OUR PEOPLE
What makes Leafcutter so special is our people. We love them and you will too.
They're a talented bunch who are passionate about what they do and bring a variety of expertise and experience to every job. Their hard work and dedication means you can look forward to a service that goes above and beyond the norm.
MEET THE TEAM
Located in Wānaka, Claire is often out and about as the face of Leafcutter. With a rural upbringing, Claire is hardworking, driven, and has a 'can do' attitude. Claire has a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Diploma in Small Business and Project Management.
A member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand, Claire is Vice President for New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance and former board member of Wānaka Chamber of Commerce.
CLAIRE DOONEY
Owner / Managing Director
Bexs brings an ethical approach and is committed to helping businesses build and maintain positive workplace relationships. Bexs has a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human Resources and a minor in Accounting.
Bexs brings 10+ years of experience working for companies such as Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Donovan Group in her HR advisory role. Bexs is a member of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand. Bexs is located in Whangārei and Rotorua.
bexs@leafcutter.co.nz
REBECCA WATERHOUSE
HR & Recruitment / Grant Writer
Jenny is an organised, hard working administrator. Adaptable and helpful by nature, her ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines enables Jen to accurately manage workstreams for different stakeholders and all with a smile on her face!
Jen comes with an extensive background in sales, administration, and governance support in numerous sectors, including tourism, aviation, and education. Interpersonal skills are her forte, and Jen is currently studying towards a B.A majoring in psychology. Jen is located in Albert Town, Wānaka.
Jenny Armstrong
Admin / Grant Writer
Ash is highly organised, creative, and detail oriented. With a wealth of experience in administration, operations, and project management, Ash is a whiz at streamlining systems and processes, ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine in record time.
Certified in Xero and proficient across a plethora of platforms including Henry, Reckon, MYOB, and Quickbooks, makes her a versatile asset to any team. With Ash on board, you can trust that your tasks will be completed with precision and flair. Ash is located in Nelson.
ASH COWPER
Admin / Bookkeeper
Amanda is a dynamic professional with a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (Accounting) and extensive experience in financial and management accounting.
With a proven track record across various industries, including public practice, real estate, retail and tourism, Amanda excels in providing tailored financial solutions. She thrives on collaborating with business owners and managers to optimise financial performance and ensure compliance. If you're looking for a strategic financial partner, Amanda is ready to make things happen. Amanda is located in Wānaka.
Amanda Richards
Bookkeeper / Payroll
Mel is an accomplished bookkeeper and business administrator, holding a New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services), along with a Certificate and Diploma in Business (Administration and Technology).
Eager to expand skills and networks, Mel approaches tasks with enthusiasm and a positive outlook. With an outgoing nature, Mel believes in fostering positivity not only in the workplace but also within the community, embodying a commitment to learning and connecting with others. Mel is located in Blenheim.
MEL BENSEMAN
Bookkeeper / Admin
Juliette loves working with clients to maximise the success of their digital marketing. Never short of something to say, she enthusiastically creates meaningful content for websites and social media.
Juliette holds a Bachelor in Business Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing. Juliette holds a Certificate in Proofreading and Editing and a Certificate in Social Media Strategy. Juliette is located in Auckland and Wānaka.
JULIETTE RICHARDS
Digital Marketing / Copywriter
Monique loves the creative process and helping people find the clarity they need to communicate effectively.
With a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism), Monique is skilled at crafting content for print and digital media, and specialises in helping organisations meet their business objectives through strategic and tactical communications, proactive media engagement, thought leadership, and effective stakeholder relations.
Monique has extensive experience in the corporate, government and tertiary education sectors and has worked in a range of fields, including education, telecommunications, disability services, medicine and public health, and vocational training.
MONIQUE MAYZE
Marketing / Communications
Whiria te tangata (Weave people together) has been the whakatauki and focus throughout Linda’s many years of experience in education and community programme development. Linda has worked within, and alongside; schools, councils, sports clubs, government funding agencies, and charitable trusts, to ensure the best possible outcomes for local communities and our rangitahi.
Linda’s ability and experience working with people across all sectors, enables us to consolidate the services we offer in funding and grant writing, research, human resources, proof reading and editing. Linda is located in Whangārei.
LINDA NASH
Grant Writer / Proof Reader
Michelle is honest, practical, and a self-manager. A wizard with numbers, Michelle has an extensive background in accounts and office management.
Michelle is Xero Advisor Certified, however, is diverse in her knowledge of various accounting software.
Sit back and relax while Michelle takes the fuss out of finance. Certificated in bookkeeping, Michelle is a member of Institute of Certified New Zealand Bookkeepers (MYOB, Reckon, Quickbooks & Xero). Michelle is located in Hawea.
Michelle Edwards
Bookkeeper / Payroll
WE ARE LOOKING TO EXPAND OUR TEAM.
Are you our next contractor?
Please complete the contractor application
WE WORK WITH
Pembroke Accounting Solutions
Kylie Duncan is our 'preferred' and qualified chartered accountant who specialises in small business and rural business accounting. Pembroke Accounting Solutions services include - tax advice, management accounting, Xero setup, Xero training, tax returns, GST returns, budgeting and forecasting.
Kylie and Michelle work together to offer a full range of financial services for our clients with the best value for money.
Todd & Walker Law
Robbie Bryant and his team are our 'preferred' specialists in employment law, health and safety, and immigration. They are highly skilled negotiators and strategists with extensive litigation experience. Partnering with Todd & Walker Law means getting the right advice from the outset. Supporting clients with restructuring and redundancies to disciplinary, investigation, tribunal, and all court matters they have you covered.
WHY LEAFCUTTER?
We believe business success is built on strong foundations - support, connection and trust.
Our vision is simple - to empower you to focus on your passion and innovation, while we shoulder the day-to-day operations. We see a world where entrepreneurs and business owners have the freedom to create, grow, and lead, knowing they have a steadfast partner in their corner.
Here’s what guides us:
1. Comprehensive business support
We offer a full suite of tailored business solutions, so you can access what you need, when you need it - all in one place.
2. Empowerment through experience
Our team brings real-world expertise across all areas of business support. We equip you with the confidence, clarity, and tools to make smart decisions and unlock your full potential.
3. Client-centric, always
We build strong partnerships, taking the time to understand your aspirations and challenges. Every solution we create is aligned to your goals and values.
4. Innovation with purpose
We keep ahead of industry shifts and technology, but always with a purpose, helping your business run smarter, not harder.
5. Focused on growth
By lightening your operational load, we give you back the space to focus on what matters. Strategic growth, creativity, and impact.
6. Grounded in values
We operate with integrity, care for our community, and a commitment to sustainability. Our success is measured by yours and the positive ripple effect we help create.
LEAFCUTTER ANT
We named our business after the mighty Leafcutter ant, one of nature’s strongest creatures relative to its size. These small but powerful ants can lift up to fifty times their own body weight. Just like them, we believe small teams (and businesses) can achieve big things!
At Leafcutter, we work alongside you, doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, so you can stand tall and thrive. Because great things are built through focus, resilience, and a little bit of grit, values we proudly share with the Leafcutter ant.