Entrepreneur, brand builder and motorsport champion

Overview

Mike Pero is one of New Zealand's most recognisable entrepreneurs. He created the mortgage broking industry in this country in 1991, went on to launch Mike Pero Real Estate, co-founded a global flight simulator business, and hosted the prime-time TVNZ series The Apprentice Aotearoa. On stage he is plain-speaking, down-to-earth and full of practical lessons on branding, marketing and getting the basics right.

Who is Mike Pero? Born in 1960, Mike grew up in Christchurch and started his working life as a motorcycle mechanic. He raced professionally, becoming a six-time New Zealand Motorcycle Road Racing Champion and setting a 350cc national land speed record that still stands. He later became a commercial pilot for Mount Cook Airline before launching Mike Pero Mortgages in 1991 and reshaping how New Zealanders bought homes.

Career Highlights

• Founded Mike Pero Mortgages in 1991, creating the lender-funded mortgage broker model

• Founded Mike Pero Real Estate in 2011, growing it to a national franchise network

• Co-founded Pacific Simulators in 2005, sold three years later for around $15 million

• Host of TVNZ's prime-time series The Apprentice Aotearoa (2021)

• Six-time New Zealand Motorcycle Road Racing Champion (1977–1982)

• Holder of New Zealand 350cc motorcycle land speed record (238 km/h, 1979)

• Patron of Motorcycling New Zealand

• Multiple New Zealand Pacific Business Award winner (1999, 2003, 2007)

• Former commercial pilot, Mount Cook Airline

Key Speaking Themes

• Building and scaling a household-name brand from scratch

• Marketing, advertising and getting the basics right

• Franchising and growing a multi-site business

• Entrepreneurship, resilience and getting back up

• Lessons from motorsport and aviation that translate to business

What Your Audience Will Gain Mike shares the playbook behind one of New Zealand's most successful entrepreneurial brands. Audiences leave with practical insight on marketing, leadership and how to keep getting up when business knocks you down.

Ideal For

• Sales kick-offs and conferences

• SME, franchise and business owner events

• Marketing, advertising and brand summits

• Motivational and after-dinner keynotes

• Property, mortgage and financial services events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Mike Pero speak about? Entrepreneurship, marketing and branding, franchising, resilience, and lessons from a 30-year business career.

What is Mike Pero best known for? Founding Mike Pero Mortgages in 1991, effectively creating the mortgage broking industry in New Zealand, and later launching Mike Pero Real Estate.

Did Mike Pero host The Apprentice Aotearoa? Yes. He hosted the prime-time TVNZ series in 2021.

Is Mike Pero still involved with Mike Pero Mortgages or Real Estate? The Mike Pero Group is now owned by Liberty Financial. Mike sold the mortgage business in 2006 and has since exited Mike Pero Real Estate.

What is Mike Pero's motorsport background? He is a six-time New Zealand Motorcycle Road Racing Champion and holds a long-standing 350cc national land speed record. He is Patron of Motorcycling New Zealand.

How long is a typical keynote? 45 minutes is standard with Q&A optional. Shorter conference slots and after-dinner formats are also available.