Johnston Associates Chartered Accountants Limited

We hope you're having a great week!

Thanks Logan for this refresher on Business Partnerships, and why in the spirit of working together professionally, written formalities just make sense.

Good intent, enthusiasm and a shared vision are great starters for a business partnership. Agreeing the detail upfront can make that journey ahead smoother and give you both peace of mind.

https://johnstonassociates.co.nz/when-you-take-on-a-business-partner-put-it-in-writing/

Need some creative magic to brighten up your winter weekend?

Don’t miss the Winterlights in Takapuna, on now until Sunday, 2nd August. Featuring sculptural light artists, installations, dance, food, entertainers… you name it…

https://www.winterlights.nz

Probably the only time you can put ‘inflatable lizards doing crazy air swimming’ and ‘glow-in-the-dark candy floss’ in one sentence.

Businesses are open, and the festival is well managed and pedestrian safe for families. There are 3 session times depending on the day:
– 5 to 7pm
– 7 to 8:30pm
– 8:30 to 10pm

Book online for a free ticket to be scanned on entry - (a fair system to avoid too many people turning up at once.)

Ticketswww.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/jul/takapuna-winter-lights

Awesome work ‘I Love Takapuna’ for running a great event in what is a brilliantly landscaped community and retail space.
👏

Thanks Casino Tiatia for this article - one for Auckland businesses…
A reminder that FareShare is a great way to help employees who are facing higher fuel prices, and cost of living pressure.

Launched in 2024, Auckland Transport’s initiative promotes the use of buses, trains and ferries at subsidised rates, supported by employers.

Public transport may not be a viable option for everyone, but for those who do simply need to get from A to B, and are struggling with parking costs as well, a 25% transport subsidy could be an appealing saving.

And not forgetting the CRL due to open this year… there will be new routes and practical connections to promote the use of this scheme.

If you can, get on board. Less traffic + lower emissions 🌲

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fareshare-rising-fuel-costs-smarter-lh1je

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https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/at-hop-card/card-concessions-and-discounted-fares/fareshare-subsidy

https://www.cityraillink.co.nz

Okay, forgive us. We spiced up some fairly dry deadlines from IRD...

No excuses this weekend... it's game on and time to give the work-life balance a nudge. History is in the making.

Have an epic one!

Welcome to our Q2 Newsletter

This quarter we’ve given the 2026 Budget some attention, and taken a close look at the changes and detail which may affect your business.

There’s some team news and articles you may not have seen… and of course a film and book review, plus an upcoming gig that never disappoints.⭐

Winter is upon us, but the shortest day has already been… cozy in, it’ll be Spring before you know it!

https://mailchi.mp/f7a600ee26cb/johnston-news-q2-2026

A tough subject that we hope no one ever has to experience. Unfortunately, losing a business partner can happen, without warning.

In this article Logan explains a safeguard that can give everyone involved in your business, peace of mind.

https://johnstonassociates.co.nz/what-happens-to-your-business-if-a-shareholder-dies/

Sunshine or snow, creating income from your home or bach as a holiday rental has its appeal – especially if you want to offset increasing rates and maintenance costs. 👍

Before you do, read Guy Grahams’s helpful article – a ‘straight-up guide’ on what is considered taxable activity for holiday rentals and Airbnbs, and covers the detail on potential GST obligations.

https://johnstonassociates.co.nz/should-you-register-for-gst-your-airbnb-or-holiday-rental/

Talofa! We had a special team lunch today in celebration of Samoa Language Week. The Auckland winter couldn't deliver Pacific sunshine outside... but there was plenty in the room :) ☀️ 🌺

Fa'afetai (thank you) to the team and extended family for making, organising and sharing your delicious food. Full menu and credits below!

Oka (Raw Fish - W***y)
Taro Chips (Casino)
Sapasui (Chicken Chop Suey – Noella’s mum)
Fa’alifo Kalo (Taro, Coconut Milk & Onions - Courtesy of Noella’s mum)
Fai’ai-eleni (Baked Fish in Creamy Coconut Sauce - Antoinette, Liam’s sister)
Pai Fala (Pineapple Pie – Antoinette, Liam’s sister)
Panikeke (Deep fried banana donuts – Jayme – Ulutoa & Sons Samoan Catering)
Panikeke (Zac – from Oceania Food & Catering too)
Pagipopo (Coconut Buns – Jayme – Ulutoa & Sons Samoan Catering Shop)
Mango Sago Pots (Loaves and Fishes Catering)
Palusami Pies (Baked Taro leaves with coconut cream in Pastry – Loaves and Fishes Catering)
Coco Rice (earlier this week – Margaret, Brent’s wife)

To the team in Samoa, sorry you missed lunch, ah well, every day in paradise ☺️

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More about Language Week:

The theme for Samoa Language Week (Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa) this year is from a Samoan proverb "E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u," which translates to "From the high mountains are the blessings of the village."

We hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy a shared cultural experience during Samoa Language Week. There might be only one day left, but if you're interested the curated features in the Auckland Museum link below are worth a look. Lots to view, watch and explore online (with a cup of Koko Samoa on a rainy day...)

https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/your-museum/at-home/things-to-explore/pacific-language-weeks/samoa

Did somebody say June already?!

It’s been a big year so far for us, and like our clients, everyone has been working hard and giving it their all.

The world works in mysterious ways… Independence Day in Samoa is this Monday too.

To our whole team, have a restful and well deserved long weekend guys! ⭐