Where SBQ comes from is absolutely irrelevant in this discussion. And if you want immigrants to go back "home" there are other websites you can pontificate on.

As to his/her argument about tax it certainly is valid. Financial advisors should know tax laws (even in NZ) and be able to advise clients on tax implications. People underestimate the effect that poor tax planning has on portfolios and wealth. To be fair though, I studied tax and estate planning at postgrad level so the qualifications are out there. Whether these are mandatory for financial advisors is another matter but some rudimentary knowledge certainly IMHO should be.