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buying and selling farms Purchasing a farm is one of the most significant investments a person can make, it’s not just a financial decision, but a lifestyle commitment. At CooperAitken, we understand the complexities and opportunities that come with purchasing rural property. With decades of experience supporting the rural sector, we’re here to guide you […]

Important acc levy changes ACC have announced some changes in the new levy year which include some adjustments that may possibly affect you. Working Safer Levy From 1 April 2025, Working Safer levies for all CoverPlus Extra policyholders will be calculated based on the level of cover rather than liable earnings which has been the

Fonterra’s Big Sale: How it could impact your farm plans After further communications with Fonterra, we have updated our recently released article on 24/10/2025 to clarify the position with the proposed capital payments. Fonterra has recently announced the proposed sale of their consumer brands businesses to Lactalis, a French owned multinational dairy company.  The divestment

mastering cashflow: a practical guide to business financial health Mastering Cashflow Mastering cash flow is the key to business success. The first step is to truly understand how money moves in and out of your business. There are the top 3 areas to focus on. Cash lockup Stock turn Gross profit Cash Lockup One of

practical succession planning for farming families. Succession planning is becoming a topic that is often talked about but can be daunting to action. We understand for many families it can be emotionally complex, however there are many ways we can help support you through a succession plan. This article explores the many forms succession can

the quiet strength of planning ahead – the role of wills and enduring powers of attorney Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) are often something we plan to tackle “someday.” Whether we feel too young, too healthy, or simply too uncomfortable to think about it now, that someday can easily become never. But these

Business Health check: why it matters in the it field In today’s digital age, the way we work and the threats we face have changed dramatically. Cybersecurity incidents, privacy breaches, and data misuse are no longer rare. Businesses both in New Zealand and globally are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals aiming to steal personal information, lock

fonterra’s new milk price risk management tools Fonterra has introduced a new suite of milk price risk management tools designed to help farmers gain greater certainty over their income and better manage price volatility. These tools allow farmers to lock in a minimum milk price up to 18 months in advance, providing a valuable planning

Inland revenue are asking more questions Activity by Inland Revenue is picking up pace across the board—from investigations of large corporations to risk reviews of property investors and small business owners.   Why are we seeing this?  Firstly, in the NZ Budget 2024, $116million was specifically allocated over 4 years to enhance debt collection and

ACC supporting safer farming The agricultural industry is still one of the most dangerous industries for New Zealanders to work in as well as one of the most important primary industry and biggest exports in the country.  In 2024, ACC accepted over 17,116 new farming-related injury claims, and spent over $124 million to help people