Q: Time at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: I started at MP many years ago as the after school helper, before having a more full time role in the holidays whilst studying at University. After a hiatus I returned back to MP fulltime in 2017.
Q: Have you always wanted to be an accountant?
A: Accounting has always been in the blood.
Q: When you were younger what was your dream job?
A: I thought being a professional Ice Hockey player would have been good fun.
Q: Favourite part of your job?
A: Helping our wonderful clients achieve their goals and aspirations – It’s a pretty
cool feeling to see their families and business thrive after we have helped out.
Q: Ten year goal?
A: To be the best businessman and father I can be. Exploring more of South America should be ticked
off by then too.
Q: What sporting achievement are you most proud of?
A: Representing NZ at age group Ice Hockey when I was a teenager.
Standing beside your team mates with the national anthem playing and the silver fern on your chest is a very special feeling.
Q: When you were at school you were known for…?
A: Being cheeky and giving the teachers grief – I wasn’t always the most diligent student when I was younger…
Q: Who do you admire the most?
A: Right now – The average, everyday Ukrainian people who have dropped everything to fight for their independence and
freedom. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for your country like that.
Q: Describe yourself in three words
A: Tall, Cheeky, Go-Getter – Tall is a description right? Haha
Q: Now we’re being encouraged to explore our own backyard, what’s the one place in NZ you’d like to visit and why?
A: I have been lucky enough to visit most places in NZ, however the Hawkes Bay is one place I need to tick off – Great food
and wine, what else could you want!?
Q: Which three people living or dead would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?
A: Ricky Gervais, Sean Lock and Jimmy Carr – All 3 British comedians – If I’m going to have a dinner party, there needs to be good food, good booze and plenty of laughter! We all need more positivity in our lives these days.
October 29 2021
Macdonald Perniskie Partner Erin Howes catches up with Andy Muir from The Muster, talking about all
things happening in the financialMacdonald
Perniskie partner Erin Howes catches up with Andy Muir from The Muster to talk about the do's and don'ts of buying farm vehicles. If you
missed the live interview, catch up on it here!
October 13 2021
Macdonald Perniskie Partner Erin Howes catches up with Andy Muir from The Muster, talking about all
things happening in the financialMacdonald
Perniskie partner Erin Howes catches up with Andy Muir from The Muster to talk about farm succession and tax. If you missed the live
interview, catch up on it here!
September 23, 2021
Every second week Macdonald Perniskie Partner Erin Howes catches up with Andy Muir from The Muster. They talk about all things
happening in the financial world. If you miss the live interview,
catch up on it right here!
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Time at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: I started pretty much from school 34 years ago, and hope to leave as a pensioner! Well, that’s my plan anyway.
Q: Always wanted to be an accountant?
A: My
original position was as a Computer Clerk when computing was in its infancy, and when computing and accounting programs became less
complicated, I also took on the position of Receptionist/Clerk, and I love my job. As a child, I did always want to be a postie; I liked the
idea of riding a bike around the streets and giving people letters and parcels, but after a short stint quite a few years ago as a fill in
courier driver for a friend, I decided it was not for me. I most certainly appreciate the job that I have. My other love is
movies and luckily, I have been given the opportunity to work at St James Theatre in Gore one night a week.
Q: Favourite part of your job?
A: Dealing with clients and ensuring that their accounting needs are met speedily and efficiently.
Q: Ten-year goal?
A: To continue to do the best that I can for both the
clients and the business. I won’t be a pensioner by then, but I will be close…
Q: At school you were known for?
A: My mother was a teacher, so I had to behave.
Q: What sporting achievement are you most proud of?
A: My achievements in swimming.
Q: Describe yourself in three words
A: It’s quite hard to sum yourself up in three words, but I like to think that I keep other’s confidences, like to dress
well, and keep fit.
Q: Now we’re being encouraged to explore our own backyard, what’s the one place in NZ you’d like to visit and why?
A:
I would like to take my time travelling right around the South Island. I have travelled to a lot of places overseas, but I have never
been to the West Coast. Or Stewart Island for that matter. It’s time I explored my own back yard.
Q: Which three people alive or dead would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?
A: Linda Carter (the original Wonder Woman), Cher and Roger Helliwell (the founder of RJ’s Licorice) could bring a lifetime
supply (just kidding) - a big gift basket of RJ’s licorice.
August 23, 2021
Every second week Macdonald Perniskie Partner Erin Howes catches up with Andy Muir from The Muster. They talk about all things
happening in the financial world. If you miss the live interview, catch up on it right here!
Q: What is your job?
A: Accounting Technician
Time at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: 10 years
Q: When did you know you wanted to be an accountant?
A: I didn’t. I was
originally employed at MP to do filing and general office duties for two days a week. When my children started school, I was offered the
opportunity to extend my hours and take on an accountancy role. I found it quite difficult at first, after having had 'baby brain' for
the previous five years, but with the guidance and encouragement from some experienced seniors in the firm I soon got the hang of it. I
actually love it now and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Every year gets better.
Q: What was your childhood dream job?
A: : I always wanted to be a veterinarian as I spent a great deal of my childhood caring for our random variety of pets.
Unfortunately a visit to my friend's Dad's vet clinic squashed that dream on the spot. The confronting sight and awful smell of a dog
with a leg infection immediately brought about the reality that being a vet would not mean cuddling kittens & puppies every day.
Q: Favourite part of your job?
A: Two favourites. First – I thoroughly enjoy
learning! I just about learn something new every day, it’s very empowering. Second - would have to be some of the banter with my
colleagues. I work with some very clever and funny people.
Q: Who is someone your admire, and why?
A: I admire anyone who shows kindness and empathy to others. My mother is the epitome of these traits and I absolutely
admire her for it.
Q: What’s your favourite weekend activity?
A: At the moment it’s carting and watching the kids with their winter sports and following the local Albion Rugby Team.
Summertime it's straight to the crib in Te Anau, every chance we get. Boating, biking, walking, relaxing at the lake/on the deck/ down at
the local/sharing a cold one with our friends and family is what we call absolute bliss!
Q: Now we’re being encouraged to explore our own backyard, what’s the one place in NZ you’d like to visit and why?
A: Northland
and the Coromandel. It looks so beautiful up there. We are going on a camper trip there later this year – I can’t wait!
Q: Which three people alive or dead would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?
A: This one was so hard (any kind of decent dinner party should have at least a dozen people) but since I can only choose
three, I’d have to go with my late husband Horis and our two children Neve & Wils. I would love him to see & talk with these awesome
young humans, my partner Daniel and my village are helping me to raise.
Q: What do you love about Southland?
A: Gore is such a beautiful town to live in and raise children. There is
an abundance of unspoilt places right on our doorstep and such a wide variety of sporting, cultural, historical and social facilities
available for all ages. Southlanders are well known for their warm hospitality and can-do attitude. They 'shop local, support local' and
that’s exactly what I love most about our community – the people.
.
Every second week Macdonald Perniskie Partner Erin Howes catches up with Andy Thompson from The Muster. They talk about all things
happening in the financial world. If you miss the live interview, catch up on it right here!
Q: Time at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: 9 months
Q: Always wanted to be an accountant?
A: I enjoyed doing accounting at school,
but I was very indecisive when I left school with what I wanted to do.
Q: Favourite part of your job?
A: I love learning. I always enjoyed school and learning new things. I find it very rewarding when you finally understand
something that has been difficult to grasp.
Q: What achievement are you most proud of?
A: I was an ice skater for 13 years
and travelled all over NZ competing in the sport..
Q: Who do you admire the most?
A: My parents. They have always supported my choices and encouraged me to do the best I can.
Q: What’s the one place in NZ you’d like to visit and why?
A: I would love to explore the North Island. I have been to the big cities but I would love to see more of it, especially
right at the top!
Q: Which three people alive or dead would you invite to your ultimate dinner party? A: Both my Grandads & Gran. I would love to sit down with them all one last time.
.
Every second week Macdonald Perniskie Partner Erin Howes catches up with Andy Thompson from The Muster. They talk about all things happening in the financial world. If you miss the live interview, catch up on it right here!
Q: Time at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: Approximately 4 years, but I have been in the accountancy industry for 19 years.
Q: Always wanted to be an accountant?
A: I originally wanted to be a flight
attendant to travel the world but after travelling to the UK as a teenager I realised it wasn’t for me.
Q: Favourite part of your job?
A: Talking with clients and helping them to understand their accounting needs.
Q: Ten-year goal?
A: Not sure….would love for my husband and I to travel to England to show him where I was born but this one will have to
wait due to world events for now.
Q: What sporting achievement are you most proud of?
A: Does purchasing the local
sports shop count? I am constantly learning a wide array of sporting genres and am proud to be helping to keep our local community active
and involved in a range of sports.
Q: When you were at school you were known for…?
A: President of the 'Mini Association' (haha!) my brother began his interest in restoring Mini Cooper's while I was still
at school and from this we had 5 Mini’s at home. I drove a different one to school each day.
Q: Who do you admire the most?
A: My parents, they emigrated from England when I was a little girl. They packed up their 3 kids and all their worldly
possessions into a shipping container and moved half way round way the world for a better quality of life for us.
Q: Describe yourself in three words
A: Conscientious, caring and tenacious.
Q: What’s the one place in NZ you’d like to visit and why?
A: Golden Bay – I would like to explore the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park as I enjoy tramping.
Q: Which three people alive or dead would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?
A: Princess Diana, my grandmother on my Mum’s side and my Mum.
Q: How long have you been at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: I kicked off my career at MP after I finished my study at the end of 2006. You can do the math here…. saying it out loud makes me
realise how long I have been here.
Q: How long have you been a partner at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: 10 years
Q: Have you always wanted to be an accountant?
A: No. I
finished High School and went and had an education called LIFE. Whilst working at Alliance cutting meat I had an idea that accounting
might be a good option and the rest was history.
Q: What motivates you?
A: Just being a better human in general motivates me. That said if you throw any sort of competition at me then my
motivation levels would go from 0 to 10 in a flash.
Q: What is your favourite part of your job?
A: Talking to clients. I love to talk. I get real kick out of seeing my clients on their journey and
helping them on the rollercoaster that is business.
Q: What is your ten-year goal?
A: I try not to get ahead of myself to much. Especially now you made me answer the first question... the
thought of adding another 10 years onto it is slightly frightening.
Q: What achievement are you most proud of?
A: My family.
Q: When you were at school you were known for…?
A: My curly hair and having far too much to say.
Q: Who do you admire the most?
A: The women in my family. They all know how to move mountains and get things done.
Q: Describe yourself in three words
A: Compassionate. Resilient. Ruthless.
Q: What’s the one place in NZ you’d like to visit and why?
A: Stewart Island. This may come as a shock to people as I have lived most of my life in Southland. It’s
a little embarrassing really.
Q: Where is the most unique place you have visited?
A: Catlins. The landscape is raw and it’s the cleanest air you will suck into your lungs.
Q: Which three people alive or dead would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?
A: Beyonce. The Queen. Michael Jordan.
Our people are our greatest asset – and Karen Heslip (pictured below, front in the bright green wig) embodies the values we hold dear.
Not only is she a
busy woman juggling her role as an accountant at Macdonald Perniskie’s Gore office since 2015, raising a family and looking after their
sheep and beef farms at Pukerau and Moa Flat, she’s also a stalwart community volunteer and advocate for the Child Cancer Foundation
(CCF).
It’s a cause dear to her heart and a way of repaying the CCF team for their support in helping her and her family through their youngest son’s cancer journey and through the pain of losing him in 2001.
Since then, Karen has helped co-ordinate CCF’s annual street appeal and other fundraising ventures in the south, supported families going through cancer, and shared her story with various groups to help raise awareness for those in need. One of her most rewarding experiences is helping organise social activities and family camps for families going through cancer so they can connect with each other outside the hospital environment to relax, chat and enjoy activities together.
Karen has also supported CCF behind the scenes in administrative and governance roles. In 2001, she became secretary – and then Chair - of the Southland branch committee. She then became Chair of the wider Otago/Southland regional committee and joined CCF’s National Board in 2011. This governance role gives Karen a chance to represent and be a ‘voice’ for parents and families from the Southland area which gives her a great deal of satisfaction. In 2018, CCF recognised Karen’s huge contribution with a Distinguished Service Award.
Karen’s workmates at MPL are very supportive of her efforts and think she’s “a legend with a huge heart”. She, in turn, is very grateful for their support and describes the annual CCF Wig Wednesday fundraiser that the office takes part in as “very entertaining”!
Q: How long have you been working at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: Two years 4 months
Q: Have you always wanted to be an accountant – or when you were younger what was your dream job?
A: I’m
from Fiji and didn’t come to New Zealand until I was 15, but when I was a kid I kept changing my mind; at one stage I wanted to fight
crime and be an agent like in NCIS. Then I went to high school and out of an accounting class of 13 everyone had to redo an internal exam
except me.
Q: Favourite part of your job
A: Meeting people, having amazing conversations and helping them. Also I do like
calculating.
Q: Ten year goal?
A: To get my chartered account qualification, buy a house and travel the world.
Q: What sporting achievement are you most proud of?
A: I’m definitely not a sporty girl. I went bowling with my
cousins and beat them once. Does that count?
Q: When you were at school you were known for…?
A: Being a helping hand. In Year 12 it ended up with only two of us
doing accounting, our teacher retired and we were doing it through correspondence. So I mentored a Year 11 student in accounting and
prepared notes for her.
Q: Who do you admire the most?
A: My parents. They’re the strongest people I know. It wasn’t easy moving to Queenstown
all those years ago.
Q: Describe yourself in three words
A: Bubbly, honest, clumsy. Just ask anyone in the Queenstown office about that
last one.
Q: Now we’re being encouraged to explore our own backyard, what’s the one place in NZ you’d like to visit and why?
A: I’ve
lived in Queenstown and Dunedin all the time I’ve been here, but I’ve never been to Milford Sound, which is strange. I really want to see
dolphins, stay in Te Anau and visit the glow worm caves.
Q: Which three people living or dead would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?
A: My best friends from Fiji
because it’s been ten years since I’ve seen them. I haven’t been back since we came to New Zealand.
Q: Time at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: 4 years
Q: Always wanted to be an accountant?
A: I was good at numbers which helped me
decide what I wanted to be.
Q: Favourite part of your job?
A: Being able to help clients with their accounting needs.
Q: Ten-year goal?
A: To finish off my CA qualification and to grow my knowledge in accounting.
Q: What sporting achievement are you most proud of?
A: Being able to play for my local soccer club
Gore Wanderers and meeting great people.
Q: When you were at school you were known for…?
A: “The quiet one”
Q: Who do you admire the most?
A: My parents as they have worked hard to help me with life!
Q: Describe yourself in three words
A: Hardworking, problem-solver and ambitious
Q: What’s the one place in NZ you’d like to visit and why?
A: Auckland, never been there.
Q: Which three people alive or dead would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?
A: Donald Trump, Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart
Q: Time at Macdonald Perniskie?
A: Six years
Q: Always wanted to be an accountant? I
A: come from a family of accountants and I’ve always loved working with
numbers, so it was the perfect fit.
Q: Favourite part of your job?
A: Working with a wide range of clients from different backgrounds. I like getting ‘inside’ the business, and getting to
know the people who run it.
Q: Ten-year goal?
A: To have ticked off my Chartered Accountancy qualifications, have greater
responsibility and being a position to mentor young people like myself.
Q: What sporting achievement are you most proud of?
A: I used to really be into sport, representing my region
at netball, hockey and tennis in my younger days. However I had to pick between school work/study and sports.
Q: When you were at school you were known for…?
A: Being able to calculate maths equations quicker than a calculator! Everyone still talks to me about that.
Q: Who do you admire the most?
A: Mum and Dad, they’ve always been really supportive in helping me to achieve the best I can.
Q: Describe yourself in three words
A: Outgoing, diligent, happy.
Q: What’s the one place in NZ you’d like to visit and why?
A: I’d love to go up to the Twizel canals and catch a big trout! Fishing is my favourite hobby. I love heading off to Te
Anau most weekends in the summer to go fishing.
Q: Which three people alive or dead would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?
A: That’s too hard to answer!
We're excited to announce that our Queenstown office has moved! We are now operating from Level 1, Aurum House, Terrace Junction on the Frankton Road. We are loving our spacious new office with plenty of convenient parking. We look forward to seeing you there soon.
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