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.
How to transition from lawyer to business owner
Are you a lawyer who’s become a sole trader or started your own law firm? Director Dorian Crighton, from our Christchurch office, has some wise words for you in this NZ Lawyer article. – NZ Lawyer, 30 April 2025.
An overview of the New Zealand accounting landscape
The National Business Review's 2025 edition of The Accountants is now online. In this article Baker Tilly Staples Rodway chair David Searle covers the accounting landscape, our focus when clients are going through a tougher period, the sort of help clients have been seeking and the sector that can pull New Zealand through this time of economic uncertainty. – NBR, 10 April 2025.
FIF 'tax relief' a step in the right direction for government
It's a positive thing that the government is making adjustments to the tax regime and moving quickly on it, says Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland head of tax Mike Rudd of proposed changes to FIF tax. – NBR, 10 April 2025
Marise James becomes fourth woman to join NZ rugby board
Retired Taranaki director (now consultant) Marise James has been appointed to the New Zealand Rugby Board. She joins former All Blacks greats David Kirk and Keven Mealamu and the rest of the nine-member board in setting strategy, direction and policy for New Zealand Rugby. – stuff.co.nz, 17 March 2025.
Lessons from a rural advisor
Retired Taranaki director (now consultant) Marise James talks about her life and career, the one place that luck comes before work, and the importance of having support from advisors. – stuff.co.nz, 10 February 2025.
A career riding waves of many changes
Marise James retired as a Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki director at the end of last year and is now working for the firm as a consultant. Here, she shares her thoughts and insights on the dairy industry, gleaned from her 38-year career, primarily as an agribusiness advisor. – Dairy News, 21 January 2025.
Many Kiwis working past retirement age for financial and wellbeing reasons
Auckland head of people and culture Chris Wright thinks social reasons are one of the main drivers, but he also foresees another shift around the association between retirement and the age of 65... – NZ Herald (paywalled), 02 January 2025.
Accountants retire after years helping Taranaki businesses
When Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki directors Marise James and Chris Lynch became accountants, clients would bring in their accounts and receipts in old shoe boxes – or maybe a DB beer box. Here they look back on their long-standing careers. – PressReader/Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 2024.
Auditing the auditors
BusinessDesk looks at which of the Big Four accounting firms took the most for their audit services of NZX50 clients this year – and Baker Tilly Staples Rodway joins them as a firm with NZX50 clients. – BusinessDesk, 17 December 2024.
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.
What skills does a business valuation specialist need?
Chartered accountants specialising in business valuation are applying the foundation of their training with new skills that combine analysis with intuition. “There’s probably as much art in it as there is science,” says Auckland Corporate Advisory Services director Bill Apps. – Acuity magazine, 25 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 Rudd – stuff.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 Dickeson – NBR (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 Tattersall – stuff.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 2023 – BusinessDesk, 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 Azuma – New 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