BDO Marlborough Tasman

23/09/2026

Last night, the team at BDO Marlborough Tasman were proud to support another fantastic Rural Support Trust event at the BDO Renwick Sports & Events Centre.

It was a privilege to meet and hear from Willie Apiata VC, one of the recipients of New Zealand's highest military honour, the Victoria Cross. Speaking to a sold-out audience of farmers, growers and members of our local community, Willie shared his remarkable life journey, from Willie Apiata to Willie Apiata VC.

For more than two hours, he captivated the room with stories of courage, resilience, humility and service. His message was powerful, authentic and incredibly humbling.

One message that particularly resonated was Willie's reminder that it's okay not to be okay. In challenging times, checking in on your mates can make all the difference. As Willie shared, the first time you ask someone how they're doing, they'll often say they're fine. Ask a second time, and that's when the real conversation can begin.

Our rural communities continue to face significant pressures, and events like these play an important role in bringing people together, sharing experiences and reminding us that support is always available.

A huge thank you to the Rural Support Trust and all event and community partners who helped make the evening possible. BDO is proud to support initiatives that strengthen the wellbeing and resilience of our rural sector.

28/05/2026

03/03/2026

17/02/2026

At BDO Blenheim we are once again supporting The Love Grace Handbag Appeal, created in memory of Grace Millane, a young British traveller who tragically lost her life whilst backpacking around New Zealand in 2018. This appeal combines Grace’s love of handbags with helping women in need.

Grace’s family in the UK launched the initiative to honour her memory in a way that would bring light from tragedy, by providing handbags filled with essential items to women escaping domestic violence.

The handbags serve a dual purpose:

1. Providing Immediate Dignity and Essentials – Many women and children arrive at Refuges with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing. Each handbag, filled with new toiletries and hygiene items, helps bridge that gap, offering immediate relief and restoring dignity in an unimaginably difficult moment.

2. Offering a Message of Love ❤️ and Empowerment – The bags are more than just a collection of items, they are a tangible symbol of community care. Each bag serves as a welcoming gift that reminds the wāhine they are valued, not judged, and that their community supports their journey to safety and recovery.

Across Aotearoa, Women’s Refuges distribute these handbags as part of their crisis intervention and community support work. While the initiative began in Grace’s name, the lives it touches are Kiwi women.

This year’s Love Grace Handbag Appeal will run from 14 February to 8 March 2026. Every handbag is more than a gift, it’s a message of hope, unity, and love from one kiwi to another.

Your bag(s) can be delivered to: BDO Blenheim at 58 Arthur Street between the hours of 8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.