OUR VALUE PROPOSITION

We are passionate about giving you the freedom to do the things you love. We can help make a difference in your business and life.

KOWHAI BuSiNESS SERVICES

MELISSA BAYNE - MANAGING DIRECTOR

"I love hearing that you feel inspired again."

With a natural aptitude for numbers and an interest in business administration, Melissa has been working in bookkeeping since she left secondary school. In 2012 Melissa completed a Bachelor of Business Studies with a major in Enterprise Development through Massey University.

After graduating, Melissa worked for an accounting firm and in various administrative and accounting roles, before establishing Kowhai Business Services in 2011.

With more than 17 years experience, Melissa has worked in a wide range of industries including stainless steel fabrication, hospitality, accommodation, construction, earthworks and agriculture.

With natural curiosity and an eye for detail, Melissa understands the importance of how small details have a big impact on the success of a business.

She enjoys working with numbers and untangling tricky business challenges, creating simple and practical solutions to help her clients achieve their business and personal goals.

Melissa's Qualifications

Bachelor of Business Studies with a major in Enterprise Development

Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

NEBOSH International General Certificate

Certified Green Badge Member of the Institute of Certified New Zealand Bookkeepers

NZPPA Certification Level of Certified Payroll Practitioner

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

― Benjamin Franklin

Hi, I’m Thelma

Thelma Eason - Client Manager

Thelma joined Kowhai Business Services in May 2018, after 13 years in a management role with a Marlborough business.

With great communication skills and human resource experience honed from over a decade in management, Thelma is responsible for speedy data entry and accurately fulfilling administration tasks for our clients.

While her experience brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, she has never stopped learning and recently completed a Certificate of Bookkeeping through The Career Academy.

When she’s not working, Thelma enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking, reading and spending time in the garden.

Kowhai bookKeeper

Kirsty Maywood

Kirsty joined the Kowhai family in 2020. A mother of three, Kirsty Kirsty has been accounting and bookeeping for 17 years after her formal training at NMIT. Like any good Marlburian Kirsty loves fishing, traveling in when she can in her own house truck, making jewellery and spending time with her Grandkids.

Kirsty joined Kowhai because she loved the people and culture She says Kowhai is so much more than a bookkeeping and admin business, and she enjoys the satisfaction of helping people reach their business goals.

Paul Leslie

P.R. Leslie Contracting Limited and Leslie Bros Ag Contracting Limited

"I have been self employed with my own business now for roughly 8 years starting with the earth moving business and four years later buying an Agriculture contracting business. Melissa has been on board with me right from the start managing all the administration for both my business's, liaising with clients, putting a Health and Safety programme in for both business's and always goes that extra mile done in a very professional manner. Melissa has well organised administration/accounting skills which are tidy and up to date".

Scott Martin

Watts On Electrical

"Melissa and her team at Kowhai Business Services provide an impeccable service to my business. Taking care of all my GST, payroll and general accounting services using Xero, Flexitime and Fergus software. We have had no issues with accuracy and punctuality when it comes to any work that has been done for us and would highly recommend Melissa and Kowhai Business Services to anyone looking for an experienced hard-working team to take care of their business requirements".

Greg Salton - Contractor

Contractor

"You made it so easy for me starting up my business and continue to make it easy with the day to day running of it."