Members Newsletter March 2025

Im an image
 

Update from the Chair 

It is an absolute privilege to be appointed as Chair of ATAINZ, and I want to take a moment to thank Richard Abel for his incredible leadership over the past seven years.

 

I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Board for their support and to everyone who has reached out with kind words following my appointment. The personal messages, emails, and congratulations have been truly overwhelming, and I am extremely grateful for the encouragement and warm welcome into this role.

 

What a fantastic ATAINZ Conference we’ve just had! The feedback has been incredibly positive, with many saying it was our best yet! Thank you to everyone who joined us, whether in person or via live stream. It was a great opportunity to connect with our exhibitors, but more importantly, to catch up with colleagues from around the country. These connections are what truly matter – the conversations, the shared knowledge, and the support we provide one another.

 

A special thank you to Gary for his tireless efforts in organising and running the conference. His hard work behind the scenes ensures a seamless and valuable experience for all who attend, and we truly appreciate everything he does to make it such a success.

 

Looking ahead, our first Board meeting will be held at the end of April, which will include a Strategy Day where we will update our 1–5 year plan. We look forward to sharing more details with you following that.

 

Finally, as we approach 31st March, I want to wish you all the best for the busy weeks ahead. Remember to take care of yourselves and your teams – your well-being is just as important as the work you do.

 

Ngā mihi,
Amie Lorenzen

 
Im an image
 

Exciting News for ATAINZ! 🌟

 

On International Women’s Day, ATAINZ celebrated a major milestone by electing our first female Chair, Amie Lorenzen! This is a moment we are incredibly proud of, as it marks a significant step in the continued growth and evolution of our organization. Amie steps into this leadership role following Richard Abel, who has led ATAINZ with dedication and vision for the past seven years.

 

Amie has been a key Member of the Board for the last four years, contributing greatly to the transition and success of ATAINZ. We have full confidence that under her leadership, ATAINZ will continue to thrive, delivering even greater value and support to our Members across the country.

 

We also want to express our deep gratitude to Richard, who will remain on the Board for his final year, sharing his invaluable experience to ensure a smooth transition and to guide Amie as she takes the reins.

 

This is an exciting new chapter for ATAINZ, and we are so proud to move forward with all of you, our valued members, as part of this journey. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, foster innovation, and support each other in everything we do.

 

Congratulations, Amie! We are thrilled to have you leading ATAINZ. And a heartfelt thank you to Richard for your outstanding leadership and contributions over the years!

 
Im an image
 

Save the Date: ATAINZ 2025 Workshop

FOMO from ATAINZ Conference 2025? Don’t worry — you can join us in person for our 2025 Workshop!

 

We’re excited to announce that the ATAINZ Workshop 2025 is happening on Friday, 17th October at Rydges Wellington (Featherston Street). It’s the perfect chance to network, learn, and dive into the latest in our field.

 

Registrations will open soon — keep an eye out for more details!

 

Seriously Connected. Seriously Committed.

 

Big news for small business! ATAINZ has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Inland Revenue (IR) — a game-changer for accountants, tax agents, and the small businesses we support.

 

This MOU strengthens our trusted, collaborative relationship with IR, ensuring transparency, integrity, and open communication to better serve NZ’s economic well-being.

 

It’s about having a seat at the table — advocating for our members and ensuring the voices of small businesses and tax professionals are heard where it matters most.

 

ATAINZ is seriously connected — working with IR, engaging with government, and championing ethical, high-quality accounting practices to shape a better tax landscape for all Kiwis.

 

What does this mean for you? More support, stronger advocacy, and better representation in the tax system. We’re in this together.

 

#SeriouslyConnected #VoiceOfSmallBusinessNZ #TaxMatters #ATAINZ

 

Thriving During the Holiday Hustle

Our ATAINZ Conference 2025 at Chateau on the Park in Christchurch was a massive success! Over two action-packed days, we heard from a range of insightful speakers, who made the event not only informative but also incredibly engaging. From the opening address by Hon Nicola Willis to the interactive sessions, updates, and expert panels, the energy and collaboration were unmatched.

 

A huge thank you to all our amazing speakers who shared their expertise and knowledge with us:

 

Richard Abel – ATAINZ Chair (Conference Welcome)

 

Hon Nicola Willis – Minister of Finance (Opening Address)

 

Peter Mersi – Commissioner of Inland Revenue

 

Steven Moe – Parry Fields Lawyers (Risk Management for Your Practice)

 

Matt Rama & Jake Prunster – TMNZ (Tax Pooling Interactive Session)

 

Derek Chen – Strategi (AML Update)

 

Scott Mason – FINDEX (Improving the Tax System for Small Business, Governance for SMEs, Tax Update)

 

Colin Mansbridge – Crusaders CEO (Building a Winning Team Environment)

 

Lynda Smart – Rodgers Reidy (Liquidations)

 

Kayur Patel – PWC (Utilising AI in the Accounting Environment)

 

We couldn’t have asked for a more engaging lineup. From discussions on tax, risk management, and AI, to updates on economic trends, our attendees were equipped with invaluable insights to take back to their practices.

 

A big thank you to all the attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors who helped make this event such a great success. The evening function, dinner, and dance were the perfect way to cap off two days of learning and networking.

 

Check out the photos in our Members Facebook group to relive some of the highlights from the conference, or head over to our Facebook page for more great content and insights from the event.

 

Our Mission and Vision

ATAINZ: Championing NZ’s Owner-Operators

 

The Trusted Voice for NZ’s 96% – We advocate for owner-operator businesses, ensuring their needs are heard by government and industry leaders.


Shaping Policy, Driving Change – ATAINZ works to influence decisions that impact small businesses, making a real difference where it matters.


Recognition & Representation – We are committed to being the voice of NZ’s owner-operated businesses, raising their profile and securing their future.

 

And brand statements that underscore our strategy

 

ATAINZ: Powering Business Success for the 96%

 

NZ’s Best Business Support for Owner-Operators – ATAINZ members provide strategic, high-quality financial advice, ensuring small businesses get the same expert attention as large corporations.


Know Your Numbers, Grow Your Business – Accurate financial insights drive cash flow management, spot discrepancies, and fuel business growth.


Stronger Together: ATAINZ’s Professional Network – Nearly 500 members, industry partnerships, and peer support create a powerful community.


Investing in the Future of Accounting – Our Business Advisor Pathway program nurtures the next generation of skilled, recognized Advisors.


Unmatched Value for Members – Exceptional resources, training, and support make ATAINZ membership a smart investment.

 

For more updates and news, check out our LinkedIn page.

 
Im an image
Im an image
 
 
Web Site

P.O.Box 87475 Meadowbank Auckland 1742

Unsubscribe