In the news

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in the news

Scroll down for recent news or industry articles and clips featuring specialists from our offices across New Zealand.  

Employers who ignore signs of absenteeism and presenteeism could lose top talent

Absenteeism and presenteeism are significant workplace issues that can have long-term consequences on an organisation's culture and reputation. Ignoring them can lead to leaders losing their credibility with high-performing employees, says Hawke’s Bay Senior Human Resouces Consultant Kerry Tattersall– Stuff, 29 November 2024.

NZ business faces losing young dreamers and skilled up-and-comers 

There's been a demographic shift in the Kiwis looking to work abroad. An increasing number are experienced PAs; office managers and supervisors, broadly aged between 25 and 44 – and Australia is their destination of choice. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland Head of Human Resources Chris Wright talks about initiatives put in place to keep team members engaged with the business. – The Post, 26 October 2024.

How to make the most of increasingly diverse teams

There are four simple things that make a real difference to how people from all backgrounds perform as a team – feeling welcomed, valued, included and connected, says Hawke's Bay Human Resources director Andrea Stevenson and Auckland Audit and Assurance Services partner Reina Banno– New Zealand Management, 23 October 24. 

Penk shakes up the building sector

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has proposed legislation that would make it easier to import overseas building products, in an attempt to bring down the cost of building. However, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland corporate advisory director Nick Li says Kiwis are unique in who they accept as quality constructors. “Changing the law is one thing, but changing the mentality is another." – BusinessDesk (paywalled), 08 October 24.

How to get the best from multicultural teams

Across APAC, team members with diverse backgrounds are the norm. Here, three chartered accountants share their views and advice on creating high-achieving multicultural teams, including Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland Audit & Assurance Services partner Reina Banno– Acuity, 26 September 24.

Circulars in your letterbox? It's a hot subject!

Why are advertising circulars still a "thing" in the age of screens? Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki marketing manager Sarah Ellem makes some great points about it – and they're not what you might have expected.  – Seven Sharp, 19 September 24.

‘Corporate refugees’, migration and rate cut spur business sales

Cash-rich offshore investors are still interested in New Zealand businesses but an increasing number of locals are keeping demand strong, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland Corporate Advisory Services director Nick Li– The Post (paywalled), 17 September 24.

Fear the walking dead

Insolvencies are at their highest level in nearly a decade and attempting to trade your way out of trouble prior to that point is a risky approach, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland insolvency practitioner Tony Maginness– NBR (paywalled), 06 September 24. 

The rise of zombie businesses: why it’s no time for reckless trading

It’s tempting to dig in when your business is struggling, but that's too often leading to reckless trading. It you have a zombie business, it’s time to ask for help, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland director Tony Maginness– The Press (paywalled), 30 August 24.

What accountants teach their children about money

To coincide with the Retirement Commission’s Money Month, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway accountants reveal what they've been teaching their children about money. – The Press (paywalled), 20 August 24.

Why is it harder to get work as you get older?

It’s a known fact that many older workers find it increasingly hard to get jobs. The NZ Herald has spoken to a range of people about their experiences, including our Auckland Head of HR, Chris Wright, who has a particular dislike for one “reason” employers don't hire mature applicants. – NZ Herald (paywalled), 14 July 24.

Supporting the property and construction sector

The NZ Law Awards 2024 will be held in Auckland in November and Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland is sponsoring the Property & Construction Specialist Law Firm of the Year award. The P&C sector “plays a pivotal role in economic growth and job creation”, says Auckland Head of Tax, Mike Rudd. – NZ Lawyer, 21 June 2024.

Insurance against price volatility

Milk hedging can help farmers protect their bottom line and business from volatile milk prices caused by market fluctuations which are a constant concern. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki Business Advisory Services director Kylie Cronin gives commentary. – Stuff, 17 July 24.

Trust dividend payments more than double

Earlier this year, Auckland head of tax Mike Rudd said we were advising clients with trusts to pay dividends before the trust tax rate rose to 39%. Many New Zealand trustees agreed with this strategy, with dividends more than doubling to nearly $50 billion ahead of the rate change. NZ Herald (paywalled), 06 June 24. 

Dollars and sense: Let's talk about tax

Christchurch director Spencer Smith joins fellow tax specialists to discuss the likes of trust tax, the inevitability of a capital gains tax and wealth tax – and getting consensus on the structure of the tax system. – NBR (paywalled), 17 April 24. 

The Accountants 2024: Middle of the pack

NBR provides an analysis of New Zealand mid-tier accounting networks, covering annual growth, recruiting and retention and more. For our part, there's been an increase in insolvency and due diligence work across the network, says national chair David Searle – NBR (paywalled) 09 April 24. 

The Accountants 2024: The $2.1b business of complexity

NBR’s third annual series assessing the size and shape of New Zealand’s accounting firms reveals the challenges, and opportunities, of change. For his part, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway chair David Searle notes the uptick in insolvency and restructuring work. – NBR (paywalled), 8 April 24.

Dividend payments expected to spike ahead of trustee tax rate rising

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland head of tax Mike Rudd says companies owned by trusts should consider paying excess retained earnings to shareholders now, so this income is only taxed at 33 per cent. – NZ Herald (paywalled), 26 February 24.

'Head scratching' on navigating trust tax changes

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland head of tax Mike Rudd speaks to NBR about confusion and backtracking over trust tax guidance – NBR (paywalled), 21 February 24.

Don't put all your milk in one basket

Dairy farmers who fix prices now can go into next year's budget with real certainty about their costs, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki director Kylie Cronin – Dairy News, 20 February 24. 

New directors appointed at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has appointed four new directors and a partner in January and February, paying off its investment in people. – NBR, 13 February 24.

Tough times for construction, but 'it's not a GFC situation'

This year has been a mixed bag for New Zealand construction businesses, but their challenges seem to be dissipating in Canterbury, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch Business Advisory and Specialist Services, director Dorian Crighton – Stuff, 20 August 23.  

Removal of commercial tax writeoffs – Labour makes another major U-turn

Labour’s intention to removal tax depreciation on commercial buildings so that it can fund the removal of GST from fruit and vegetables is a “politics over policy” decision, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland director Andrew Dickeson. – BusinessDesk (Paywalled), 14 August 23.

Follow the money

Proposed changes to modernise Australia’s anti-money laundering and counterterrorism regime will make it harder for criminal gangs to operate – and Australia’s chartered accountants can take lessons from New Zealand. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway national technical director Nicola Hankinson says it is important for accountants to show “professional scepticism” when onboarding or dealing with clients. “Through training in this area, we are protecting our business and our brand from unwittingly being caught up in assisting criminals to launder the proceeds of crime.” – Acuity magazine, 11 August 23

‘Boom-bust’ cycle more extreme in construction

The construction sector has led the field in insolvencies recently, and property development is now being affected, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland director Tony Maginness – BusinessDesk (paywalled), 11 August 23.

Baker Tilly global boss on messy partnerships and talent wars

Baker Tilly International CEO Francesca Lagerberg talks about a range of topical points including partnership models and the thriving tax, audit and business advisory service lines across our wider network. “Even in the most difficult times people need help to navigate the complexities of the world,” she says. “The more volatile the economic conditions, the more you need good help.” – NBR, 15 June 2023.

Is LinkedIn the new 'it' platform?

Gen Z are considered the fastest growing demographic on LinkedIn and will ultimately become its largest generation of consumers, so is LinkedIn the next ‘it’ platform? Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki marketing manager Sarah Ellem provides commentary – Idealog, 30 May 2023.

Bracket creep affecting 'Working for Families' outcomes   

New Zealand's Working for Families policy needs a rethink as part of a broader tax system overhaul, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland Head of Taxation Services director Mike Rudd – RNZ (4m43s), 29 May 2023.  

People planning for a year that is not business as usual

The impacts from Cyclone Gabrielle appear to be a dichotomy – those affected and those not. There is now potentially a third category – those presented with an opportunity in the rebuild, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke's Bay Human Resources director Andrea Stevenson – The Profit, 25 May 2023. 

Bracket creep pushing Tax Freedom Day out

Bracket creep is to blame for New Zealanders’ Tax Freedom Day falling two days later this year, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland head of taxation services Mike Ruddstuff.co.nz, 22 May 2023.

We’re paying more tax than last year

While government expenditure has been increasing remarkably in some areas, those extra tax dollars don’t appear to be getting much more in terms of results, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch director Spencer Smith – BusinessDesk (paywalled), 13 May 2023. 

Bookkeepers 2023: the inevitable slowdown

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway NZ chair David Searle talks about response to our Auckland office's Working Offshore Policy – NBR, 04 May 2023.  

Bookkeepers 2023: All the quality firms have turned away work

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway NZ chair David Searle talks about industry-wide resource constraints and how all accounting and business advisory firms, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway included, are faring: “Strong growth for three years means we create really good opportunities for our people coming through. But we’ve had good opportunities that … we would have liked to have taken.” – NBR, 02 May 2023.

A broad tax on capital gains may drive away New Zealand's wealthiest

An Inland Revenue report released yesterday found the average earner is taxed at more than double the rate of New Zealand's wealthiest. Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland taxation director Andrew Dickeson suspects the Government will now look at introducing a broad tax on capital, but says it would risk running the rich out of New Zealand – NewstalkZB, 27 April 2023

Tax expert on IRD report into amount paid by NZ's richest

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland taxation director Andrew Dickeson speaks to RNZ about Inland Revenue’s new “high wealth individuals” report – RNZ, 27 April 2023.

Tax specialists warn over intricacies of capital gains tax

RNZ speaks to tax specialists, including Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland taxation director Andrew Dickeson, about issues raised within Inland Revenue’s new “high wealth individuals” report – RNZ, 27 April 2023.

Fair or not? Experts react to IRD wealth report

Inland Revenue’s new “high wealth individuals” report gives the Government ammunition to start a conversation around “improving fairness”, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland taxation director Andrew DickesonNBR (Paywalled), 27 April 2023.

How to make your meta land better

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki marketing manager Sarah Ellem explains why businesses shouldn’t exclusively rely on organic posts on Facebook and Instagram – Idealog, 26 April 2023.

Tough times ahead 

With a fraction too much friction in Aotearoa New Zealand workplaces, what should employers do when tolerance levels are frayed and tension is on the rise? Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke's Bay director Andrea Stevenson and associate Kerry Tattersall offer their thoughts. Build magazine, issue 185 (page 84), 1 April 2023.  

Meet Kerry, HR Professional of the Year for 2023

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke's Bay associate Kerry Tattersall is a Jill of all trades and master of plenty. Here, the employment relations/HR consultant and licensed private investigator talks about her background and receiving the HR Professional of the Year award – HRNZ, 27 March 2023

Boost your bottom line by leading from the middle

How can you make your employees happier and more productive? It might be as simple as changing your approach to leadership, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke’s Bay associate Kerry Tattersallstuff.co.nz, 08 March 2023.

Leading through lean times – managers need more support now

When a recession is in the forecast, it's natural to look for areas to cut costs. But if you're already running on a skeleton crew after years of skills shortages, doing away with corporate away-days and learning and development training could actually be counterproductive. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke's Bay HR Director Andrea Stevenson discusses why investing in your management team makes business sense – NBR (paywalled), 4 March 2023

Lending a hand to new cancer centre

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch director Dorian Crighton talks about why the firm has sponsored a room at the Cancer Society's new care facility, which is now under construction (interview from 1m15s) The Breeze Christchurch, 13 February 2023    

Twelve Days of Kiwiana Christmas: The cost-of-living edition

We calculate the cost of giving your true love a very Kiwi festive season if they live in Australia – NZ Herald, 25 December 2022

Foreign investment funds: Time to ask questions of IRD

Owners of foreign shares have received an early but rather unwelcome Christmas present this year with Inland Revenue taking a new stance on how foreign shares are taxed, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland Taxation Services director Mike Rudd – NBR (paywalled), 18 December 2022

Key steps small firms can take to keep their heads above water

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch director Dorian Crighton covers some of the key things small business owners can do to get in good shape for 2023BusinessDesk, 14 December 2022

NZ business needs to look to Japan for opportunities

There are big two-way trading and partnership opportunities between New Zealand and Japan, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland’s Team Japan director, Annette AzumaNew Zealand Herald (paywalled), 12 December 2022

Lower tax rates may boost foreign investment

Embracing more foreign investment by removing tax barriers could pay off in the long term, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Wellington Business Advisory & Taxation Services partner Matt Bonner  RNZ, 12 December 2022  

Bolster your small business for problematic times ahead

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch director Dorian Crighton explains how businesses can prepare for upcoming challenges in 2023 – NBR (paywalled), 10 December 2022

Clients thinking outside the box

Reusing empty shipping containers brought growth opportunities for Auckland firm MatchBox Exchange, says Baker Tillys Staples Rodway Auckland Taxation Services director Andrew Dickeson – FTD Mag, pages 24-25, December 2022 - January 2023

NZ Tiny Homes has gone into liquidation

It was too early to tell how much trade creditors were owed or what the estimated deficiency would be to those who were owed money, said Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland Specialist Services directors Tony Maginness and Jared Booth – New Zealand Herald (paywalled), 23 November 2022 

Small businesses face increasing compliance pressures

Large corporates are required to report on their carbon footprint and this pressures often gets pushed down to their SMB suppliers, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch Business Advisory and Specialist Services director Dorian Crighton (interview from 1m19s to 2m20s) – RNZ, 22 November 2022

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