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
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.
She 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@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.
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 COWPER
Admin / Bookkeeper
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 Institute of Certified New Zealand Bookkeepers (MYOB, Reckon, Quickbooks, & Xero).
MICHELLE EDWARDS
Bookkeeper / Payroll
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 Richards
Bookkeeper / Payroll
Wendy is passionate about helping clients. With a Bachelor of Business (majoring in Marketing) plus a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Wendy is an experienced marketer with a background in tourism. As part owner of a building company, Wendy brings a pragmatic approach to all things. A high achiever, digital savvy and results driven; Wendy will help you achieve your business objectives.
WENDY SHERLOCK
Marketing
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 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 NASH
Grant Writer / Proof Reader
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 BENSEMAN
Bookkeeper / Admin
Danielle has over 10 years experience in
bookkeeping, payroll and administration. Danielle is task focussed and committed to accomplishing client tasks resulting in the best possible outcomes.
Danielle has a diploma in MYOB and Xero, and is an AAT qualified bookkeeper, with Level 4 Certificates in Computing, Business and Administration. She is interested in all aspects of business and is looking forward to working with different clientele and learning about their needs and expectations from a bookkeeper.
Danielle Worswick
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?
Our vision is to empower businesses to achieve unparalleled success by becoming steadfast partners in growth.
We envision a world where entrepreneurs and business owners can focus on their passion and innovation, unburdened by day-to-day operations as we seamlessly provide a comprehensive suite of business support solutions.
Key Elements of the Vision
1. Comprehensive Business Support: Our agency offers a diverse range of high-quality business support solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. We are a one-stop destination for all aspects of business management and growth.
2. Empowerment through Expertise: We assemble a team of skilled professionals, each an expert in their respective fields, to deliver top-notch support and guidance. Our team's knowledge and experience empower clients with the confidence and resources they need to make informed decisions and unlock their business's full potential.
3. Client-Centric Approach: Understanding that every business is different, we take a personalised approach to each client engagement. By building strong relationships and actively listening to their aspirations and challenges, we craft tailored solutions that align with client goals and values.
4. Innovative Solutions: We strive to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously invest in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to optimise efficiency and productivity. Embracing innovation, we introduce new tools and practices that set our clients on a path to sustainable growth and success.
5. Focus on Growth: Our primary aim is to liberate business owners from the day-to-day operational burdens, enabling them to focus on strategic planning, product development, and creativity. By streamlining processes and providing reliable support, we create an environment where businesses can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
6. Ethical and Sustainable Practices: We prioritise ethical conduct, social responsibility, and sustainability in all our business support solutions. Our agency is committed to making a positive impact on the community, environment, and the overall well-being of our clients.
Through this vision, Leafcutter Business Support is more than just a business support agency. We are the reliable backbone of a business, nurturing our clients' dreams, and fostering their successes, ultimately contributing to a thriving national economy and a brighter future for all.
LEAFCUTTER ANT
We named our business after an ant. Specifically, the Leafcutter ant. And while it might not be the most obvious choice for a business support company, there’s more to this little guy than meets the eye. You see, the Leafcutter ant is actually one of the top ten most powerful animals in the world. Small but mighty, it can carry up to fifty times its own weight in its jaws - about the equivalent of a human lifting a truck with their teeth. And we think that’s pretty cool.
Small but mighty hits home both for us and for our clients. As a start up business, you might not take up much space on the ground, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pack a mean punch. Our goal is to lift small businesses to success, and if that means rolling up our sleeves and getting the job done, we’ll put our heads down and do it in the most efficient way possible. Bit like the ant.