CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT & ASSOCIATE INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTOR

Matthew Davis is a highly experienced chartered accountant & business advisor dedicated to helping our clients achieve a healthy balance between the three freedoms - mind, time, and financial.

Holding detailed technical knowledge and experience in tax and business structures, Matthew specialises in high-level accounting work with large organisations in Whakatāne and Tauranga.

Matthew brings a valuable skill set around financial forecasting, budgets, strategic accounting, a natural ability with IT and a strong understanding of how to improve business systems.

Outside of work he’s dedicated to family time with his wife (Te Āti Awa) and 3 daughters.

Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi

TUMU WHAKARAE (CEO)

Tania-Rose is an Associate Chartered Accountant with a passion for helping her clients kanohi ki te kanohi.

She has expertise with accounting for Māori Trusts, Farms, Companies, Partnerships, Sole Traders and Charitable entities along with skills in applying for funding for not-for-profit organisations.

Tania Rose sits in a number of governance roles within Whakatāne and is also a Trustee for one of her whenua based in the Maniapoto rohe. Tania-Rose is also a member of the Institute of Directors. 

She also has a background in dairy farming, previously farming in both the north and deep south. She currently lives with her whanāu on a farmlet at Onepū.

Whakatōhea

ACCOUNTING TEAM LEAD

Tanisha is a full member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand as an Associate Chartered Accountant.

She has always been passionate about client relationships, understanding that every client has their own specific set of circumstances and therefore requires their individual needs met - no matter how big or how small that client is. “This is all part of providing a service that is more than just accounting.”

Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Maniapoto

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Dylan is a Chartered Accountant and proud Whakatāne local with a strong dedication to helping clients achieve their full potential. With extensive experience in accounting practices, he has worked with a diverse range of clients, including not-for-profit iwi entities.

Dylan's career has also taken him to Dunedin and Lower Hutt, where he gained valuable industry experience, taking on roles in business coaching, forecasting, strategic and business planning, and virtual CFO services. This experience has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to better support his clients’ needs.

Returning to Whakatāne after his time away has been a refreshing change, and he's excited to work with the talented team at Ake, where he can continue to make a positive impact.

Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Rauru

Projects Team Lead

Of Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngā Rauru descent, Erin is passionate about supporting the growth and development of the Māori economy. She enjoys working alongside Māori Land Trusts and Māori businesses to support them in unlocking their potential. 

With a background in Human Resources, Education and Governance, alongside running and operating her own business, Erin has been delivering workshops and providing business knowledge for whānau and hapū across a broad range of kaupapa. 

Erin is a Trustee for her marae, alongside sitting on a number of governance boards within Maniapoto and across Aotearoa. Erin is also a member of the Institute of Directors. 

Ngāti Awa, Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngā Puhi

CONSULTANT

Trina has a hands-on people-first approach to ensure her clients are supported in an environment that they are comfortable with to empower their success.

Trina is passionate about and enjoys working with Māori Trusts, Kōhanga Reo, Kura, Marae, Charitable Entities and is often seen working in amongst the community sharing her accountancy experience.

Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, Ngāti Tūwharetoa

CLIENT MANAGER

Born and bred Te Teko local, Minta has experience working in local Chartered Accounting firms with monthly accounting, payroll and annual accounting and is passionate about helping our people.

Minta has her NZ Diploma in Business majoring in Accounting and is working towards her Accounting Technician's accreditation with Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). Outside of mahi, Minta enjoys spending time with her whānau especially out riding horses and travelling the motu competing in the rodeo circuit.

Ngāti Maniapoto

CLIENT MANAGER

Relocating to Whakatane from Piopio in the King Country, Rongo has experience in secretarial and administration roles. She enjoys learning and feels privileged to work for Ake. She believes this will enable her to support her whānau back home and other organisations to achieve their aspirations within a tikanga Māori approach.

Ngāti Tūwharetoa

CLIENT MANAGER

Maia is the first port of call for a range of Ake’s clients. Originally from Tauranga, Maia lives in Ōhope and is also currently studying for her Diploma in Business. She says a highlight of working at Ake is being able to work alongside, support and learn from Māori businesses.

Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Manawa, Kuki Airani

CLIENT MANAGER

Tūhoe

PRACTICE MANAGER

Orijhan was born and raised in Kawerau. She is the face at our reception desk who has a passion for helping her community and people.

Orijhan holds a Bachelor's degree in International Tourism Management and has extensive experience in customer service.

Outside of mahi, Orijhan enjoys training at our local Crossfit gym, participating in team sports and spending time with her whānau and friends.

PAYROLL MANAGER

Born and bred Whakatāne local, Kate has experience working in local Chartered Accounting firms with payroll and administration, and is passionate about helping our people.

Kate holds a NZ Certificate in Business Administration. Outside of mahi, Kate enjoys spending time with her friends and whānau especially exploring the area and swimming at our local spots.

Ngāti Awa, Ngai Tuhoe

PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR

Holding a Bachelor of Digital Business from the University of Waikato, Ngawati has a background in sales and has enjoyed taking her career in a new direction with Ake. As well as being our welcoming presence on reception, Ngawati supports our team and generally keeping the workplace flowing.

 She says she was drawn to Ake by its “awesome Kaupapa” and the dedication of the team to supporting and growing Māori businesses. Outside of mahi, Ngawati loves hanging with her whānau and travelling.