De Bruin Chartered Accountants Ltd

30/03/2026

30/03/2026

Check that your payroll system is ready to pay your employees the correct rate next month.

Time to get ready for the increase in the minumum wage on the 1st of April 2026.

The adult minimum wage will go up from $23.50 to $23.95 per hour
the starting-out and training minimum wage will go up from $18.80 to $19.16 per hour.

Kiwisaver amounts will also change. The default contribution rate for both employers and employees will rise from 3% to 3.5% from 1 April.

The new kiwisaver rate will affect all pay days from 1 April. Even if your employee’s pay period covers days before and after 1 April, their whole contribution for that pay period will need to be deducted at the new rate.

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH IF YOU NEED ANY HELP.

25/03/2026

A new financial year is more than a reset — it’s an opportunity.

Start by setting clear goals. What do you actually want to achieve this year? Growth, stability, better cashflow, more time back?

Then build a plan to support it:
• Set a realistic budget
• Map out key milestones
• Review your pricing and costs
• Get clarity on your numbers

The businesses that move forward with intention are the ones that see results.

If you’d like help putting a solid plan in place, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t just start the year — start it with a plan.

23/03/2026

Fuel prices are on the rise again — and we’re feeling it at the pump.

If your budget is starting to feel the squeeze, now’s a great time to take a step back and make a few small adjustments that can make a big difference:

* Review your weekly spending – fuel costs might need a bigger slice of the pie
* Adjust your budget categories – shift from “nice-to-haves” if needed
* Plan ahead – combine trips, meal plan, and reduce unnecessary travel
* Look for quick wins – subscriptions or expenses you can pause or reduce

Remember, budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about staying in control, even when costs rise.

If you’re feeling the pressure, we’re here to help you review your cashflow and make a plan that works for you

23/03/2026

End the year how you intend to start the next one.

With the 31st of March fast approaching, now’s the time to get your financial house in order. Wrap things up, tidy the loose ends, and step into the new financial year clear, confident, and ready to go.

A strong finish sets up a strong start

19/03/2026

Are you an employer?

There have been some important changes you need to know about.

There are some changes that came into effect on the 21 February 2026 that gives you more fleibility and guidance on hiring, contractor arrangements and handling workplace issues.

The best place to read all about it is here:

New employment settings took effect on 21 February 2026, giving you more flexibility and guidance on hiring, contractor arrangements, and handling workplace issues, as well as cutting compliance costs.

06/03/2026

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone isn’t giving advice — it’s really listening.

In busy conversations we often jump straight to solutions, but many people simply need to feel heard first. When you slow down and pay attention to what someone is actually saying (and sometimes what they’re not saying), you create space for trust and understanding.

A simple question can make all the difference:
“Do you need help?”

Not everyone will say yes — but knowing someone noticed and cared enough to ask can mean more than you realise.

Take the time. Listen well. Ask the question.

28/02/2026

📅 One month to go until 31 March!

The end of the financial year is fast approaching — are you ready for the next one?

Now’s the perfect time to:
✔️ Review your profit and cashflow
✔️ Check your tax position
✔️ Finalise any last-minute purchases
✔️ Write off bad debts
✔️ Get your records up to date

A little preparation now can make a big difference to your tax bill and set you up for a strong start on 1 April.

If you’d like to make sure everything is in order (and there are no surprises), get in touch with our team at de Bruin Chartered Accountants. We’re here to help you finish the year confidently and start the new one even stronger.

Send us a message or call to book a pre-year-end review.

25/02/2026

Northland Field Days is here.

It’s always a great few days of catching up, seeing what’s new, and let’s be honest… looking at the shiny machinery.

For many, Field Days is where the big decisions get made:
* Upgrading the tractor
* Investing in new machinery
* Replacing the ute
* Buying the boat you’ve been eyeing up
* Or finally saying yes to that swimming pool to keep the kids happy

These are exciting decisions — but they’re also financial ones.

Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s worth asking:

How will this impact cashflow?

Is leasing or buying better?

What are the tax implications?

Does it fit with your longer-term plan?

The right purchase at the right time can move your business (or lifestyle) forward. The wrong one can create pressure you don’t need.

We won’t have a site at Field Days this year, as Kathryn is off work having oral surgery. But call into the office the following week if you would like to talk — She’d love to catch up.

And if you’re considering a significant purchase, get in touch before you commit. A quick chat now can save a lot of stress later.

Enjoy Field Days — and make those big decisions with confidence.

23/02/2026

While we can help you with your business finances and advise sometimes it's the personal side of life you need help with. Sarah's workshops can really help.

Sometimes it's about taking that first step. Maybe this workshop is exactly what you need. I know this lot started on the 23rd but possibly there is still time to join in.

Contact Sarah!

10.00am Dargaville Club, note new venue, see you all there, happy to take new registrations if you are interested, see you there!!!

If you miss the first day, you miss out, let’s do this Dargaville! It’s worked for so many in the north, everyone makes their way forward.

Bring nothing but an open mind, you won’t regret it.