Contrary to popular belief, Graeme does own a tie, but as he spends long hours in the office (many before most people are out of bed) he prefers to be comfortable and to concentrate on the business part of the day.
While Graeme’s casual look is matched in the easy going, relaxed way he deals with his clients and colleagues, it does not match his professional attitude. After more than 30 years with Walker Davey (Graeme is cagey about just how long) he knows the importance of diligence and professional expertise.
“My clients come to me because of my expertise, and the quality advice I can provide. This is the policy of our firm to ensure that our client relationship is professional in every way.”
Graeme has developed specialist expertise in:
Property Development
Standardbred horses and the bloodstock industry
Business funding
Taxation
When he’s not at work, Graeme and his wife Bev are both keen bowlers, playing both indoor and outdoor. This is after many years as a basketball player. He was involved in basketball administration for many years, and became president of Basketball New Zealand, and served for 8 years on FIBA the World Basketball Association.
A Chartered Accountant since 1972, and a partner at Walker Davey since 1978. While John is both committed to his career and his firm, his greatest commitment is to the small and medium sized businesses he works with.
"People tend to forget the one and 2 man businesses. I have learnt that these little guys turn into big guys with the right support and advice and it is my personal challenge to do just that".
Outside of Walker Davey, John, the firms’ “fashion guru”, has long enjoyed sports cars, and is often teased about the Porsche he drives every day. He is a property investor, and has a strong understanding of the issues and problems facing property investors. He understands the benefits, and is keen to discuss the options and opportunities of property investment with potential investors.
John is also the father of co-director Simon, making Walker Davey Ltd something of a family firm. John and wife Lynne are proud grand parents of eight and can often be seen with one of them in tow.
Simon Abbot has been with Walker Davey Ltd since 1992, having spent the first 3 years of his accounting career with one of the big 5 accounting firms. Simon has built a reputation within the firm and the Canterbury business community for having a creative and innovative way of approaching problems faced by his clients. This expertise has allowed Simon to solve some interesting problems for his clients.
In addition to his skill in working on special projects, Simon has particular interest and expertise in:
Trusts
Business Valuations
Business acquisition and divestment
"I enjoy working with people and helping them to find better ways of dealing with problems that at times seem insurmountable. I get an incredible sense of satisfaction when I watch a client achieve results that they thought were almost impossible, or at the very least extremely difficult"
Simon is married to Andrea and they have three children - Sam, Lucy and Ben, meaning he understands the issues facing small business owners as they juggle the responsibilities of family and business.
When you have a special challenge and need an innovative, creative and skilled solution, call Simon, or email: simon@walkerdavey.co.nz
JOHN HENDRY – Director
John Hendry has been with Walker Davey Ltd since he graduated from University in 1984. In that time he has worked his way up to being appointed a Director in 1999.
John has a special interest in forestry, and has set up and manages a number of successful forestry partnerships. With his reputation and experience John is sought out for advice on forestry investment on many occasions. This desire to operate outside of the traditional realms of accounting advice has resulted in John actively seeking enlightened solutions to client needs, and John has involved himself in many complex special projects over the years.
"I enjoy going the extra mile for my clients, and even though it means I have to work hard, it’s important to me that my clients’ expectations are exceeded.”
John has been a keen sportsman most of his life, and there are few popular sports he has not played. John has found that in most cases he ends up being the treasurer of whatever sporting club he belongs to; an occupational hazard of being an accountant.
John is married to Karina and they have two children, Jackson and Alyssa.
For friendly and professional advice from an advisor that goes the extra mile for his clients contact John on 03 3791620 or johnh@walkerdavey.co.nz
CRAIG BURROWES – Director
Craig Burrowes returned to Walker Davey Ltd after several years of experience in the corporate world. He has worked in a variety of roles in larger companies with his last position being Financial Controller of Dynamic Controls, a local manufacturing company whose parent company is US based and listed on the NYSE.
Through these roles and experiences he has gained an in depth understanding of how business of all sizes operate and the pressures and opportunities they face.
Craig delivers practical and creative solutions that are business focused, decisive and packaged with a ‘can do’ attitude.
“I look forward to using my own business experiences to help clients maximise their business and personal potential”.
Craig and his partner Nicky have two young children, Jemma and Jake. When time permits he enjoys tennis, touch rugby, skiing and watersports.
Matt Donaldson came to the firm as a graduate accountant in 1996, having completed a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury. Matt works with clients to help them understand their business needs, and how to plan and get the most from their business. He has applied his skills in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, real estate, the film industry, and tourism.
Matt has particular expertise in, and has worked with his clients in the following areas:
Management Reporting
Buying & Selling a Business
Property Investment
Tax Planning and Advice
Structuring of investments
Business Valuations
“I find it very satisfying to see my clients achieve in their business through planning from the outset. Often all it needs is a little outside advice to steer the business in the right direction”
Matt and Belinda, have three young children, Cara, Ben and Mikayla. When work and family commitments allow he enjoys playing (social) rugby, fishing and diving.
Matt’s personable nature and understanding of clients needs makes him the ideal person to see when you need business and accounting advice.
Mike Ansett joined Walker Davey 17 years ago after working a number of years with a larger firm. During this time he has built up strong working relationships with his clients and provides a service that is built around what is best for them.
His specialised areas of business consultancy include advising and working with small to medium sized businesses in the following:
Business Financing
Debt Management
Business & Share Valuations
Business Restructuring
“My success in working with client’s relies on understanding what the individual client needs are, and how I can best work with them helping them to achieve their short term and long term goals.”
Mike is married to Jaana and his family including his three sons Ethan, Riley and Charley and his step-daughter Keely take up much of his spare time. His outside interests include reading, music, sport and of course his beloved Aston Villa; who he hopes one day his sons will play for.
If you want someone who you can work with and is able to provide you with a down to earth approach, then call Mike, or email him on: mike@walkerdavey.co.nz
