We all like to control our environment. It makes us feel safe. The problem is we all seek to do that in our own way, and by default no one can ever control our environment to the extent that they might wish. If collectively we were successful there would be no uncertainly, no risk, no […]

Welcome to this week’s review of tax issues where Richard comments on what’s been happening in the world of tax over the past week. If you have a question or would like a second opinion on any national or international tax issues, please contact Richard via email at richard@gilshep.co.nz. A happy new year Well considering the first month […]

Boxers & Briefs Podcast #4: Psychological tips to navigate life challenges with Sophie Kaiser. As a life and vitality coach, Sophie Kaiser helps busy people find more time for what brings them joy. Drawing from her own journey of transformation—from corporate career and single motherhood to entrepreneurship—she shares valuable insights about setting and achieving personal […]

Boxers & Briefs Podcast #3: Setting realistic business goals with Bill Bain. Bill Bain, a Canadian-born business coach with over 30 years of experience in New Zealand, brings a fresh perspective to setting and achieving business goals. As an accredited high-performance team coach, Bill emphasises that while financial targets are important, the key to sustainable […]

Boxers & Briefs Podcast #2: How to set financial goals with Yi Ping Ge. In a candid discussion with Yi Ping, Chief Financial Officer and Partner at Gilligan Sheppard, we explore the fundamental aspects of financial goals in business and personal life. With an engineering background that led to a career in finance, Yi Ping […]

Boxers & Briefs Podcast #1: Vision vs purpose with Bruce Sheppard. In a revealing conversation with Bruce Sheppard, founder and CEO of Gilligan Sheppard, we gain valuable insights into the nature of business vision, purpose, and success. As a serial entrepreneur who has founded multiple successful ventures including the Shareholders Association, Argus, BoardPro, and Kiwi […]

In an unashamed take from Graham Norton, I intend to write a few stories called ‘the blue deck chair.’ You are free to pull the lever and flip my chair. So please send feedback, flip, or let me walk… To kick off the first blue deck chair story of 2025, let’s start with poetry! Sea-Fever, […]

In an era where digital transformation is accelerating faster than ever, businesses face a crucial challenge: adapting to rapidly evolving marketing landscapes while maintaining authentic human connections. As we navigate through 2025, three key trends are reshaping how businesses connect with their audiences: Whether you’re a small business owner or marketing professional in New Zealand, […]

To be fair, I think none of us have lived through a year such as 2024. It wasn’t like the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), a banking crisis that tipped through into asset prices, confidence and transactional business activity. It was not like 1987, when asset prices collapsed, which destroyed confidence and liquidity, causing bank defaults, […]

In today’s competitive business world, effective financial management is the key to success. As a business, you often need to handle multiple tools simultaneously, such as payroll, accounting, and inventory management, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors. This is where Xero comes in. This cloud-based accounting software seamlessly integrates all essential functions, making it […]

Annual accounts—a business owner’s unshakeable frenemy. No matter the size or type of your enterprise, be it a start-up, a multinational, or a charity—this task waits for you, year in, year out. These accounts are a snapshot of your business’s financial health, a tool for decision-making, and a requirement for tax compliance and stakeholder trust. […]