Direct Advisory

Last week we headed up to Puketutu Island, Auckland for the Xero Partner Advisory Summit.

Big themes on the day: AI, the economic landscape and what it all means for accounting and the businesses we work with.

The more we are across these conversations, the better we can help our clients navigate what's ahead.

Last Thursday Ian was out at FMG Stadium Waikato, facilitating a panel discussion for Employment Hero's Hero Exchange event.

The topic? Using AI in your employee journey, and how NZ businesses are actually making it work in the real world.

Joining him on the panel were Neil Webster from Employment Hero, Grant Johnson from Rocketspark and Karly Boast from Bold & Co. Lots of great conversations about moving past the AI hype and focusing on what genuinely helps your team and your business.

Thanks to Employment Hero for putting on a fantastic event. Always good to be in the room for these conversations.

Whether you're a sole trader or a company director, how you pay yourself matters more than you might think. 💡

Taking regular drawings or a salary keeps your personal finances cleaner and makes planning a whole lot easier.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach, so getting advice early can save you a headache down the track.

Questions? We can help.
📧 [email protected]
💻 directadvisory.co.nz

Budget 2026 - here are the five tax and business takeaways worth knowing.

Swipe through for the highlights, then head to the blog for our full breakdown.

More detail to come on each topic over the coming weeks as things develop.

https://www.directadvisory.co.nz/post/budget-2026---key-takeaways

Back in the real world this week after an absolutely epic weekend in Brisbane for NRL Magic Round.

Eight games, one stadium, and more footy than you can handle, safe to say the out-of-office was well earned.

McLuskie Dalziel Lawyers | FV Design + Build | Frank Risk Management

IRD can audit up to 7 years back. Keeping tidy, complete records isn't just good practice, it's protection. Digital records are fine as long as they're legible and accessible. Cloud accounting software like Xero makes this easy.

Questions? We can help.
📧 [email protected] 💻 directadvisory.co.nz

Wrapping up our Starting a Business series with one that's close to our hearts: systems and technology.

Getting the right tools in place from the start can save you a serious amount of time, money, and headaches down the track. From accounting software and CRMs to cybersecurity and payroll, there's a lot to consider and the good news is, most of it is more accessible than ever for local businesses.

We've pulled together 15 key systems worth thinking about when you're setting up shop. Head to the link to read the full blog.

https://www.directadvisory.co.nz/post/systems-technology

This May, Direct Advisory is moving for True Colours Children's Health Trust as part of the Get Active Challenge 2026.

As office workers, it's easy to spend the day glued to a screen, but getting moving is so important for both mental and physical health. This challenge is the perfect nudge to get up, get out, and feel better for it.

True Colours supports children with serious health conditions and their whanau across the Waikato, providing wraparound care: counselling, nursing support, and bereavement services that holds families together during their hardest moments.

Every move counts, and every step supports a cause close to our hearts.

True Colours Children's Health Trust | DTI Lawyers | Frank Risk Management | Braun Bond & Lomas | PKF Hamilton | Foley Douglas | Point B Strategic Marketing | Sentinel Homes | Yield Marketing | Fergusson Lockwood & Associates | Maisey Harris & Co Hamilton

If you work from home, you may be able to claim a portion of your home expenses: power, internet, rent or mortgage interest.

The key is calculating the percentage of your home used for business. Get this set up correctly from the start.

Questions? We can help.
📧 [email protected] 💻 directadvisory.co.nz

This one is worth a read whether you're just starting out or you've been in business for a while.

A business plan isn't just something you put together to secure funding - it's a roadmap that keeps you focused, helps you spot risks early, and guides your decision-making as things evolve. Our blog covers why it matters and what should actually be in one.

Check out the full blog here https://www.directadvisory.co.nz/post/business-planning