BDO Gisborne

2026 YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME TAIRĀWHITI
- CEO & CFO DAY🌱💡

At the end of August, we were absolutely stoked to host the Young Enterprise Scheme Tairāwhiti CEO & CFO Day within our whare - welcoming local rangatahi eager to learn and grow as they prepare themselves for the Annual Review challenge.

A huge thank you to Ella Sutherland, Katelyn Grimson, Erutini Paringatai-Walker and Anatea Taituha, for generously sharing their stories, insights and experiences during the lunch time panel discussion. Their authentic kōrero gave students a glimpse into the diverse pathways that can lead to a career in accounting, advisory and business.

From reflecting on their own learning journeys and what drives them in their careers, to offering practical advice for success, our team encouraged students to back themselves, embrace vulnerability, and say "yes" to opportunities that may feel uncomfortable or outside their comfort zone.

The key message was simple but powerful: anything is possible when you have a vision for your future, do your research, are willing to learn and remain open to new experiences.

We're incredibly proud to support initiatives like YES that empower young people to dream big, build confidence and create meaningful futures for themselves and our region.

Lastly, to our YES whānau Nikita and Yolande, it's always a pleasure to work alongside you both and to support this important kaupapa for our next generations.

On behalf of our BDO Gisborne team, we wish to make special mention of all of our hardworking Dads, grandfathers, and family members who take on the fatherly roles for us - instilling in us their wisdom and knowledge.

We also acknowledge those special loved ones who are no longer with us, but always remain in our hearts and minds.

Whakanui a te Rā o Pāpā ✨❤️

E tū kahikatea - Stand tall like the kahikatea tree 💛✨

Last week we proudly stood together. Wearing diifferent shades of kowhai and organising a staff collection for the "1 in 3" people who are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

Together we can work towards changing these outcomes.

FARMING WOMEN TAIRĀWHITI - 2027 TERTIARY HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP 🩺✨

Farming Women Tairāwhiti (FWT) are thrilled to launch their new 2027 Tertiary Health Scholarships, which are open for applications from students in our region.

By awarding four $5,000 scholarships, Farming Women Tairāwhiti are helping to build the future of healthcare locally.

If you are a second-year or subsequent-year health student, they'd love to support your journey and help ease the financial pressure 💼🚀.

🗓️ Applications are now open and close 16th October 2026.
Opportunities like this don’t last — so please take advantage and apply today. Check out the link below 👇

https://form.jotform.com/261839519291871

🌱🤝 Giving Back and Growing Together 🌱🤝

Our recent community volunteering "BDO Big Day Out", was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together with a common purpose in mind.

Last month we stepped away from our desks and into the community, spending time restoring native bush on Titirangi Maunga with the Women's Native Tree Project Trust, planting trees on clients' whenua (Rimu Hills Dairy Farm Ltd) at Motu, and lastly supporting weeding and maintenance work at the magical Eastwoodhill Arboretum.

These projects reflected our commitment to kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga — which are important values that we proudly live day in and day out. Caring for our environment while strengthening connections with one another, and the communities we proudly serve.

Every tree planted and every helping hand, contributes to a more sustainable future for Tairāwhiti, meaning that even the smallest of actions, can create lasting change.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible organisations, clients and community members who welcomed us and shared their knowledge along the way.

Together, we're helping protect and preserve the special places that we call home for future generations to treasure. These precious memories and experiences shared, will stay with us forever.

For when hearts, hands and purpose align, the results are remarkable every time.

Whāia te mātauranga, ka tïtiro whakamuri ki ngā huarahi whakamua ✨️
- Seek knowledge from the past, and look forward to the paths ahead ✨️

This week our BDO Gisborne whānau joined together to celebrate Matariki with an afternoon of remembrance, reflection and connection.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredibly talented Katie Holden for creating a spectacular Matariki-inspired installation that transformed our space and beautifully captured the spirit of the occasion.

We were also honoured to welcome Lizzy Ngatai-Hatwin into the whare from Hospice Tairawhiti, who led a beautiful harakeke star weaving workshop, encouraging us to reflect on and honour those we hold dear. The session was thoughtful and deeply appreciated by all who attended.

Lastly a huge thank you to Arohanui Catering , Gear Meat Pie Co. and Kaiti Bakery and Snack Bar, for the absolutely delicious winter nourishment and sweet treat delights that helped to round off such a special afternoon of celebrations.

As a team, we are so grateful 🙏 for the opportunity to pause, connect and celebrate they key values that Matariki represents - remembrance, gratitude and our aspirations and hopes for the future.

Mānawatia a Matariki - Many special blessings from our BDO Gisborne whānau ✨️🌱

On behalf of our BDO whānau, may the many special blessings of Matariki be with our clients and community, as we welcome the start of the Māori New Year.

Enjoy this special time of remembrance, rest, rejuvenation and reconnection.

✨️ 🌱Mānawatia a Matariki ✨️🌱

🌱RURAL SUPPORT TRUST PRESENTS WILLIE APIATA VC🌱

Nau mai, haramai e te Tairawhiti,
- Come and hear the incredible story of Willie Apiata VC.

BDO alongside other event partners, are proud to support the Rural Support Trust in welcoming Willie Apiata VC to our region on 25 August.

Hear firsthand from one of New Zealand's most inspiring leaders as he shares his story of courage, resilience and service.

The event promises to be a thought provoking and memorable occasion for our community. Click here to register: https://events.humanitix.com/i-m-good-are-you-with-willie-apiata-august-25-tairawhiti

CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE – ANGEL BATY 👩‍🎓
- Powered by Dreams, Strengthened by Whānau

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate our staff member, Angel Baty, who graduated this week from Massey University with a Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc) degree.

Driven, resilient and deeply connected to her roots, Angel’s journey reflects her incredible determination, commitment and the solid support of her loving whānau.

A truly inspiring achievement, and a reminder that with clear goals, belief in yourself and a strong support system and networks around you, anything is possible.

Whakamihi ki a koe Angel – Our sincerest congratulations to you on this wonderful achievement ✨.

What a fantastic afternoon at Okare Station last week! 🌿

Jen Mildenhall, (BDO Gisborne Agribusiness Director), had the privilege of joining an incredible group to deliver a "Budget Knowhow for Farm Staff" session. Real conversations, practical tips and a room full of people genuinely invested in building financial confidence in our rural communities.

We covered a lot of ground:
✅ Why starting to save early can make a $350,000+ difference to your future
✅ Watching your spending
✅ Setting meaningful financial goals - because without a goal, money just disappears
✅ Knowing your numbers and asking: does this spending get me closer to where I want to be?
✅ Looking beyond your wages for extra income opportunities.

Thanks to the incredible collaborators who made this event happen: Steph & Angie from Wairoa Financial Literacy Services, Chloe Butcher-Herries, Ali Forbes from Beef + Lamb New Zealand, and Chris Wills from Rural Support Trust Wairoa.

Time is a superpower when it comes to money. Start small, start early and give yourself choices down the track.

📸 Photos were kindly supplied