What is Ake Accounting?

Ake Accounting is a Māori-led chartered accounting and business advisory firm based in Whakatāne, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, and working with clients across the North Island. We help businesses, whānau, Māori Land Trusts, marae and Māori Authorities align their finances with their values and vision — your partner for a thriving future.

We're members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), and we bring together compliance, advisory and specialist Māori-entity work under one roof.

Where is Ake Accounting based?

Ake Accounting is based in Whakatāne, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty (our home in the Mataatua rohe), with a presence in Tauranga and an office in Pukekohe (South Auckland). We serve clients right across the North Island — in person where we can, and remotely wherever you are.

Our head office is at Level 1, 88 The Strand, Whakatāne. Distance is no barrier — much of our work happens over video hui and inside Xero.

Is Ake Accounting a Māori business?

Yes. Ake Accounting is a Māori-led business — "Ko Ake te pakihi Māori ki Whakatāne" (Ake is the Māori business of Whakatāne). We're grounded in tikanga (customary practice) and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), and many of our team carry Eastern Bay / Mataatua whakapapa and lived governance experience.

Being Māori-led isn't branding for us — it shapes how we work with trusts, marae and whānau, and it's why cultural safety sits alongside chartered credibility.

Who leads Ake Accounting?

Ake Accounting is led by Tania-Rose Tamati (CEO, Chartered Accountant) and Matthew Davis. Tania-Rose specialises in Māori Ahu Whenua Trusts, farms and not-for-profits, sits on her own whenua trust, and is governance-focused. Our wider team of around 14 people includes several chartered accountants and Māori-entity specialists.

What does the name "Ake" mean?

"Ake" means "forever upwards." It comes from our guiding whakatauākī, gifted by Titoki Black, about awakening potential — te whakaoho i te pito mata. Our tagline, "Te Whakaoho i te Pito Mata | Unlocking potential," captures what Ake Accounting is here to do: help your people, your whenua and your business thrive for generations.

Are you actually chartered accountants?

Yes. Ake Accounting is a Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors practice and a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). Our team includes several qualified chartered accountants, backed by real trustee and governance experience — so you get technical rigour and people who genuinely understand your world.

How long has Ake Accounting been around?

Ake Accounting was founded in 2018 and is based in Whakatāne. In that time we've grown into a chartered firm working with hundreds of clients across the motu, from whānau businesses to some of the Eastern Bay's largest Māori land trusts and iwi entities.

What makes Ake Accounting different from other accountants?

Ake Accounting brings together three things few firms hold at once: chartered-accountant credibility, genuine kaupapa Māori identity and lived trustee experience, and clear, packaged monthly plans instead of surprise annual bills. We don't just file your returns — we work alongside you to unlock the potential of your business, whenua and people.

What is the Ake Athlete Academy?

The Ake Athlete Academy is a rangatahi (youth) and hauora (wellbeing) initiative run under the Hikohiko Te Uira Charitable Trust and funded mostly by Ake Accounting. It reflects our kaupapa of generational change — investing in young people the same way we help clients invest in the next generation.

It's a community and values initiative rather than one of our paid services.

What awards and certifications does Ake hold?

Ake Accounting is a member of CAANZ, a Xero Platinum Champion Partner and Xero Migration Specialist, registered with Amotai (the Māori and Pasifika supplier network), and certified with Sumday and Syft. We've also been a multi-year finalist in The Gap's awards for accounting and advisory firms. These proof points sit quietly behind the work — not the reason you'd choose us.

Most recently that includes 2025 finalist recognition for Advisory Firm of the Year and the Three Freedoms Award.

What services does Ake Accounting offer?

Ake Accounting offers three things: everyday accounting, tax and compliance (financial statements, income tax, GST, payroll, bookkeeping, ACC, Xero); business advisory, coaching and planning (plans, forecasts, reporting, Virtual CFO); and specialist Māori Trusts, Marae and Māori Authorities work (funding applications, feasibility, papakāinga support, governance training, Māori Authority set-up).

Most clients combine compliance with some advisory — that's where the real value shows up.

Do you prepare annual financial statements and tax returns?

Yes. Preparing annual financial statements and income tax returns is core to what Ake Accounting does, for companies, trusts, partnerships and individuals. We make sure your accounts are accurate and filed on time, so your board or your whānau can make decisions grounded in numbers you can trust.

This is general information — get advice for your own situation.

Can Ake handle my GST?

Yes. Ake Accounting prepares and files your GST returns and makes sure you meet your obligations — helping you avoid penalties, save time and claim your full entitlement. Sorting your GST isn't the point in itself; the point is the headspace it gives you back for the mahi that matters.

This is general information only — GST rules and rates can change, so get advice for your circumstances.

Do you do payroll?

Yes. Ake Accounting can run your payroll — wages, PAYE, KiwiSaver and the associated filing — so your team gets paid correctly and on time and your obligations are met. We set it up inside Xero where we can, so it stays tidy and connected to the rest of your numbers.

This is general information — payroll rules can change, so confirm specifics for your situation.

Do you offer bookkeeping?

Yes. Ake Accounting offers bookkeeping as part of our monthly plans, keeping your day-to-day transactions coded, reconciled and up to date in Xero. Good bookkeeping is the foundation everything else sits on — clean books mean faster compliance, clearer reporting and better decisions for your business or trust.

Can you help with ACC?

Yes. Ake Accounting can manage your ACC obligations, including reviewing your cover and levies so you're not over- or under-paying. It's one of those things that's easy to leave in the too-hard basket — we'll take it off your plate as part of looking after the whole picture.

This is general information — ACC settings depend on your situation, so let's confirm what's right for you.

Do you offer tax planning?

Yes. Ake Accounting offers tax planning so there are fewer surprises and you keep more of what you earn, legitimately. Rather than reacting at year-end, we look ahead — timing, structure and entitlements — as part of your regular hui, tying the tax work back to your goals for the business or trust.

This is general information, not individual tax advice — get advice for your circumstances.

Do you set up and support Xero?

Yes. Ake Accounting is a Xero Platinum Champion Partner, so we set up, train and migrate clients onto Xero and support you day to day. If you're moving from another system or from spreadsheets, we'll manage the migration so it's smooth and nothing falls through the cracks.

Xero subscriptions typically run around $20–$133 +GST per month on top of your plan, depending on the version.

Do you do business valuations?

Yes. Ake Accounting prepares business valuations — useful for a sale, a purchase, succession, bringing in a partner, or simply understanding what you've built. We explain the numbers in plain language so you can make a confident, well-informed decision rather than guessing at what your business is worth.

This is general information — a valuation depends on your specifics, so let's talk through yours.

What is a Virtual CFO and do you offer it?

A Virtual CFO gives you senior financial leadership without a full-time hire. Ake Accounting's Virtual CFO service means an experienced adviser sits alongside your board or business regularly — reporting, forecasting, strategy and accountability — not just at year-end. It suits growing businesses and larger trusts that need a financial brain in the room.

Virtual CFO is priced on application, as the scope varies.

Do you work with charities and not-for-profits?

Yes. Ake Accounting works with charities and not-for-profits, including kōhanga reo, kura, marae and charitable trusts. Our team has deep experience with the reporting and compliance these entities face, and we frame the work around your kaupapa — so the numbers support the mission, not the other way around.

This is general information — charity reporting requirements can change, so we'll confirm what applies to you.

Do you work with farms, horticulture and agribusiness?

Yes. Ake Accounting has genuine primary-sector depth — team members with dairy, pastoral and horticulture experience — so we're a strong fit for farms and agribusiness, including the many Māori land trusts whose whenua is farmed or in kiwifruit or forestry. We understand both the numbers and the land they come from.

How much does Ake Accounting cost?

Ake Accounting uses clear monthly plans so you know your fee before you sign — no surprise bills. Business plans start at $295 +GST/month (Starter), $695 +GST/month (Growth) and $1,295 +GST/month (Premium). Trusts and marae have the same three tiers. Add-ons and Xero are extra.

The right plan depends on the size and complexity of your business or trust — the discovery kōrero is where we work that out together.

What's included in the Starter plan?

Ake Accounting's Starter plan, from $295 +GST/month, is our compliance-focused tier — designed for investors, start-ups and early-stage businesses who mainly need their essentials handled. It covers your core annual compliance so you're on top of your obligations, with the option to step up to advisory as you grow.

What's the difference between the Starter, Growth and Premium plans?

Ake Accounting's plans step up with your needs. Starter (from $295 +GST/mo) is compliance-focused. Growth (from $695 +GST/mo, our most popular) adds advisory and regular support. Premium (from $1,295 +GST/mo) is the most hands-on, with deeper planning and accountability. You move up as your ambitions grow.

Which Ake plan is the most popular?

The Growth plan, from $695 +GST/month, is Ake Accounting's most popular. It's the sweet spot for businesses and trusts that want more than compliance — regular reporting, advice and accountability — without the full Premium engagement. Most clients who want a real partner, not just a tax return, land here.

Do Māori Land Trusts and marae pay different prices?

Ake Accounting offers Māori Land Trusts and marae the same clear three tiers — $295, $695 and $1,295 +GST/month — with add-ons tailored to trusts, such as Trust Record Keeping (from $495 +GST/mo) and Virtual CFO (priced on application). Same transparency, shaped around how trusts and marae actually work.

Do I pay monthly or in one annual bill?

Monthly. Ake Accounting deliberately uses subscription-style monthly plans instead of a big one-off annual bill. It smooths your cashflow, means you always know what you're paying, and keeps us working alongside you all year — not just appearing at year-end with an invoice you didn't expect.

Are there any hidden or surprise fees?

No. Know your fee before you sign — that's the point of Ake Accounting's monthly plans. Your plan price is set up front, and any add-ons (like coaching, Trust Record Keeping or Xero) are agreed and clear before they start. If something outside your plan comes up, we talk about it first.

Is GST included in your prices?

No — Ake Accounting's plan prices are shown as "+GST," so GST is added on top. For example, the Starter plan from $295 +GST/month means $295 plus GST. We quote this way so the fee is transparent and comparable, with nothing buried.

How much does Xero cost on top of my plan?

Xero subscriptions typically add around $20–$133 +GST per month on top of your Ake Accounting plan, depending on the version you need. As a Xero Platinum Champion Partner we'll recommend the right plan for your size — no paying for features you won't use.

What do the coaching add-ons cost?

Ake Accounting's coaching and planning add-ons are priced on top of your plan: Group Coaching from $295 +GST/month, Individual (1:1) Coaching from $495 +GST/month, and Personal Financial Planning from $195 +GST/month. You add what's useful to you — many clients start with group coaching and step into 1:1 as they grow.

Do you charge for the first meeting?

No. Ake Accounting's first conversation is a no-obligation discovery call — a kōrero (chat) to understand your business or trust and whether we're the right fit. There's no cost and no pressure. If we go ahead, we'll recommend a plan; if we're not the right match, we'll say so.

Why don't you just charge a one-off annual fee like my old accountant?

Because a once-a-year bill usually means a once-a-year relationship. Ake Accounting's monthly plans keep us alongside you all year — reporting, planning and answering the phone when you ring — and they turn an opaque, anxiety-laden annual invoice into a predictable, known cost you can budget for.

How do I get started with Ake Accounting?

Getting started with Ake Accounting begins with a no-obligation discovery call — a kōrero, over the phone or a coffee — where we learn about your business or trust and what you need. From there we recommend a plan, handle any handover, and get you set up. No pressure, just a genuine conversation first.

What happens on a discovery call?

On an Ake Accounting discovery call we listen first: where your business or trust is now, what's stressing you, and what you're aiming for. It's a relaxed kōrero, not a sales pitch. By the end you'll know how we'd help, roughly what it would cost, and whether we're the right fit — with no obligation.

How often will we meet?

It depends on your plan and your needs — Ake Accounting works to a rhythm that suits you, from weekly or fortnightly through to monthly and quarterly hui (meetings). Compliance-focused clients meet less often; coaching and higher-tier clients meet regularly, because being kept accountable is where the real momentum comes from.

What do you need from me to get started?

To get started, Ake Accounting typically needs your basic details, access to your accounting file (or your permission to migrate one), your IRD details, and — for trusts — your trust deed and recent accounts. We'll give you a simple checklist so nothing's a mystery, and help gather whatever's missing.

How quickly can you sort my accounts?

It depends on how far behind things are and how complex your entity is, but Ake Accounting moves quickly to get you current and give you a clear plan. In our first kōrero we'll be honest about the timeline. If you're behind, take a breath — we'll get it sorted, step by step.

Will I have one point of contact?

Yes. At Ake Accounting you'll have a client manager who knows you and your entity, so you're not re-explaining yourself every time. For trusts and higher-tier clients, a senior adviser stays close to your board too. The relationship is the point — you should be able to just ring us.

Do we meet in person or online?

Whatever works for you. Ake Accounting meets clients kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face to face) where we can — often over a coffee — and by video hui for everyone further afield. For key boards and AGMs we make the effort to be there in person when it matters. The format flexes; the closeness doesn't.

What is an accountability hui?

An accountability hui is a regular meeting where Ake Accounting reviews your numbers and your plan with you and keeps you moving toward your goals. Our clients value being kept accountable, not hyped — so these hui are honest, practical and focused on the next step, whether you're a business owner or a trust board.

How does onboarding work?

Ake Accounting's onboarding starts after your discovery call: we agree your plan, gather your information, set up or migrate your Xero file, and handle any handover from your previous accountant. We keep it simple and guided, so switching to us feels like a weight lifting rather than another job on your list.

What happens if I'm behind on my compliance?

First, take a breath — you're not the first and you won't be judged. Ake Accounting is used to helping businesses and trusts that have fallen behind. We'll work out exactly where things stand, prioritise what's urgent with IRD, and get you current — then set up a plan so it doesn't pile up again.

This is general information — if you're facing IRD issues, get advice for your specific situation.

How do I switch to Ake from my current accountant?

Switching to Ake Accounting is straightforward — we manage the handover for you. After a discovery call, we contact your previous accountant, request your records, migrate your file if needed, and get you set up. Most of the work sits with us, not you, so changing accountants feels like relief rather than hassle.

Is switching accountants a hassle?

It doesn't have to be. Ake Accounting handles the heavy lifting of a switch — the request to your old accountant, the information transfer, and any Xero migration. Your main job is a conversation and a couple of approvals. People are often surprised how painless it is once they finally make the move.

Will you talk to my old accountant for me?

Yes. With your authority, Ake Accounting contacts your previous accountant, requests your records and manages the professional handover. You don't have to have an awkward conversation or chase paperwork — we take care of it, so you can focus on your business or trust while we get everything moved across.

Do I need to be on Xero to work with you?

Not to start. Ake Accounting is a Xero Platinum Champion Partner, so we do recommend and support Xero, but if you're on another system or spreadsheets we'll manage the migration for you. Being Xero-ready makes the ongoing relationship smoother, and we make getting there part of onboarding.

Can you migrate me from MYOB or another system to Xero?

Yes. As a Xero Platinum Champion Partner, Ake Accounting migrates clients from MYOB, other software or spreadsheets onto Xero and trains you and your team to use it. We handle the setup so your history comes across cleanly and you're up and running without the stress of doing it yourself.

What do you need to take over our trust's accounts?

To take over a trust's accounts, Ake Accounting typically needs your trust deed, IRD number, recent financial statements, details of trustees, and access to (or permission to request) your current accounting records. We'll provide a clear checklist and, with your authority, gather what we can directly from your previous accountant.

When's the best time of year to switch accountants?

Any time works — you don't need to wait for year-end. Ake Accounting can pick things up mid-year and take over from your current accountant smoothly. That said, before a filing deadline or at the start of a financial year can be tidy moments. The best time is usually when you know you're ready.

Can I start with just compliance and add advisory later?

Absolutely. Many Ake Accounting clients begin on the compliance-focused Starter plan to get their essentials sorted, then step up to Growth or Premium as their ambitions grow and they want planning, coaching and accountability. You move at your own pace — we're a partner for the long term, not a hard sell.

How is Ake different from GHA?

Both Ake Accounting and GHA are kaupapa Māori chartered firms, but the fit differs. Ake is of the Eastern Bay (Whakatāne, Mataatua rohe), founder- and whānau-scale, with clear packaged monthly pricing. GHA is larger and Rotorua-centred with bespoke consultancy. If you want local whakapapa, intimacy and transparent plans, that's Ake's ground.

This is our own view of the difference — we'd encourage you to talk to both and choose the fit that's right for you.

How does Ake compare to a big firm like BDO?

A large firm like BDO brings a global brand and scale; Ake Accounting brings kaupapa Māori identity, local whakapapa, lived trustee experience and transparent monthly pricing. For many Māori trusts and whānau businesses, being genuinely understood and having someone you can just ring matters more than the size of the logo on the door.

This is our perspective — the right choice depends on what you value most.

Why choose Ake over a local generalist accountant?

A generalist local accountant can file your returns; Ake Accounting does that and understands trusts, Māori Authorities, land utilisation and funding — plus we bring coaching, planning and cultural safety. If your entity is a Māori Land Trust or you want a growth partner rather than year-end compliance only, that specialist depth is the difference.

Should I just do it myself in Xero?

You can — but there's a cost to going it alone. DIY in Xero handles the mechanics, but not the strategy, the compliance risk, or the potential you might be leaving on the table. Ake Accounting frees your time and, for trusts especially, helps unlock the value of your whenua and assets a specialist can see.

Why use Ake instead of the Māori Trustee (Te Tumu Paeroa)?

Te Tumu Paeroa administers trusts on the Crown's behalf; Ake Accounting works for you as your chosen partner. If your trust wants an independent, kaupapa Māori adviser focused on your board's goals — compliance sorted and a proactive plan to develop the whenua — that's a different relationship from having the assets administered for you.

This is general information — the right arrangement depends on your trust's situation, so get advice for your circumstances.

Is Ake big enough to handle our iwi or trust?

Yes — for most Māori land trusts, marae and Māori Authorities, Ake Accounting is well-sized, with several chartered accountants and specialists who already look after some of the Eastern Bay's largest land trusts and iwi entities. Our edge is intimacy and cultural depth, not corporate scale. For very large PSGEs, we'll be honest about fit.

How is Ake different from Tupu Ake or WE Accounting?

Tupu Ake (Hamilton) and WE Accounting (Auckland) are fellow kaupapa Māori firms — good people doing similar work in their regions. Ake Accounting's distinctive ground is the Eastern Bay / Mataatua heartland, deep Māori-land-trust and land-utilisation experience, and transparent packaged pricing, delivered remotely across the North Island from a genuine local base.

This is our own view — we'd back you talking to a few firms and choosing the right fit.

Do I need a specialist Māori accountant, or will any accountant do?

Any chartered accountant can handle standard compliance, but Māori Land Trusts and Māori Authorities have specific tax, governance and reporting realities that reward specialist knowledge. Ake Accounting lives in that world daily, so you're less likely to miss entitlements or get the structure wrong — and your board gets an adviser who truly gets it.

This is general information — get advice for your entity's specific needs.

We're a small trust — is Ake too expensive for us?

Probably not. Ake Accounting's plans start at $295 +GST/month, and the Starter tier is designed for exactly this — smaller trusts that mainly need compliance handled. Monthly plans also mean cost certainty instead of a surprise annual bill. Let's have a kōrero and find the tier that genuinely fits your trust.

Will you really understand our tikanga and our people?

Yes — this is at the heart of Ake Accounting. We're Māori-led, many of our team carry Mataatua whakapapa and sit as trustees themselves, and we work tikanga-first. You won't have to translate yourselves or feel culturally unseen. We understand trusts, marae and whānau because they're our own world, not a niche we've added on.

We've been with the same accountant for years — why change?

Loyalty is a good thing — but ask whether your current accountant still fits where you're heading. If you only hear from them at year-end, don't understand the bill, or want a proactive partner who gets your trust or growth plans, Ake Accounting is worth a conversation. There's no obligation in finding out.

Are you experienced enough with trusts like ours?

Yes. Ake Accounting works with Māori Land Trusts, marae and Māori Authorities every day — from small whenua trusts to some of the Eastern Bay's largest land and iwi entities. Several of our team specialise in Ahu Whenua trusts and hold real governance and trustee experience, so your board is in genuinely capable hands.

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. Ake Accounting treats your financial information — and your trust's — with strict confidentiality and professional care, as you'd expect from a chartered firm. In tight-knit communities we understand how much discretion matters, and cultural safety and confidentiality are part of how we work with every whānau, business and board.

This is a general statement of our approach — ask us about our specific confidentiality and privacy practices.

What if our board is slow to make decisions?

That's completely normal, and Ake Accounting works at the pace of your board. Communal, considered decisions — through hui and AGMs — are how good trusts operate, and we respect that. We'll give your trustees clear, board-ready information so decisions are well-grounded, without ever rushing your process or your people.

What if our board is in the middle of a disagreement?

Ake Accounting can still help with your compliance and reporting, but genuine strategic work needs a clear mandate from the board to move forward. Where trustees are divided, we focus on getting you accurate, neutral numbers everyone can rely on — a shared factual footing often helps a board find its way to agreement.

This is general information — for governance disputes, appropriate legal or governance advice may also be needed.

Do you only work with Māori clients?

No. Ake Accounting is Māori-led and specialises in Māori Land Trusts, marae and Māori Authorities, but we also work with plenty of general businesses — trades, construction, farming, services and more — who value a warm, straight-talking partner. Everyone's welcome; the kaupapa of unlocking your potential applies whoever you are.

We're not in the Eastern Bay — can you still help us?

Yes. While Ake Accounting's home is the Eastern Bay, we serve clients right across the North Island, delivering remotely through video hui and Xero, and travelling for key boards and AGMs when it matters. Being born in the Mataatua rohe is our origin and credibility — it doesn't limit who we can look after.

I've been let down by an unresponsive accountant before — how are you different?

That's one of the most common reasons people come to Ake Accounting. Our whole model is built around being present, not absent — a named client manager, regular hui, and monthly plans that keep us engaged all year. You should be able to ring us and get a real person who knows you.

Do you specialise in Māori Land Trusts?

Yes — Māori Land Trusts are core business for Ake Accounting, not a sideline. Several of our team specialise in Ahu Whenua trusts, and we already look after some of the Eastern Bay's largest land trusts and iwi entities. We handle compliance and reporting and help boards build practical, values-led plans for the whenua.

What is an Ahu Whenua Trust?

An Ahu Whenua Trust is a Māori land trust set up to manage and develop Māori freehold land on behalf of its owners, promoting the use and administration of the whenua. They're governed by trustees and overseen by the Māori Land Court. Ake Accounting works with these trusts on both compliance and development.

This is general information — for how the rules apply to your trust, get advice for your specific circumstances.

How is a Māori Authority taxed?

Māori Authorities have a concessionary tax status designed for collectively owned assets, and are taxed at a lower rate than the standard trust rate. There are also specific rules around distributions and credits. Ake Accounting set up and administer Māori Authorities, so we can get this right for you.

This is general information, not individual tax advice — rates and rules change, so get advice for your entity's circumstances.

What is a Māori Authority Credit Account (MACA)?

A Māori Authority Credit Account (MACA) tracks the tax credits a Māori Authority can pass on to its members with distributions — broadly similar to how an imputation credit account works for companies. It affects how much tax members pay on what they receive. Ake Accounting manages MACA administration as part of Māori Authority tax work.

This is general information — MACA rules are technical and can change, so get advice for your Authority.

Can you help set up a Māori Authority?

Yes. Ake Accounting sets up Māori Authorities and handles their ongoing tax administration, including the specific rules and credit-account requirements that come with the status. We'll help you decide whether Māori Authority status is the right structure for your entity and, if so, get it established correctly from the start.

This is general information — whether the status suits you depends on your situation, so get advice for your circumstances.

What is a papakāinga and can you help us build one?

A papakāinga is communal housing developed on Māori land, often for whānau to live together on their whenua. Ake Accounting supports papakāinga projects — feasibility, funding applications, and project coordination including resource-consent and project-management support — so your trust can move from aspiration to homes on the ground.

This is general information — papakāinga projects are complex, so we'll scope yours specifically with you.

Can you help with government or PGF funding applications?

Yes. Ake Accounting prepares and reports on government and Provincial Growth Fund-type funding applications for Māori trusts and entities. We help you find what you may qualify for, build a credible application, and handle the reporting afterwards — turning funding from a maze into a practical path forward.

Do you do land utilisation or feasibility studies?

Yes. Ake Accounting carries out land and resource utilisation studies and feasibility studies for Māori land trusts — assessing what your whenua could realistically support, from farming and horticulture to housing or forestry. It's how we help boards move beyond "just filing the accounts" to actually unlocking the potential of the land.

Can you provide governance or trustee training?

Yes. Ake Accounting provides governance and trustee training, drawing on team members who hold formal governance credentials and sit as trustees themselves. It's especially valuable for volunteer or first-time trustees who want to lead confidently — understanding their obligations, reading the numbers, and making sound decisions for their beneficiaries and their whenua.

Our whenua is under-utilised — can you help us do something with it?

Yes — this is exactly the mahi Ake Accounting loves. Your whenua holds potential waiting to be awakened. Alongside your trustees we'll get the compliance sorted, then look at feasibility, funding and a practical, values-led plan for the land — whether that's farming, horticulture, forestry or papakāinga — so it works for the people it's for.

Do you help marae with their accounts?

Yes. Ake Accounting works with marae on their accounting, compliance and reporting, and with related entities like charitable trusts, kōhanga reo and kura. We understand the volunteer-led, community-accountable nature of marae administration, and we keep the reporting clear so your committee and your people can see exactly where things stand.

What are a trustee's financial reporting obligations?

Trustees are generally responsible for keeping proper financial records, preparing accounts, meeting IRD filing obligations, and reporting to beneficiaries — with additional oversight from the Māori Land Court for Māori land trusts. Ake Accounting helps trustees meet all of this and present it in a way the whole board can understand.

This is general information — obligations vary by trust type, so get advice for your specific trust.

How is a Māori Land Trust taxed compared to a Māori Authority?

They can differ significantly. A trust that hasn't elected Māori Authority status is generally taxed at trust rates, while a Māori Authority has a concessionary rate and its own credit-account rules. Which is better depends on your entity. Ake Accounting helps you compare and choose the right structure.

This is general information, not individual tax advice — get advice for your entity's circumstances.

Can you help us report to our beneficiaries and at our AGM?

Yes. Ake Accounting prepares clear, board- and beneficiary-ready reporting for your AGM and hui — numbers your trustees and owners can actually understand, not dense jargon. Being accountable to beneficiaries, hapū and iwi matters, and good reporting builds that trust. We can also attend key meetings to help present and answer questions.

What is business coaching at Ake?

Business coaching at Ake Accounting means working alongside you to set goals, build a plan and stay accountable to it through regular hui — not just filing your tax at year-end. It's for owners who have the vision and energy but want the structure and someone to keep them on track. Group and 1:1 options are available.

What's the difference between group and 1:1 coaching?

Group coaching at Ake Accounting (from $295 +GST/mo) puts you alongside other business owners for shared learning and accountability, while 1:1 coaching (from $495 +GST/mo) is tailored entirely to you and your business. Many owners start in a group and move to 1:1 as their goals sharpen.

Can you help me write a business plan?

Yes. Ake Accounting helps you build a practical business plan and 12-month plan that connects your vision to real numbers and next steps. We don't hand you a document that sits in a drawer — we work through it with you and revisit it in your hui, so the plan actually moves.

Do you do budgets and cashflow forecasts?

Yes. Ake Accounting prepares budgets and cashflow forecasts so you can see what's coming, make confident decisions, and avoid nasty surprises. For businesses it means planning growth with your eyes open; for trusts it means knowing you can meet obligations and fund the projects your board wants to pursue.

What is the Wealth Creation Roadmap?

The Wealth Creation Roadmap is Ake Accounting's structured approach to building financial wellbeing over time — connecting your business or trust performance to longer-term goals like personal wealth, security and intergenerational prosperity. It's about more than this year's tax: it's mapping the path toward the thriving future you're actually working for.

This is general information, not personalised financial advice — get advice for your circumstances.

Can you help me grow my business, not just file my tax?

Absolutely — that's the heart of Ake Accounting. Compliance is the baseline; growth is the point. Through advisory, coaching, forecasting and regular accountability hui, we work alongside you to grow profitably, get your numbers under control and free up your time. We're a partner for a thriving future, not just a return-filer.

Do you run workshops or webinars?

Yes. Ake Accounting runs workshops, training and webinars — including governance training for trustees and practical sessions for business owners. They're a great low-pressure way to learn, get value before you commit, and see how we think. Keep an eye on our channels for what's coming up.

Can you help me with personal financial planning?

Yes. Ake Accounting offers Personal Financial Planning as an add-on from $195 +GST/month, helping you connect your business or trust income to your own goals — peace of mind, security and building something to pass on. It's about giving you mind, time and financial freedom, not just balancing books.

This is general information, not personalised financial advice — get advice for your circumstances.

What areas does Ake Accounting serve?

Ake Accounting is based in the Eastern Bay of Plenty (Whakatāne), with a presence in Tauranga and an office in Pukekohe (South Auckland), and we serve clients right across the North Island and wider Aotearoa. We combine in-person work in our home region with remote delivery for clients further afield.

Can you work with me remotely if I'm not in Whakatāne?

Yes. Ake Accounting works with clients across the North Island remotely — through video hui, Xero and clear service cadences — and travels for key boards and AGMs when in-person really counts. Our Xero Platinum Champion status makes the day-to-day seamless, so you get a close relationship without needing to be down the road.

What are your office hours?

Ake Accounting's office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. The easiest way to get started is to book a no-obligation discovery call at a time that suits you — including around your own work and trustee commitments — and we'll fit in with your schedule where we can.

How do I contact Ake Accounting?

You can contact Ake Accounting by phone on 0800 650 017 or (07) 307 0099, or through the contact form on akeaccounting.co.nz to book a no-obligation discovery call. Whether it's a quick phone call or a coffee, we'd love to have a kōrero about how we can help.

Do you have an office in Auckland or Pukekohe?

Yes. Ake Accounting's Auckland-region office is at 12–18 Seddon Street, Pukekohe (South Auckland), alongside our Whakatāne head office and our Tauranga presence. This supports clients across Auckland and the upper North Island, complemented by remote delivery so wherever you are, you get the same close, kaupapa-led service.

Do you offer tax audit insurance?

Yes. Ake Accounting offers optional Audit Shield tax-audit insurance, which helps cover the professional fees involved if IRD reviews or audits your returns. It's a simple way to protect yourself from unexpected costs, and we'll explain whether it makes sense for your situation.

This is general information — cover terms vary, so ask us for the current details.

What results can I expect from working with Ake?

With Ake Accounting you can expect your compliance handled and off your mind, reporting your board or whānau actually understands, and a clear, values-aligned plan for growth or for your whenua. Clients tell us the biggest wins are peace of mind and time back — the headspace to focus on what matters.

Results depend on your situation and effort — this is general information, not a guarantee of specific outcomes.

Do you guarantee your results?

Ake Accounting can't promise specific financial results — no honest adviser can, since outcomes depend on your decisions and circumstances. What we do commit to is doing the technical work right, being genuinely present, and keeping you accountable to your plan. Our clients value being kept on track over being sold hype.

This is general information, not a guarantee — outcomes vary by situation.

How do you measure success for a trust?

For a trust, Ake Accounting measures success beyond compliance: trustees who understand their own numbers, obligations met without stress, and real progress on developing the whenua and serving beneficiaries. Success is the board making confident, well-grounded decisions — and the whenua and assets doing more for the people they're meant to benefit.

How long until I see results from coaching?

Many Ake Accounting coaching clients feel more in control within the first few months — clearer numbers, a real plan, and the accountability to act on it. Deeper results like sustained growth take longer and depend on the work you put in. The regular hui are what keep the momentum building over time.

This is general information — timeframes vary by business and effort.

What ongoing support do I get?

With Ake Accounting's monthly plans, support is ongoing all year, not once at tax time. You get a client manager who knows you, regular hui suited to your plan, and the ability to pick up the phone when something comes up. We're built to be alongside you — that's the whole point of a partner.

What if I have a problem or a complaint?

If something's not right, tell us — Ake Accounting would always rather hear it and put it right. Talk to your client manager, or ask to raise it with a director. We take feedback seriously because our reputation travels in tight-knit communities, and keeping your trust matters more to us than being defensive.

What happens if I decide to leave Ake?

If you decide to move on, Ake Accounting will hand your records over professionally to your new accountant, just as we'd hope others would for us. There are no hard feelings — relationships in our communities are long, and we'd rather part well and stay on good terms than make leaving difficult.