Charting Our AI Course: TMNZ's Journey

By Eric Troebner

As Chief Technology Officer at TMNZ, I’ve had the privilege of being in the cockpit of our exciting artificial intelligence (AI) transformation. When we first started talking about AI around the time that ChatGPT was released, the conversations were filled with equal parts excitement and uncertainty. Today, I’m thrilled to share how we’ve turned that initial curiosity into some real, measurable impact across our entire business.

Building Our Launch Pad: Getting the Fundamentals Right

The temptation with any new technology is to dive headfirst into the flashiest applications. But our approach has been different from day one. We knew that sustainable AI adoption required rock-solid foundations, so we spent our first year building what I like to call our “AI launch pad.”

This wasn’t glamorous work, but it was essential. We completely overhauled our security framework, implementing stronger role-based access controls that ensure every team member has exactly the right level of system access. We also improved data classification and governance protocols. Every piece of company and client data remains securely within our infrastructure, and no AI model ever touches our sensitive information for training purposes.

The technical infrastructure we built gives our teams access to a carefully curated ecosystem of AI models, from OpenAI and Azure OpenAI to Anthropic Claude, Gemini, and Mistral. But we took it one step further: we created an internal AI portal where every single employee can safely experiment with these powerful tools. Whether it’s document analysis, image generation, or building custom agents, our people can explore AI’s potential within secure, compliant boundaries.

Perhaps most importantly, we implemented modern agent orchestration using platforms like n8n. This means both our technical and non-technical staff can create sophisticated automations without writing code. This launch pad has democratised AI development across our organisation.

Pre-Flight Checks: Education and Experimentation

Once our technical foundation was solid, we moved into what I call our “pre-flight” phase. This was all about preparation, education, and focused experimentation.

At a recent strategy all hands meeting we re-iterated an important truth for everyone: None of us are AI experts, and that is perfectly fine.

This humility is one of our secret weapons. Instead of pretending to know all the answers, we are working to create an environment where curiosity thrives. We run hands-on workshops and proof of concepts for every team, from operations to engineering to sales and marketing.

Each session focused on one key question: what AI application would make the biggest difference to your daily work? We actively encouraged teams to focus solely on what would make the largest impact in their daily workflows – no blue-sky thinking unless it solves their biggest bottleneck.

The results are remarkable. Teams didn’t just brainstorm abstract possibilities – they mapped out specific AI agents that could solve their biggest bottlenecks. Within a month of these workshops, over half our teams had working proof-of-concepts deployed. In just the first four weeks, we tracked over 200 hours of productivity gains across the company, having invested only about 20 hours to build these solutions.

Achieving Liftoff: Real Impact Across the Business

The transition from experimentation to production happened faster than we anticipated, and the results speak for themselves. Today, every business unit at TMNZ has secure AI tooling available to build into their daily workflows. Our product and engineering teams have accelerated discovery, analysis, development and testing, while our sales, marketing, finance, and customer support teams benefit from the first iteration of AI agents that handle everything from content creation to data analysis.

The numbers tell an impressive story. We’ve achieved an estimated 2 percent business-wide productivity uplift from our initial proof-of-concepts alone – equivalent to gaining a full-time employee. These aren’t just theoretical gains; they’re measurable improvements that allow us to do more with less and grow TMNZ.

To be able to speed up the delivery of practical results, proofs of concept at TMNZ are treated as if they are already in production. This allows us to quickly assess effectiveness, adjust on the fly, and confidently decide where to invest further resources and scale solutions.

Landing Safely: Governance and Responsibility

Success with AI isn’t just about speed and efficiency, it’s about doing things responsibly. Our “landing” phase focuses on sustainable scaling while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and governance.

We’ve embedded human oversight into every human-facing AI output – it’s part of our policy to protect both our clients and our reputation. Our practical and clear-cut AI policy ensures that only approved tools run on approved infrastructure, with clear guidelines around confidentiality and responsible usage.

Continuous education remains a cornerstone of this approach. Every new team member receives foundational training on AI terminology, data privacy, and risk management. We’re also building partnerships across organisations that are on the same journey as well as technology partners to enhance our governance frameworks and maintain our leadership in responsible Fintech AI.

Education and training is a true team effort and I am lucky to have highly capable and motivated members of my team and across TMNZ who deliver lunch & learn sessions, present to everyone the emerging AI phishing risks and champion innovative projects with partners.

The Journey Continues

What really excites me about our AI journey is that we’re just getting started. As part of our next phase, we are committed to sharing our learnings with the broader New Zealand business community because we believe AI’s greatest potential lies in collaborative exploration with our partners and customers.

For any business considering their own AI journey, my advice is simple: invest time in getting your fundamentals right, create space for genuine team-driven experimentation, and stay flexible as you learn. The destination matters less than building the capability to navigate whatever comes next.

Here is an outline of the topics we are going to share over the coming months:

  • Practical AI Foundations: Policies, Security, Tech Stack
  • Managing your AI Agents like staff members
  • Shifting to agentic AI
  • Avoiding the Number 8 Wire trap
  • Practical low-cost AI setup for NZ SMEs
  • AI for Accountants and Tax Professionals in NZ

To learn more about TMNZ’s technology innovation for clients, go here.


Missed your latest provisional tax payment? How you can find relief

Forgot to pay your provisional tax? Or maybe cashflow was tight and you couldn’t quite make the payment work? Either way, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not out of options.

If you own a business, you know provisional tax and its inflexibility all too well. Miss a due date and the penalties and interest start piling up fast. But here’s the thing – there’s relief available, with TMNZ.

Let us show you how we can help.

What happens when you miss that payment?

When you pay provisional tax late or don’t pay enough by the due date, Inland Revenue (IRD) charges penalties and interest on your unpaid amount:

  • A 1% late payment penalty (LPP) kicks in the day after the due date
  • An additional 4% penalty hits seven days later – and that’s on top of any existing penalties
  • 9.89% UOMI (use of money interest) gets charged daily from the day after the due date until you’ve paid everything, including penalties and interest.

The costs add up quickly. But there’s a way around this.

Enter TMNZ – your relief option

TMNZ pioneered tax pooling – a world-first, and IRD-approved solution. Here’s how it works.

We pool provisional tax payments from multiple businesses in an account we hold as a registered tax pooling intermediary. When one business needs more time to pay, another business’s overpayment covers them. Business helping business.

Because we can backpay your unpaid tax, IRD no longer sees it as a ‘late payment.’ Which means you dodge those penalties and fees entirely.

Whether you simply forgot to pay or cashflow got tight, TMNZ gives you breathing room. You can make a one-off payment when it suits you, or set up regular instalments – giving you up to 13 months to pay your provisional tax.

Missed your terminal tax date too? We can still help slash interest costs and wipe out late payment penalties.

The real deal

TMNZ lets you pay when it actually works for your business. There is some interest to pay – but it’s much lower than IRD’s late payment interest or what you’d pay on business overdrafts or unsecured loans. And tax pooling with TMNZ eliminates those late payment penalties entirely.

All you need to do is tell us how much tax is due and when or how you’d like to pay it. We handle the rest and notify Inland Revenue of your arrangement. Simple.

Take control of your tax payments

Whether you forgot to pay or couldn’t make the payment work with your cashflow, you’ve got options. TMNZ can eliminate those late payment penalties and give you the payment flexibility your business needs.

Contact your accountant or tax agent and let them know you want to use TMNZ’s tax pooling product for your missed or underpaid provisional tax. Or get in touch with us directly to explore your options.

Don’t let a missed payment throw your business off track. With TMNZ, you can navigate tax season with confidence and keep your cashflow working for you.

Ready to take advantage of tax pooling? Contact our team today.


Balancing your Imputation Credit Account

We’re here to make tax a bit easier. This webinar that cuts through the complexity of imputation credits and shows you how to manage your ICA when you’re using tax pooling.

What you’ll learn

  • how to better manage your ICA when using tax pooling
  • case studies that bring the concepts to life
  • get your questions answered by our tax experts

Who this is for

This webinar is perfect for accountants and finance professionals in medium to large businesses dealing with Imputation Credit returns.

This content is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with our team of specialists.

The interest rates mentioned in our webinars were accurate at the time of original recording. Please note that IRD interest rates change over time. Always refer to current official IRD rates for the most up-to-date information

Book a tax pooling overview for your business

Is tax pooling the right solution for you? Every business we work with has different needs. Book an overview with one of our tax pooling specialists to find out how we can support you.

Ask a tax expert

Accountant planning

Five top tips for paying 28 August provisional tax

Are you due to pay 28 August provisional tax?

For most business taxpayers, your first instalment of provisional tax for the 2025 tax year is coming up. It’s important to pay what you owe on the due date. Inland Revenue won’t hesitate to charge steep interest and late payment penalties if you don’t.

If you’re a business owner or operator, here are five useful tips to ensure you’re ready to pay the first provisional tax payment for the year on the 28 August due date. For agents, you may also wish to share these tips with your clients to help them prepare.

1. Assess your cashflow

Now’s the time to look at the money coming in and going out of your business.

Cast your eyes over your accounts receivable report to see which customers owe you money. If required, ask them if they can sort their bill earlier. Conversely, see if you can buy more time if you owe suppliers money.

If cashflow is tight or you have a better use for the money, keep reading. There’s an option that lets you pay 28 August provisional tax when it suits you.

2. Be aware of the fish hooks

If you pay less than $60,000, you are what’s known as a safe harbour taxpayer.   You won’t be charged interest by Inland Revenue if you pay your provisional tax late. But, you will be charged late payment penalties. You can find out more about safe harbour rules here.

3. Know your methods to calculate 28 August provisional tax

It’s important you are aware of the different methods available to calculate your provisional tax payments. For more information about the provisional tax methods available to you, see our Provisional Tax Guide.

4. Consider using tax pooling

An Inland Revenue-approved tax pooling intermediary such as TMNZ can assist if cashflow is tight. Working with us allows you to pay 28 August provisional tax at a time and in a manner that suits you, without incurring Inland Revenue interest or late payment penalties. You can defer the full payment to a date in the future or pay off what’s due in instalments.

TMNZ will date-stamp tax for you in a special trust account with Inland Revenue on your behalf. You pay TMNZ at the agreed future date or as and when it suits your cashflow, and the tax will be transferred to your account with Inland Revenue, and treated by them as being paid on time.

5. If in doubt, consult a professional

Do you have any questions about 28 August provisional tax? Seek the advice of an accountant or tax advisor. They can determine the best provisional tax calculation for your business and help you manage your payments and cashflow.

If you wish to learn more about the provisional tax payment flexibility TMNZ offers businesses, get in touch.

Get provisional tax peace of mind with TMNZ

The 28 August provisional tax payment date doesn’t need to cause stress. TMNZ offers flexible, IR-approved payment solutions that give you more control over your cashflow—without the risk of late payment penalties or use-of-money interest. Explore our full 28 August payment guide or talk to TMNZ today to find out how we can support your business this tax year.

Information in this article is correct as at 31/7/25. You should consult with your tax advisor concerning all tax matters. Read our Terms and Conditions.


First year of trading and provisional tax

What are a taxpayer’s provisional tax obligations in their first year of trading?

This is a question we receive a lot. In fact, there is certainly a lot of confusion out there.

As most know, their first year of trading is not tax-free. However, when income tax is due and payable depends on a taxpayer’s tax liability (called their residual income tax (RIT)) for the year and if they are a ‘new provisional taxpayer’.

So, with that in mind, we explain below how the provisional tax rules work for new business taxpayers.

First year of trading: RIT is less than $60,000

If a taxpayer’s residual income tax (RIT) is less than $60,000 in their first year of trading, they won’t need to pay provisional tax that year. Instead, tax is payable as a lump sum on their terminal tax date, which for most taxpayers will be 7 February or 7 April of the year after this tax year.   

Use of money interest and late payment penalties will be incurred if their tax bill isn’t paid by the due date.

If the RIT is more than $5000 in their first year of trading, they will be a provisional taxpayer for the following year.

First year of trading: RIT is $60,000 or more

Inland Revenue (IR) will charge interest if taxpayers fall into the ‘new provisional taxpayer’ category and you don’t make provisional tax payments.

The new provisional taxpayer criteria are different for individuals and companies/trusts.

An individual qualifies as a new provisional taxpayer if:

  • Their RIT for that tax year is $60,000 or more
  • Their RIT in each of the four previous tax years was $5000 or less
  • They stopped receiving income from employment and started to receive income from a taxable activity during that tax year.

A company or trust qualifies as a new provisional taxpayer if:

  • Their RIT for that tax year is $60,000 or more
  • They did not receive taxable income from a taxable activity in any of the four previous years
  • They started receiving income from a taxable activity during that tax year.

Please take note of the different criteria for individuals and companies/trusts. This catches taxpayers out.

When is the first provisional tax payment due?

Inland Revenue will charge interest (see the current rate here) on the number of provisional tax payments a taxpayer could have made in their first year of business if they meet the new provisional taxpayer criteria.

Of course, that number depends on the date on which their business starts trading.

For someone with a 31 March balance date, refer to the table below:

If the first year of trading starts… Then the number of provisional tax instalments payable is… And the due dates are…
Before 29 July Three 28 Aug, 15 Jan and 7 May
29 July – 15 Dec Two  15 Jan and 7 May
16 December+ One 7 May

These dates will differ if your balance date isn’t 31 March or if you file GST returns on a six-monthly basis.

First provisional tax payment – The basic amount

So, what happens if you meet the new provisional taxpayer criteria in your first year of trading?

Well, put simply, Inland Revenue will divide your tax liability (RIT) for the year by the number of instalments you were liable to pay per the table above.

For instance, say your business starts trading on 1 October and your RIT for the year was $69,000.

IR will charge interest from two provisional tax payment dates: 15 January and 7 May. The amount on which interest will accrue at each due date will be $34,500.

Reducing exposure to Inland Revenue interest

Taxpayers may wish to pay provisional tax in their first year of trading to mitigate their exposure to IR interest if they expect their RIT to be $60,000 or more.

If they are an individual or a partner in a partnership and meet certain criteria, they may also get an early payment discount of 6.3%. This is provided they make voluntary payments before their tax date and haven’t been obligated to pay provisional tax in the current or previous four years.

Reduce IRD Interest with TMNZ

Worried about use of money interest on your first year tax bill? 

If you have missed making a provisional tax payment, or wish to delay when you make the provisional tax payment, TMNZ can help. TMNZ can delay the payment of your provisional tax, or help you with any missed payments. The interest cost to you is well below Inland Revenue’s interest rate. Talk with TMNZ to stay on top of your tax obligations without the stress.

This article has been written in general terms only. You should not rely upon this to provide specific information without also obtaining appropriate professional advice after detailed examination of your situation.


Using smart tax solutions to drive growth in the construction industry

The situation

Leighs Construction, a proudly New Zealand-owned and operated company, is renowned for delivering complex, high-calibre construction projects that leave a lasting legacy for local communities. As they continue to grow, managing tax obligations amidst fluctuating project phases proved to be an ongoing challenge.

The challenge

In the construction industry, taxable income can vary significantly depending on the phase of projects. For Rebecca the Group Finance Manager of Leighs Construction, this variability made it difficult to forecast and plan for tax obligations ahead of time. Traditionally, they paid taxes directly to the IRD, but this rigid approach lacked the flexibility needed to align payments with their cashflow.

The solution

Leighs Construction turned to TMNZ for a smarter, more flexible approach to their provisional tax payments. Key benefits included:

  • saving money on IRD Use of Money Interest (UOMI)
  • ability to time-shift tax payments forward or backward, depending on project performance and cashflow needs, without IRD penalties
  • confidence in TMNZ’s trusted and IRD-approved solution for managing their tax obligations
  • access to expert tax guidance and support, ensuring peace of mind during tax time.

The results

With TMNZ, Rebecca and the team at Leighs Construction have transformed their tax management process. The company now enjoys:

  • cashflow flexibility, allowing them to pay taxes when it best suits their business
  • significant savings on UOMI, freeing up working capital for reinvestment
  • confidence in their tax compliance, supported by TMNZ’s expertise.
  • ability to focus on growth knowing their tax obligations are under control.

Your key takeaway

For businesses in the construction industry, tax flexibility can unlock working capital and reduce financial stress. By partnering with TMNZ, Leighs Construction has gained the tools and support needed to navigate tax obligations with ease, enabling them to focus on building a brighter future for their business and the communities they serve.

For more on how our TMNZ’s solutions can help your business,  go here.

Watch the video

 


How TMNZ partners with accountants to simplify tax for growing businesses

The situation

Sauvruth Sanjay is the Senior Accountant at Orb360, a small-to-medium-sized chartered accounting firm based in Auckland and Wellington. They specialise in helping SME businesses with compliance, tax advisory, dispute resolution, and franchise consulting. They’ve built a reputation for delivering tailored solutions for their clients’ financial needs, including navigating complex tax obligations.

The challenge

Many of Orb360’s clients struggle with:

  1. Compliance issues: Filing tax returns on time and avoiding IRD interest and penalties.
  2. Cashflow pressures: Juggling multiple tax obligations simultaneously (e.g., GST and provisional tax), creating strain on cashflow and preventing reinvestment into their operations.

These challenges are especially significant for SMEs, where resources are stretched, and missing deadlines can have costly consequences.

The solution

Over a decade ago, Orb360 partnered with TMNZ, to provide their clients with flexible, tailored provisional tax solutions. TMNZ offers:

  • Flexibility: Clients can pay provisional tax on their terms, aligning payments with their business cashflow cycles, not just IRD’s deadlines.
  • Cost savings: No IRD penalties and interest, freeing up funds for other priorities.
  • Peace of mind: Integrated systems ensure clients never miss tax deadlines, reducing stress for both clients and accountants.

TMNZ also supports Orb360 during IRD audits and reassessments, providing an additional 90-day payment window to ease financial pressure during tax disputes.

The results

  • Improved compliance: Orb360’s clients now consistently meet tax deadlines, avoiding penalties and maintaining good standing with IRD.
  • More cashflow flexibility: Businesses can manage large tax bills without sacrificing operational growth, reinvesting funds into their companies.
  • Stronger client relationships: The partnership with TMNZ has strengthened Orb360’s reputation as a strategic partner for business growth.
  • Operational efficiency for accountants: TMNZ’s dedicated account managers and responsive support team have streamlined workflows for Orb360’s accountants, allowing them to focus on client growth.

Your key takeaway

For small and medium sized businesses, managing tax compliance and cashflow can be overwhelming. By partnering with TMNZ, Orb360 has provided their clients with a strategic financial planning tool, ensuring cashflow flexibility, cost savings, and peace of mind. This collaboration has not only helped clients thrive but also supported Orb360’s growth as a trusted advisor.

For more on how our TMNZ’s solutions can help your business,  go here.

Watch the video

 


Tax payment flexibility. Too good to be true?

Why smart kiwi businesses are making the switch to TMNZ. 

For over 20 years, TMNZ has been helping New Zealand businesses manage their provisional tax more effectively. Yet many SMEs still have questions about how it works and whether it’s right for them.

We sat down with Joe Kettlewell, Customer Growth Manager at TMNZ to address the most common concerns we hear.

Is tax pooling actually legit?

Absolutely. It’s has been part of New Zealand’s tax landscape for more than two decades. All tax pooling intermediaries, including TMNZ, use trust accounts directly linked to the IRD. This means your funds carry crown risk – the lowest risk level possible.

When you deposit funds into a tax pool, it’s essentially the same as paying the IRD directly. The IRD fully supports this provisional tax payment method because it helps businesses stay compliant by ensuring the right amount of tax is paid at the right time.

I’ve always paid the IRD directly – why change now?

There are two main reasons to consider TMNZ’s provisional tax solutions, even if you’ve never had payment issues before:

  1. Future-proof your business: Cashflow consistency today doesn’t guarantee tomorrow. Whether it’s seasonal dips, unexpected expenses, or market changes, having TMNZ set up means you’re ready to respond quickly if circumstances change.
  2. Take control of your tax: When you overpay the IRD, they might allocate your surplus to other tax types without consulting you. With TMNZ, your funds remain ringfenced and under your control. Need a refund? You can typically get surplus funds back within a week, rather than waiting months for the IRD to process your request.

My accountant handles everything – do I need to get involved?

The beauty of TMNZ’s provisional tax solutions is the flexibility. If your accountant manages your tax affairs, they can engage with TMNZ on your behalf – in fact, we’re endorsed by major consultancy firms and accountants across New Zealand.

For businesses with in-house tax teams, we provide hands-on support. We’ll review your historic myIR statements, understand your income patterns and seasonality, and recommend solutions that smooth out your provisional tax obligations throughout the year.

Isn’t it just for big corporates?

This is perhaps the biggest misconception. While large enterprises certainly benefit from deferring provisional tax payments for capital expenditure or better returns, the majority of our clients are actually small to medium businesses.

From hairdressers to tradies, any business with income fluctuations finds TMNZ invaluable. You can pay as much or little as you want throughout the year, matching your tax payments to your actual cash flow. Plus, you get an extra 75 days after your terminal tax date to settle your affairs.

What if I’ve never had problems paying provisional tax?

Even businesses with perfect payment histories benefit from TMNZ:

  • Better reminders: We proactively remind you of upcoming provisional tax dates – something the IRD doesn’t always do effectively
  • Expert support: As New Zealand’s tax pooling originators with 20 years’ experience, we provide guidance the IRD can’t
  • Insurance policy: If circumstances change, purchasing tax through TMNZ costs less than IRD penalties and interest

Any other benefits?

Using TMNZ for your provisional tax gives you:

  • More time: An additional 75 days to pay after your terminal tax date
  • Faster refunds: Surplus tax refunded within a week versus months with the IRD
  • Cost savings: Purchase tax at rates lower than IRD penalties and interest
  • Flexibility: Handle reassessments across all tax types using pooled funds

There’s virtually no downside to using TMNZ. Your funds sit in an IRD-linked trust account with crown risk protection. You only pay interest if you need to purchase tax – and our rates beat both bank lending and IRD penalty rates.

Start proactively, not reactively 

While TMNZ can rescue you from a shortfall discovered late in the year, the smartest approach is proactive planning. By engaging with TMNZ at the start of your tax year, we can:

  • review your provisional tax notice
  • understand your business’s unique cashflow patterns
  • design a payment arrangement that works with your seasonality
  • ensure you meet all obligations without straining your working capital.

Getting started is simple

Ready to take control of your provisional tax? Getting started with TMNZ is straightforward:

  • Using an accountant? They’ll already know TMNZ and can set everything up with minimal input from you
  • Managing tax yourself? Contact us directly and we’ll review your situation and recommend the right solution

Your key takeaway

With 28 August approaching, now’s the perfect time to explore how TMNZ can benefit your business. Don’t wait for cashflow constraints to force your hand – be proactive and give your business the flexibility it deserves.

Ready to pay provisional tax on your terms? Contact our team of tax experts here.


Growing a career and team in Christchurch: Penny Ineson’s leadership story

When Penny Ineson joined TMNZ 10 years ago, she had an ambitious 90-day plan that included starting a Christchurch office. A decade later, that plan has come to life. With a recent promotion to Head of Advisor Relationships – South Island, Penny now leads a team of four, aiming to ‘take the South Island by storm’ in tax payment solutions. 

How are you feeling about your new leadership role? 

I am so excited! It’s a little nerve-wracking because, while the investment is in the South Island, it’s also an investment in me. But I always feel valued and supported by TMNZ to work hard and do my job well. Throughout my promotions (Business Development Manager, Senior Client Relationship Manager, and Regional Manager), I’ve received ongoing support, great communication and connection with the wider team , and flexible working hours, which have allowed me to manage maternity leave, complete my Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, and most recently, secure office space in Christchurch. 

What’s the best thing about your job?

I love interacting with people; my clients are  down-to-earth and genuine. I enjoy helping businesses with tax; it’s rewarding to hear how TMNZ supports them to grow or navigate tough times.

What does it mean to you to be a female leader in accounting?

It’s really special.  I love networking with other female leaders in the industry. At TMNZ we have held a number of events where we acknowledge female leaders within the accounting and tax industries. I’ve witnessed more and more women rise in the industry, and now that’s me too, so I’m proud.  

What does your promotion signal about TMNZ’s growth and success in the South Island?

From 2015 to 2021, I was the primary person managing accounts in the South Island. In 2022, I gained the support of Isabella Prichard (Customer Growth Manager,Auckland) to reach more clients. We work exceptionally well together and wouldn’t be where we are now without her ambition, enthusiasm, and drive.  

While we have done well to spread the word about TMNZ’s provisional tax solutions across the South Island, there are still many people and businesses that don’t know how we can help them. Now, we have Harry Macgregor (Customer Success Manager,) and Lexie Weaver (Customer Success Consultant) on board in Christchurch.

TMNZ’s investment shows the faith they have in us and our ability to take the South Island by storm. 

What did you take into account when hiring new team members?

It’s so important for our team to be able to relate to and care about people regardless of whether they’re paying $500 or $5,000,000. Tax can be a stressful topic for people, so we need staff who are compassionate as well as qualified. 

Lexie, a science graduate from Victoria University, has empathy in spades and great problem-solving skills, and Harry, a Chartered Accountant, can walk into a room and start a conversation with anyone. It’s exciting to have a combination of knowledge and strong interpersonal skills.

How are you going to be supporting South Island businesses?

I have lots of ideas, but first and foremost, we’re going to be visiting the regions, listening to people’s pain points, and figuring out how we can help solve them.

We’ll be planning more events so we can get to know our clients in a more informal setting.  

 How do you maintain a good work/life balance?

My non-negotiable is a group fitness gym session in the morning. It’s the only time of day when my mind’s not racing; for 45 minutes, I’m just trying to survive the workout! I have amazing support from family and friends to help me maintain self-care amongst the chaos. 

Please describe in three words how you’re feeling about the next 90 days.

Primed. Optimistic. Excited. 

How can people get in touch?

I’d love to chat to anyone interested in learning how TMNZ can support their business (or their clients businesses) through our smart tax payment solutions. Please contact us here, and ask to speak with Penny. 

From left: Penny Ineson—Head of Advisor Relationships South Island, Harry Macgregor—Customer Success Manager, Lexie Weaver—Customer Success Consultant


Enhancing financial flexibility for a healthcare services provider

The situation

The Finance Manager at a Healthcare Services business in Auckland, began working with TMNZ five years ago when the business experienced unexpected fluctuations in their retail operations. The business was looking for ways to maintain good cashflow while supporting the international group’s financial position.

The challenge

During the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Finance Manager was juggling many financial priorities, such as:

  • meeting quarter-end, half-year, and year-end cashflow targets without incurring external debt
  • maintaining tax compliance while optimising the balance sheet.

The solution

They chose to leverage TMNZ’s Tax Drawdown solution because:

  • TMNZ provided more efficient and easier access to funds compared to other finance channels
  • the solution helped optimise the balance sheet position, providing access to short term cash rather than long-term bank loans
  • significant administrative costs were saved, including legal fees and bank covenant reporting requirements
  • they could maintain their tax deposit date after repaying the drawdown.

The results

By using TMNZ’s services, the Healthcare business achieved:

  • enhanced support for the international group’s financial position, contributing positively to the group’s risk profile
  • the ability to temporarily access funds, which was highly valued by the international group’s treasury team
  • improved cashflow management without incurring more costly third-party debt.

Your key takeaway

TMNZ’s solutions provide flexible and efficient tax management, aligning with business needs and supporting financial stability without the constraints of traditional finance channels.

For more on how our Tax Drawdown solutions can help your business,  go here.