Director & Chartered Accountant

AIoD, B.Bus, B.Av, CPP

As Director of Ake Accounting, Matthew Davis has spent over a decade helping businesses and whānau achieve sustainable success. A Chartered Accountant since 2010, he combines deep expertise in financial strategy, governance, and business advisory with a personalised coaching approach that empowers clients to grow with confidence.

Matthew is known for delivering practical, actionable advice - whether guiding business owners through complex decisions, tackling operational challenges, or helping them set and reach strategic goals. His client-focused methods have positioned Ake as a modern, advisory-driven firm, offering innovative services like the 'Journey Insight Pathway' to equip clients for long-term success.

Ake’s progressive approach under his leadership has been recognised through multiple awards, including as a 2023 and 2024 finalist for The Gap Emerging Advisory Firm Award.

Outside of work, Matthew is a devoted father of three, an avid runner, and a aviation enthusiast. He believes a successful business should support both your income and your lifestyle - and he’s committed to helping clients achieve just that.

Whakataukī: Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.
Pursue that which is precious, and do not be deterred by anything less than a lofty mountain.

Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi

Tumu Whakarae (CEO) & Chartered Accountant

B.Bus, CPP, MInstD

Tania-Rose is a Chartered Accountant with a passion for helping her clients kanohi ki te kanohi.

She has expertise with accounting for Māori Trusts, Farms, Companies, Partnerships, Sole Traders and Charitable entities along with skills in applying for funding for not-for-profit organisations.

Tania Rose sits in a number of governance roles within Whakatāne, is also a Trustee for one of her whenua trusts in the Maniapoto rohe, and a Member of the Institute of Directors. 

She also has a background in dairy farming, previously farming in both the north and deep south. She currently lives with her whanāu on a farmlet at Onepū.

Whakatōhea, Ngati Ngahere, Ngati Ira, Nga Ariki Kaiputahi

Accounting Team Leader & Associate Chartered Accountant

NZDipBus(Mgmt), BBS(Actg)

Born and raised in Ōpōtiki, Tanisha moved to Hawke’s Bay in 2004 and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies in 2010. She began her accounting career in 2011, initially specialising in farm accounting. Over time, she has built a diverse portfolio and now works closely with small to medium businesses, charitable trusts, and Māori organisations across the region.

Tanisha currently serves as Accounting Team Leader — a role she finds both rewarding and energising. She is especially passionate about mentoring and supporting our client managers, helping them grow in confidence and capability within the profession. Playing a part in their development and success brings her great joy and adds a dynamic leadership element to her career.

She is also committed to supporting local charities, recognising the vital role they play in strengthening communities. Her approach is grounded in building strong, trusting relationships and delivering practical, thoughtful advice tailored to each client’s unique needs.

In 2017, Tanisha returned to her hometown of Ōpōtiki with her family. A dedicated wife and mother of five, she balances her professional responsibilities with a deep commitment to her whānau. She proudly embraces her Māori heritage, which underpins her values of service, integrity, and resilience in both her personal and professional life.

Outside of work, Tanisha is actively involved in her local squash club, where she serves as Treasurer and plays regularly. The sport provides her with a valuable outlet for balance and wellbeing, offering both physical challenge and a way to recharge amidst a busy and fulfilling life.

Whakataukī: Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. - With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.

Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Maniapoto

Senior Client Manager & Chartered Accountant

BCom, MInstD

Dylan is a Chartered Accountant and proud Whakatāne local with a strong dedication to helping clients achieve their full potential. With extensive experience in accounting practices, he has worked with a diverse range of clients, including not-for-profit iwi entities.

Dylan's career has also taken him to Dunedin and Lower Hutt, where he gained valuable industry experience, taking on roles in business coaching, forecasting, strategic and business planning, and virtual CFO services. This experience has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to better support his clients’ needs.

Returning to Whakatāne after his time away has been a refreshing change, and he's excited to work with the talented team at Ake, where he can continue to make a positive impact.

Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Rauru

Projects Team Leader

Of Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Rauru descent, Erin has a strong interest in supporting the growth and development of the Māori economy. She enjoys working alongside Māori Land Trusts and Māori businesses to support them in unlocking their potential. 

With a background in Human Resources, Education and Governance, alongside running and operating her own business, Erin has been delivering workshops and providing business knowledge for whānau and hapū across a broad range of kaupapa. 

Erin is a Trustee for her marae, alongside sitting on a number of governance boards within Maniapoto and across Aotearoa. Erin is also a member of the Institute of Directors. 

Ngāti Awa, Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngā Puhi

Consultant

Trina brings over 30 years of experience in the accounting and financial services sector, adopting a hands-on, people-first approach to ensure her clients feel supported in a comfortable environment and empowered to succeed. Her success stems from a simplified, clear approach that ensures her clients are fully conversant with their obligations, enabling them to navigate their financial responsibilities with confidence and peace of mind.

Her area of expertise includes working extensively with Māori Trusts, Kōhanga Reo, Kura, Marae, and Charitable entities. She possesses a deep understanding of the unique cultural, legal, and financial needs of these organisations, developed through years of dedicated service. Trina often engages directly within these communities, sharing her extensive accountancy knowledge and building strong, trust-based relationships.

Her goal is to provide tailored financial advice and support that respects and enhances the cultural values and aspirations of each organisation she serves, while also empowering whānau to control their financial destiny and build a sustainable future.

Whakataukī: Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini - My strength is not mine alone but that of many

Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Tūwharetoa

Client Manager (Intermediate) & Accounting Technician

NZDipBus (Acc)

Born and bred Te Teko local, Minta has experience working in local Chartered Accounting firms with monthly accounting, payroll and annual accounting and is passionate about helping our people.

Minta holds a NZ Diploma in Business majoring in Accounting, as well as accreditation as an Accounting Technician with Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Outside of mahi, Minta enjoys spending time with her whānau especially out riding horses and travelling the motu competing in the rodeo circuit.

Ngāti Tūwharetoa

Client Manager (Intermediate)

Diploma in Business

Maia is the first port of call for a wide range of Ake’s clients. Originally from Tauranga, Maia now lives in Ōhope and recently completed her Diploma in Business (Accounting) in February 2025, having studied part-time online through the Open Polytechnic.

Born in Upper Hutt and raised in Levin and Palmerston North, Maia moved to Tauranga for the rest of her childhood before settling in Whakatāne four years ago. Her journey into accounting has been shaped by dedication, whānau support, and a deep appreciation for Māori business. Maia says a highlight of working at Ake is being able to work alongside, support, and learn from Māori businesses. She particularly enjoys building strong relationships with clients and helping them unlock their full potential.

Outside of mahi, Maia enjoys spending time with her whānau and friends and never turns down a good Netflix series.

Whakataukī: Everything happens for a reason

Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Manawa, Kuki Airani

Client Manager (Junior)

Master of Professional Accounting (MPA), BCom

Cheyne is our newest Client Manager at Ake. Originally from Porirua, with whakapapa ties to the Eastern Bay, she studied at Victoria University of Wellington, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2021 and completing her Master of Professional Accounting in 2024.

What Cheyne values most about working at Ake is the opportunity to give back to her people and be part of a firm grounded in strong Māori values. Outside of mahi, she enjoys staying active and spending time with animals - especially dogs. She also volunteers at the SPCA, combining her love for animals with her commitment to making a positive difference.

Whakataukī: Whaowhia te kete mātauranga - Fill the basket of knowledge

Tūhoe

Practice Manager

Bachelor of International Tourism Management (BITM)

Orijhan was born and raised in Kawerau. She is the face at our reception desk who has a passion for helping her community and people.

Orijhan holds a Bachelor's degree in International Tourism Management and has extensive experience in customer service.

Outside of mahi, Orijhan enjoys training at our local Crossfit gym, participating in team sports and spending time with her whānau and friends.

Payroll Manager

NZ Cert. in Business Administration

Whakatāne local Kate is orur payroll expert, and has over x years experience payroll and administration in the accounting industry. and is passionate about helping our clients succeed

Outside of mahi, Kate enjoys spending time with her friends and whānau especially exploring the area and swimming at our local spots.

Ngāti Awa, Ngai Tuhoe

Practice Administrator

Bachelor of Digital Business

A graduate of the University of Waikato, Ngawati has a background in sales and has enjoyed taking her career in a new direction with Ake. As well as being our welcoming presence on reception, Ngawati supports our team and in keeping the workplace flowing.

 She says she was drawn to Ake by its “awesome Kaupapa” and the dedication of the team to supporting and growing Māori businesses. Outside of mahi, Ngawati loves hanging with her whānau and travelling.

Business Empowerment Coach & Advisor

With extensive experience in small to medium-sized businesses, Douwe takes a practical and results-driven approach to business coaching. He specialises in identifying growth opportunities, refining strategies, and empowering business owners to streamline operations, boost sales, and tackle leadership challenges with confidence.

 Douwe runs Be Bold in Business, a breakthrough mindset philosophy and coaching method designed to deliver clarity, confidence and happiness in life and business. He works with clients in a way that suits their needs — whether through 1:1 coaching, group sessions, or a hybrid approach — ensuring tailored support that drives real results.

Originally from the Netherlands, Douwe moved to New Zealand in his early twenties and now lives in the King Country on a lifestyle block surrounded by bush and forest. Outside of business, he enjoys horse training and riding, sailing, playing piano, and singing close harmony.