I have been surprised at the somewhat negative media commentary on property in the last 90 days, with prominence given to many of the usual doomsayer economists predicting a market meltdown. With predictions of 10–20% price drops (and a few keyboard warriors during lockdown saying the market could fall up to 50%), it seemed we were in for something ... More 

As part of the initiative to assist businesses suffering from the impact of Covid-19, the Government has created the Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme (SBCS). Under this scheme, eligible businesses will be able to borrow up to $100,000, interest-free or at low interest rates, to help with their cashflow. Many small to medium businesses will have had a dramatic reduction ... More 

As we begin to emerge from lockdown into an environment that is markedly changed due to the effects of Covid-19, I’ve been thinking about what business owners and property investors can do to get through the challenging times that are no doubt ahead of us. Get your accounts done ASAPAt time of writing, the banks are not approving any business ... More 

Hopefully the “post-Covid” reference in the title is not tempting fate, but at the time of writing New Zealand appears to be in an enviable position in terms of control of the public health side of the Covid pandemic. However, battling through the economic fallout is going to be just as challenging. All readers will be aware of the government ... More 

Last week the Government introduced the Covid-19 Response (Taxation and Other Regulatory Urgent Measures) Bill. This bill contains a number of provisions, including the introduction of a loss carry-back scheme whereby a business can carry a loss back to a prior period to offset the prior period’s profits. Thus the business can get a refund of the tax paid ... More 

There is a significant misinterpretation and misunderstanding between the role of a bookkeeper and that of an accountant. If you don’t know the difference it can negatively impact upon you (possibly seriously). But if you understand each role and utilise them appropriately, it can be very helpful for your business.   Mistaking a bookkeeper for an accountant can lead to ... More 

30 July 2019 was an important milestone in the land of trusts.  That was the date the Trust Act 2019 became law in New Zealand.  One of the objectives of this new law is to provide for greater transparency and accountability by trustees to beneficiaries. This objective is underpinned by trustee duties now being codified. Whilst it may seem ... More 

In big news for property investors, on 30 April 2020 the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) confirmed that they were removing the loan-to-value restrictions that had been in place in one form or another since October 2013. Back then, the RBNZ decided to introduce different tools rather than just using interest rates (through the official cash rate) to have some control over ... More 

Do you currently have life insurance in place? Unless you’re single, living the high life, flying solo, and not bothered what happens to your debts when you die, then you’re going to need to have the right life cover in place. Life insurance isn’t something that you lie in bed at night thinking about. Rather, life insurance generally comes ... More 

"Should I sell, or should I wait till the property is worth more?" "I really wanted $20k more. Should I accept this final offer?" "I'd lose $20k on my trade if I sell for that, what should I do?" These are questions that investors, homeowners and traders are faced with at times, especially when the market is on the decline or ... More