News at Navigate: Meet Our New Directors
We’re excited to share that Peter Hastie and Shannon Smith have both been appointed to the role of ‘Director’ at Navigate Advisors. Both Shannon and Peter bring a wealth of experience, deep care for their clients, and a down-to-earth approach to their respective roles within accounting and financial planning—exactly what Navigate is all about.
Meet Pete
If there’s one thing Pete knows, it’s that “Cashflow is King.” He’s been a financial planner since 2008, helping families, charities, and business owners create financial plans that don’t just look good on paper but work in real life.
A Wagga local through and through, Pete returned to his hometown with his wife Jacqui and young family, keen to put down roots. After years running his own boutique planning firm, Stinson Hastie & Co, he and John Stinson joined forces with Navigate Advisors in 2021. Since then, Pete has been a key part of the team—so stepping into a Director role just makes sense!
His passion? Helping families juggle mortgages, school fees, and everything in between while still building real, long-term wealth. His philosophy is simple: get the foundations right, and the rest falls into place. No quick fixes, no gimmicks—just solid planning, smart strategies, and dare we say it, discipline.
When he’s not crunching numbers, Pete is off the beaten track with his family—literally. From hiking jungles in Malaysia to charity work in Cambodia, he’s always planning his next big trip. Next on the list? A family road trip through Italy, sailing in Greece, and—before he gets too old—riding an adventure bike through India and the Himalayas in 2026.
Meet Shannon
Shannon has been an accountant for over 23 years, but helping people make sense of their numbers and turn them into real opportunities has always been her passion. As a Chartered Accountant and Wagga local, she understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of running a business—growing up, she watched her father run his own business for over 50 years. That experience shaped her career and the way she helps clients today, offering practical advice and strategies to help them build financial security and achieve their goals.
At Navigate, Shannon works closely with business owners, individuals, and families to provide accounting and financial guidance that makes a real difference—whether it’s improving business cash flow, navigating tax complexities, or setting up structures for long-term success. She loves seeing clients gain confidence in their financial future and believes that everyone deserves a fulfilling life, whatever that looks like for them.
Outside of work, Shannon is happiest spending time with her horses and passing her love of animals onto her two daughters. Her husband, on the other hand, prefers his horsepower of the four-wheeled variety! She also plays an active role in the community, sitting on several Boards and Committees and volunteering her time to support organisations that align with her values. Giving back is important to her, and she believes in using her skills and experience to make a positive impact where it matters most.
A Strong Future for Navigate
We’re proud to have Pete and Shannon stepping into these leadership roles. Their expertise and energy will drive Navigate Advisors forward, ensuring we continue to provide the best possible advice and support. At Navigate, we believe everyone deserves a fulfilling life—however that looks for them. Whether it’s growing a business, securing their family’s future, or setting themselves up for the retirement they’ve dreamed of, strong financial planning and accounting are the foundation that makes it possible.
