Monarch Business Solutions

02/05/2026

We're proud to support our Womens First Team!

🔥⚽ MATCH DAY SQUAD – WOMEN’S FIRST TEAM ⚽🔥

Here it is… your BMAFC Women’s First XI ready to take the field today 💙
Starting XI:

1. Yasmin Drake
2. Tiara Rorke
3. Isla Tutt
4. Scarlett Cosford
7. Alyson Hilton
11. Hailey Douglas (C)
14. Isabel McDonald
16. Bianca Smith
17. Caitlyn May
18. Siobhan O'Rourke
19. Hazel Powley

Reserves:
Muskan Kaur
Mollie McCarthy
Sophie Loader
Lexie Taituha
Briar Ross

Big squad, big energy, and ready to get stuck in 💪

📍 Te Puru Park
🕐 Kick Off – 1:00PM
🆚 Western Springs

Get down and back the girls — let’s make some noise on the sidelines and bring it home! 💙⚽🔥

27/03/2026

💜April 2026 Changes You Need to Know

Meet Anna Our Payroll Guru....

As we move into the new financial year, there are a couple of important payroll changes coming into effect from 1 April 2026 that every New Zealand business should be aware of. Think of this as your annual compliance check — making sure everything behind the scenes is running exactly as it should.

The adult minimum wage has increased to $23.95 per hour, up from $23.50, while the starting-out and training wage has risen to $19.16 per hour. While the increase may seem modest, it can have wider implications across your business. Employees currently on or near minimum wage will need to be reviewed, and salaried staff must still meet minimum wage requirements when broken down to an hourly rate. These changes can also impact leave calculations and payroll reporting, so it is important they are applied correctly.

KiwiSaver has also seen a shift this year. Both employee and employer contribution rates have increased from 3 percent to 3.5 percent. This will result in a slight reduction in take-home pay for employees, but a stronger long-term savings position. In addition, 16 and 17 year olds are now eligible for employer KiwiSaver contributions, and some employees may be able to temporarily remain on the 3 percent rate if they meet the criteria.

These updates are not simply administrative changes. They require careful application across pay rates, KiwiSaver deductions, payroll systems, and in some cases employment agreements. When left unchecked, small errors can quickly turn into larger compliance issu

This is where Monarch steps in

If you are currently a Monarch payroll client, these changes will be taken care of for you as part of our service. We proactively update your payroll systems, review your setup, and ensure everything is applied correctly — quietly working in the background so your business stays protected.

If you are not yet using Monarch for payroll, now is a great time to have a conversation about how we can support your business.

Give Anna or Zharna an Email [email protected] for more.

22/10/2025

Peace of Mind — It’s Time for a Payroll Review

Running payroll might seem like just another admin task — until it’s not. Between changing legislation, evolving employment rules, and the constant juggle of leave entitlements, deductions, and tax filings, payroll is one area where getting it right really matters.

At Monarch, we believe payroll isn’t just about pressing “submit” — it’s about protecting your business, your team, and your peace of mind.

Even with the best intentions, payroll mistakes happen.

A simple setup slip — like an incorrect pay rate or leave balance can quietly grow into a compliance headache. That’s where a payroll review makes all the difference.

A Monarch Payroll Review helps you:

✔️Identify compliance risks early

✔️Ensure you’re aligned with current NZ legislation

✔️Confirm your PAYE, KiwiSaver, and leave entitlements are correctly calculated

✔️Validate that your systems and processes match your real-world practices

We look at the whole picture — not just the numbers — so you can be confident everything lines up with the law and with your team’s expectations.

Staying Compliant Isn’t Optional.........

Employment law and payroll regulations are constantly evolving — from the Holidays Act to payday filing and employer superannuation obligations.

Falling behind can mean backpay liabilities, penalties, or damage to your reputation.

Monarch’s payroll specialists are across every update and legislative change, ensuring you stay compliant and confident. We keep up with the rules so you can focus on running your business.

We don’t just do payroll — we understand it.

Our team of certified bookkeepers and payroll experts work alongside small businesses, charities, and organisations across New Zealand to ensure accuracy, compliance, and clarity.

We make it simple, transparent, and tailored — because no two payrolls (or people) are the same.

Lets talk!

02/10/2025

👑 Cash is King – and protecting it is how your business survives and thrives.

Profit vs Cash Flow – Why You Need to Know the Difference.

Running a business isn’t just about making sales – it’s about keeping money moving in the right direction.

Profit = what’s left after you subtract all expenses from your revenue.

Cash flow = the money actually moving in and out of your business to cover bills, wages, tax, gear, repayments… the lot.

Here’s the reality, a business can be profitable yet still run out of cash, and it can have strong cash flow while still not making a profit.

That’s why keeping an eye on both is non-negotiable if you want to grow (and sleep better at night!).

🌟 6 Monarch must-knows for cash flow success 🌟

1. Know your cash position. Keep your cash flow statement updated – spot shortfalls early.

2. Build a buffer. Aim for at least 2 months of operating expenses tucked away.

3. Be realistic with revenue. If sales won’t hit breakeven – act now.

4. Get clear payment terms, check credit upfront, and follow up quickly.

5 . Remember: every dollar spent chips away at cash reserves – plan your spend.

6. Budget like a boss – and stick to it.

If cash flow’s been keeping you up at night, let’s chat.

We’re here to help you get on top of it and keep your business humming.

11/09/2025

We’re proud to launch our brand-new service — Monarch Social Media Hub.

This is where your content stops being an afterthought and starts becoming a game-changer - We cover the lot!

Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads....

…and whatever new trend tomorrow brings.

* We create posts, newsletters, videos that look sharp and sound right and on point
* We shape each post to match your industry, your audience, and your vibe
* We keep your voice alive across newsletters, blogs, campaigns and ongoing socials

* We get to know your industry and your business
* We find the colours, tones, and energy that best fit your brand
* We draft up content for you to check and approve

(We schedule it all so your socials run on autopilot, perfectly timed and consistent)

** Why does it matter? **

Because lets face it, your audience is online — and if you’re not showing up in the right way, someone else will.

Social Media Hub takes the stress out of content so you can get back to running your business, while we make sure your brand is out there making waves.

Monarch Social Media Hub: sharp posts, strong visuals, and the right tone every time.

Ask us what we can do to help you switch on your Social Media Lights and Shine!

We offer a range of packages to suit your needs and budget, give us a call to discuss!

14/08/2025

Today we celebrate not just a wonderful colleague, but an absolute legend in the Monarch Business Solutions team.

Your hard work, positive energy, and contagious smile brighten up every day — and we’re so lucky to have you on board.

Here’s to another year of success, laughter, and cake! We hope your day is filled with all the things you love most.

Have the happiest of birthdays, Sonia — you deserve it!

07/08/2025

🍽️ Business Meals: What You Can (and Definitely Can’t) Claim

The deliciously confusing world of IRD and deductions, served with a side of sass.

If you're self-employed or running a business, chances are you've asked yourself the age-old question:

“Can I claim this lunch as a business expense?”

Short answer: Maybe.
Longer answer: It depends… and IRD loves a good twist.

Let’s break it down.

🥡 What’s On the Menu?

✅ 100% Deductible Meals
Yes, some meals are fully deductible – but only if they meet specific criteria. Think:

🔹Staff meals while travelling for work (overnight trips)
🔹Food at training or conferences (4+ hours long)
🔹Light snacks during board meetings (hello, biscuits!)
🔹Public promotional events with free food (not invite-only)
🔹Overtime meal allowances for staff
🔹Meals consumed overseas for genuine work purposes

The key? It’s got to be business-related, not a perk, party, or personal pick-me-up.

🌓 50% Deductible Meals
Here’s where things get spicy.

🔹Client lunches or dinners (even when you talk shop)
🔹Team functions and office parties
🔹Food gifted in hampers or staff gifts
🔹Meals with a hint of social benefit (staff drinks, anyone?)
🔹Meals during work travel with entertainment mixed in

You can claim half – but only half. IRD calls it “entertainment.” We call it “the fun stuff.”

❌ Non-Deductible Meals
Yep, there’s a blacklist.

🔹Your own lunch or coffee between jobs
🔹Family dinners (even if you chat about your business idea with Uncle Dave)
🔹Sole Traders, want to claim meals? That's a no from us.

Basically, if it feels like something you'd buy for yourself anyway — IRD probably thinks so too.

🤦‍♀️ Common Mistakes That’ll Land You in Tax Drama

🔹Claiming every client lunch as 100% deductible
🔹Shouting the team a Friday feed and forgetting it’s entertainment
🔹Not separating food vs. non-food in gift baskets
🔹No receipts, no names, no idea = no deduction

📝Record It or Regret It
To claim any meal expenses (especially those juicy 100% ones), you need to keep:

🔹The receipt or invoice
🔹Who was there
🔹Why it happened
🔹Where it took place

Think of it like Instagramming your food – but for the IRD, not the 'gram.

* Final Word from the Monarch Table *

Just because you pay for food through your business, doesn’t mean IRD will give it the thumbs up. Some meals will go down smooth at 100%. Others? Barely nibble at 50%. And some are off the menu completely.

Knowing the difference saves you money, protects you from audits, and keeps your financials as fresh as your coffee.

Confused about what you can and can’t claim?

We’ve got your back (and your snacks). - Give us an email or better yet, pick up the phone and have a chat!

🍔Bon appétit – and deductible meals only, please.

Monarch Business Solutions – helping you stay compliant without killing the vibe.

[email protected] - 027 452 5859
[email protected] - 027452 5857

23/07/2025

📣 Out of Office… but in our element! 💻✨

The Monarch crew is currently offsite getting our nerd on at a bookkeeping conference — and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.

We’re diving headfirst into:
💸 Payroll changes
📈 Business growth strategies
🧠 Tax updates (the spicy kind)
🤖 AI wizardry
🧰 New software tools
📊 And enough tips & tricks to make a spreadsheet blush.

We’ll be back on Monday 28th July, buzzing with more knowledge than a small business support forum on Facebook, and ready to make your numbers dance. If you’ve emailed us, hang tight — we’ll reply once we’ve finished levelling up our bookkeeping powers. If your query is urgent please text Joel on 027 452 5859 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️

Until then, wish us luck... and good coffee. ☕😉