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 the leader of Ake, a Chartered Accountant with a passion for working kanohi ki te kanohi with her clients.

Her expertise lies in partnering with Māori Ahu Whenua Trusts, farms, and not-for-profit entities. She’s especially passionate about developing others in business - coaching clients to grow their enterprises in a way that gives them the time, mind, and financial freedom they work so hard for. When she can, she also enjoys mentoring rangatahi through sport.

Raised in the small King Country town of Piopio, Tania-Rose originally planned to become a PE teacher or physiotherapist. But life had other ideas. Her journey to owning an accounting firm began as a Kōhanga Reo māmā, volunteering for her tamariki’s playcentre and sports teams. As a young mum, she studied in between raising her whānau while her husband was busy on the dairy farm - “the best lifestyle for any whānau!” she says.

Tania-Rose holds several governance roles in Whakatāne, including a voluntary position on the Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce, as well as one of her own whenua trusts in the Maniapoto rohe. She’s a Member of the Institute of Directors and enjoys supporting trustees to become confident, capable governors.

She also brings a background in dairy farming, having farmed in both the North and Deep South. Today, she and her husband Monty live on their block in Onepū, where they still rear animals in their spare time. The rest of her downtime is usually spent following sport, mainly rugby - whether it’s watching her adult kids play or cheering on local men’s and women’s teams.

Whakataukī: Whakaara kia mataara – Aim high. Nothing is impossible!

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), CAANZ Member

Born and bred in Te Teko, Minta specialises in working with Māori Land Trusts and is deeply committed to supporting our people through her mahi, where she brings strong skills and experience in monthly accounting, payroll, and annual compliance. Minta also gives back to her community through her voluntary roles as Treasurer for Te Teko Rugby Club and Te Teko JAB Club.

She enjoys the whanaungatanga within the Ake team and with our clients, and says you can’t beat the amazing view from our new office space.

 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, she enjoys spending time with her whānau especially out riding horses and travelling the motu competing in the New Zealand 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)

Born and raised in Kawerau, Orijhan leads the operational side of our business, supporting our team and our clients by driving efficiency and continuous improvement across the firm.

With a background in customer service and a degree in International Tourism Management, she brings a people-first approach to practice management, ensuring our clients experience service that is efficient, effective, and genuinely personable. 

What Orijhan enjoys most about her role is navigating the always-evolving world of practice management - tackling challenges, making the most of new opportunities and technology, and learning along the way.

Outside of mahi, you’ll find her training at the local CrossFit gym, playing team sports, and spending quality time with whānau and friends.

Whakataukī: Mauri Tū – I’m grateful for the flexibility to work part-time and from home, allowing me to be present for my baby’s early years.

Payroll Manager

NZ Cert. in Business Administration

Whakatāne local Kate is our payroll expert, and has extensive payroll and administration experience in in the accounting industry.

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 in administration, payroll and generally 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.

Whakataukī: He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people. 

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.