organisation Financial Advice New Zealand and has been awarded the ‘Trusted Adviser’ mark.