The Academy

Hiring your first team member? Here’s your first-day checklist for new employees - from payroll setup and KiwiSaver to onboarding and culture tips for NZ business owners.

We’re excited to announce that we’ve recently been approved as an official Regional Business Partner Network Provider - which means your business can now access The Management Capability Development Fund to work with us. In simple terms, this is a "Training Subsidy" or "Business Grant" provided through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). It’s designed to help New Zealand business owners access professional advice and financial training to grow, improve performance, and build capability.

For most e-commerce businesses, December is the best month of the year. Customers are shopping for Christmas, hunting Black Friday deals, and taking advantage of Boxing Day sales. Sales volumes skyrocket, average order values are higher, and businesses enjoy a strong cashflow boost. But then January arrives… and reality sets in. Instead of riding the December wave, many businesses hit a wall: demand drops, cashflow tightens, and leftover stock ties up valuable working capital. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—January is a notoriously tough month for e-commerce.

If you run a business, work as a freelancer, or earn irregular income, you’ve likely heard about provisional tax. One of the biggest challenges people face is getting their provisional tax estimation right. Too low and you’ll face penalties. Too high and you’re handing Inland Revenue an interest-free loan. The good news? With a clear process, you can master provisional tax and use it as a tool to strengthen your financial planning.

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, having a robust cash reserve is not just a safety net - it’s a strategic advantage. Imagine navigating economic downturns, seizing unexpected opportunities, or simply weathering seasonal slowdowns like January without stress. Whether you’re a small startup or an established enterprise, mastering the art of cash management can significantly impact your long-term success. Cash reserves are the game-changer that allows you to not only survive, but thrive in any financial climate.

If you’ve been thinking about your financial future, whether it's getting ahead with your savings, building wealth, or making sure you're on the right track for retirement, you’ve probably wondered whether hiring a financial advisor in New Zealand is the right move. The answer is likely ‘yes’, but let’s break down why it makes sense!