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a once in a generation opportunity: making the most of the fonterra capital payment Over the coming weeks, many dairy farmers will be making decisions that could have a significant impact on how much of the upcoming Fonterra capital payment they ultimately get to keep. While the payment itself is good news, the real value […]

trust administration made easy: how we can support you. At CooperAitken, we understand that managing a trust can be complex, time-consuming, and often overwhelming—especially with ever-evolving compliance obligations and legal responsibilities. That’s why our well-established and dedicated Trust Division provides expert support in trust administration and management, whether or not we act as your professional

payroll and ird changes from 1 april 2026: what you need to know From 1 April 2026, several payroll‑related changes come into effect that will have a small impact on wages paid. Below is a summary of the key updates and what they mean for you and your employees. KiwiSaver Contribution Changes The default KiwiSaver

Beyond degrees: how work ethic and character help shape career success In the last year 12 months both of our children have entered the workforce and are pursuing careers which they have passion for. As parents we all know that the choice of vocations is endless. Fortunately, when our children attended college we engaged consultants

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