Bennetts Proactive Accountants

12/10/2026

Meet Amanda Hodder, Director at Bennetts Proactive.

Amanda joined the team in 2015 and has since become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant, building strong relationships with clients along the way.

She’s passionate about helping clients succeed, with a particular interest in using accounting software to simplify processes, save time and make running a firm that little bit easier.

Outside the office, Amanda enjoys exploring the Bay with her partner and two dogs, or getting stuck into her next DIY project.

06/10/2026

Since opening in Golden Sands in 2018, Great Spice Papamoa East has become a local favourite for authentic Indian food and warm, welcoming service.

Behind the restaurant is owner Bishnu, who has built Great Spice through the challenges of running a hospitality business, including navigating the uncertainty of the Covid-19 restrictions, while continuing to focus on growth and improving the business.

We’re proud to work alongside Bishnu and support the financial side of Great Spice, so he can keep his attention where it belongs: on his business, his team and the customers who keep coming back.

Read the full story → https://www.bennettsproactive.co.nz/client-stories/great-spice

28/09/2026

Meet Maria Livingstone, Director at Bennetts Proactive.

For Maria, accountancy is about more than the numbers. She’s known for understanding what matters to clients and providing clear advice that makes sense in the real world.

With more than 20 years of accounting experience across industries including construction, property development, retail and manufacturing, Maria supports clients with their accounting needs, reporting, budgeting and bigger business decisions.

Outside the office, she loves getting out on the boat and fishing with her partner and two step-sons.

Read Maria’s full story → www.bennettsproactive.co.nz/celebrating-team/maria-livingstone

24/09/2026

You trust the same person to run payroll, pay suppliers and manage the banking. They're reliable, know the systems inside out, and keep everything moving.

That's normal in a lean team. But what happens when one person manages a financial process from beginning to end, with no one else regularly checking it?

Good internal controls aren't about trusting your team less. They're about adding enough oversight to catch an error, an unusual transaction or a fraudulent payment early, while also protecting the people responsible for managing your finances.

A few places worth a second look: → Who can add a supplier, enter an invoice, authorise the payment AND reconcile it? → Do you independently verify any changes to supplier bank details? → Does system access still match each person's current role?

None of this needs to slow your firm down. A few well-placed checks can go a long way.

Read our latest article → https://www.bennettsproactive.co.nz/blog/trust-is-important

21/09/2026

Being proactive is more than part of our name, it’s how we approach the work we do every day.

It means knowing our clients, bringing the right experience and perspective to the table, and giving clear, straight-up advice that helps them make confident decisions about what’s ahead.

That’s Bennetts Proactive.

16/09/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Hebert Banhire to Bennetts Proactive as an Accounting Specialist.

Hebert brings experience across financial analysis, reporting, bookkeeping, auditing, tax administration and client support. He’s committed to continuing to build his knowledge and takes pride in delivering high-quality work for the clients he supports.

When he’s not working with the numbers, Hebert enjoys getting outdoors for a hike or fitting in a game of volleyball or padel.

Welcome to the team, Hebert.

14/09/2026

Your business probably looks a little different than it did a few years ago.

Maybe you’ve grown your team, invested in new equipment, increased turnover or become more reliant on technology.

But has your insurance kept pace?

It’s easy for the same policies to quietly renew each year while the business they’re protecting continues to evolve.

Our latest article looks at when it’s worth taking another look at your cover, the risks that can be easy to overlook and why insurance should be part of your wider business planning.

Read the article → https://www.bennettsproactive.co.nz/blog/when-did-you-last-review-your-business-insurance

10/09/2026

A healthy bank balance doesn’t always mean your cashflow is in a healthy position.

Some of that money may already be spoken for, from GST and provisional tax to wages, suppliers and loan repayments.

Cashflow pressure often builds quietly when those commitments aren’t clearly visible, records fall behind or decisions are made based on the bank balance alone.

Our latest article looks at some of the early warning signs and the small financial habits that can help you stay one step ahead.

Read the article → https://www.bennettsproactive.co.nz/blog/cashflow-problems

08/09/2026

A warm welcome to Melody Henshaw, who joined the Bennetts Proactive team as an Accounting Specialist earlier this year.

After two years working at an accounting firm in Wellington, Melody has returned to the Bay of Plenty and is looking forward to continuing to grow her accounting knowledge and experience as part of our team.

Outside the office, you’ll find Melody swimming at the beach, dancing or spending time with family.

It’s great to have you with us, Melody.

25/08/2026

Inland Revenue has increased its compliance focus on the horticulture sector.

Revenue Alert RA 26/02 identifies several areas receiving closer attention, including withholding tax on cultivation contract work, labour-supply arrangements, invoicing and cash payments.

Growers, contractors and subcontractors may also see increased scrutiny of GST registrations, certificates of exemption, tailored tax rates and outstanding tax debt.

The Alert does not mean all horticulture businesses or contracting arrangements are of concern. However, it is a timely reminder to make sure your contractor documentation and supporting records are current and readily available.

We’ve summarised what horticulture businesses need to know, including a reminder of the schedular payment rules.

Read the full update:

Inland Revenue has increased its compliance focus on the horticulture sector. We look at what Revenue Alert RA 26/02 means for growers, contractors and subcontractors, including key reminders around withholding tax, schedular payments and contractor documentation.