Bennetts Proactive Accountants

25/08/2026

Inland Revenue has increased its compliance focus on the horticulture sector.

Revenue Alert RA 26/02 identifies several areas receiving closer attention, including withholding tax on cultivation contract work, labour-supply arrangements, invoicing and cash payments.

Growers, contractors and subcontractors may also see increased scrutiny of GST registrations, certificates of exemption, tailored tax rates and outstanding tax debt.

The Alert does not mean all horticulture businesses or contracting arrangements are of concern. However, it is a timely reminder to make sure your contractor documentation and supporting records are current and readily available.

We’ve summarised what horticulture businesses need to know, including a reminder of the schedular payment rules.

Read the full update:

Inland Revenue has increased its compliance focus on the horticulture sector. We look at what Revenue Alert RA 26/02 means for growers, contractors and subcontractors, including key reminders around withholding tax, schedular payments and contractor documentation.

03/08/2026

New Zealand's Employment Leave Bill has now passed its final reading and will replace the Holidays Act 2003. Key changes include:

📌 Annual and sick leave accruing from an
employee's first day of work

📌 Leave being calculated in hours in direct proportion to standard hours

📌 Use of a single hourly rate for paying leave, across all leave types

📌 Mandatory pay statements that itemise pay and leave

📌 Greater flexibility to cash up annual leave

📌 Removal of parental leave annual leave payment penalty

The legislation includes a 24-month transition period for businesses and payroll providers.

Worth a read for employers, business owners, payroll teams, and employees looking to understand the upcoming changes.

Brooke van Velden said the new bill replaces the 'broken' Holidays Act.

29/07/2026

Celebrating the people who helped build Te Puke 🥳

Businesses do more than contribute to the local economy. They create opportunities, strengthen communities and leave a legacy for future generations.

That's why we were proud to be the Principal Sponsor of the launch of the Te Puke Business Excellence Awards Hall of Fame, with Amanda and Maria attending the opening evening on behalf of Bennetts Proactive.

The Hall of Fame is a permanent recognition of the businesses and individuals who have helped shape Te Puke, while the Business Immortals honour those whose impact has left a lasting mark on our community.

Congratulations to the Te Puke Economic Development Group on bringing this initiative to life. It's a meaningful way to recognise the people behind Te Puke's success and preserve their stories for future generations.

We're proud to support an initiative that celebrates the businesses, leaders and innovators who have helped our community thrive.

14/04/2026

Last week, we brought together our team, clients, and community to mark a significant moment in the Bennetts Proactive journey.

A highlight of the evening was recognising Lance and the incredible contribution he has made to the firm over many years. His leadership, commitment, and deep connection to the local community have helped shape Bennetts Proactive Accountants into what it is today.

We also proudly celebrated the appointment of Maria and Amanda as Directors, marking the next chapter in the firm’s leadership.

It was a great evening of connection, reflection, and looking ahead.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate.

22/03/2026

31 March is creeping up 👀

If you have a 31 March balance date, now’s the time to:

✔ Review bad debts
✔ Issue credit notes
✔ Confirm stock and WIP
✔ Reconcile cash and floats

A few small steps now can make year end a whole lot smoother.
We’ve pulled together a simple checklist to help you stay on track.

Have a read, and if you’re unsure about anything, send us a message or give us a call. We’re here to help.

https://www.bennettsproactive.co.nz/blog/end-of-year-tax-planning-2026

18/03/2026

KiwiSaver update 📢

From 1 April, the default contribution rate for both employees and employers, increases from 3% to 3.5%.

Most payroll systems will adjust automatically, but it’s still important to:

✔ Check your payroll settings
✔ Communicate the change clearly with your team
✔ Review whether your own contribution rate still suits your goals

We’ve outlined what this change means for both employers and employees in our latest blog. Take a read here: https://www.bennettsproactive.co.nz/blog/kiwisaver-contribution-increase-coming-are-you-prepared

06/03/2026

Thinking about buying or selling property or land? 🏡

Before you sign that Sale and Purchase Agreement, make sure you’ve considered:

✔ Tax implications
✔ Ownership structure
✔ Cashflow reality
✔ GST
✔ Your long-term exit plan

Read the article: https://www.bennettsproactive.co.nz/blog/sale-and-purchase-agreement

25/11/2025

A huge thank you to our clients, Neil and Heather Casey from Ngaupari Orchard Limited, for having our team out at their orchard last week. It was a great opportunity for our team to gain an insight into the day-to-day operation of an orchard like theirs.

19/11/2025

Last Friday, our team's Christmas Party went off with a bang! We tried our hand at clay bird shooting at Loaded NZ, and it turns out we had a few surprise sharpshooters in the team. We wrapped up the day with an outstanding buffet Christmas dinner from The Daily, delivered for us to enjoy afterwards.

A great way to celebrate and reconnect as a team after a fantastic year!

17/11/2025

Don’t get caught out, scammers love the holiday rush.

We’ve shared some of the most common scams targeting NZ businesses and the practical steps you can take to protect your systems, payments, and people.

Learn more: www.bennettsproactive.co.nz/blog/protect-your-business-from-cyber-threats