All of them, bar Wellington’s Zirus Zuber, started with us as grads and we’re delighted to welcome them to our seniormost ranks, where they will provide high-calibre support to our teams and clients.

“Demand for support is high from businesses, charities, trusts and high-net-worth investors who are seeking guidance to help them navigate a raft of recent changes and prepare for a return to growth,” said David Searle, National Chair of Baker Tilly Staples Rodway.

“Although there are cautious signs of an economy in recovery, there is ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and businesses across New Zealand continue to need advice around challenges and ongoing change in areas such as cashflow, recruitment, restructuring, insolvencies, taxation, payroll and employment policy. These new appointments provide additional senior capability to support our clients, while recognising the strength of talent we already have within our network.”

Three new directors for Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Tauranga

All three new Tauranga directors are internal promotions, having started their careers at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway. All are in the Business Advisory Services team.

Shanan Symes joined the firm in 2002, then spent three years in large commercial environments in the UK and Ireland before returning to Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in 2009. He has a particular interest in tax and cashflow planning, and implementing management reporting frameworks for clients.

Matt Marshall began his career with Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Tauranga in 2009 after graduating from the University of Waikato. He works with clients across a broad range of industries, delivering tailored compliance and management advisory services. Matt has a passion for business valuations, helping clients gain clarity and confidence around the value of their business or shares.

Matthew Washer also started at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in 2009 as a graduate and has since built extensive experience working with clients across a wide range of industries and stages of growth. He is particularly passionate about supporting small businesses, helping them develop and grow.

One new director for Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland

Catherine Matson is a business advisory specialist, with significant experience working with larger privately-owned companies and trusts. She specialises in business and tax compliance issues. Catherine also oversees Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland’s payroll services team, which manages payroll for businesses of up to 80 employees. She also provides New Zealand resident directorship services to local companies.

One new director for Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Wellington

Zirus Zuber joins the national Audit & Assurance leadership team with more than 25 years’ experience across Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. Having held senior roles at Grant Thornton, Big Four firms, Audit New Zealand and the Office of the Auditor‑General, he brings deep technical expertise and a strong quality and governance focus that will strengthen assurance capability nationwide.

“Our clients really appreciate the dedication to building and maintaining long‑term, trusted relationships each of these people demonstrates,” said Searle.

“They invest the time to understand what matters most to each organisation and individual, ensuring their work consistently adds value, supports ongoing improvement and reinforces stakeholder confidence. I’m proud to have seen many of our new directors become trusted business advisors and partners, and advance in their careers with us since joining as new graduates. Our clients are in good hands.”