Our Team

Meet the people
behind ATAINZ

Our Staff

Patrick Rooney, CEO of ATAINZ

Patrick Rooney

Chief Executive Officer

ATAINZ CEO, Patrick Rooney, brings close to 20 years of experience helping organisations grow through professional development and quality standards, both here in New Zealand and around the world.

Before joining ATAINZ, Patrick was the Asia Pacific and Middle East Managing Director for the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC). In that role, he led conversations on best practice in executive search and built strong relationships with industry leaders across different regions.

Contact Patrick - 021 196 4522

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Lisa McRae

Membership Coordinator

Lisa McRae is the Administrator and Membership Co-ordinator at ATAINZ. With 12 years at the Institute of Directors, she has extensive experience working within a membership organisation and understands the importance of delivering a positive member experience.

As a business owner herself, Lisa also brings practical experience in business administration, customer service and relationship management. She is passionate about supporting members, building strong relationships and ensuring they receive responsive, professional and valuable service from ATAINZ.

Contact Lisa - 027 933 9019

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Aisne Hardy

Digital Content Creator

Aisne Hardy is the Social Media Manager for ATAINZ, creating and managing content that brings the association and its community to life online. From capturing the energy of ATAINZ conferences and events to highlighting members, industry moments and everything in between, Aisne focuses on telling authentic stories that connect with and engage the ATAINZ community.

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Ann-Marie Wickman

Events Manager Contractor

With 30 years in the events industry, Ann‑Marie supports ATAINZ as a contractor in the planning and delivery of conferences and workshops. She ensures every detail is managed so members and business partners can focus on professional growth, peer connection, and capability development. Ann-Marie’s experience spans corporate occasions, sporting fixtures, and conferences in New Zealand and overseas.

Our Board

Amie Lorenzen, ATAINZ Chairperson

Amie Lorenzen

Chairperson

As owner of Figuration Limited, an Accounting, Bookkeeping and Consulting practice in North Auckland, Amie's mission is to grow stronger communities by supporting SME’s with growth and success.

Amie has had a reasonably diverse career background to date, working in finance for both large Corporates and Small Businesses. She holds a Diploma in Travel and Tourism Majoring in Accounting and a Bachelor of Accountancy from Massey University.

artin Thomas, ATAINZ Board Member

Martin Thomas

Board Member

Martin has 40 years of experience with taxation and accountancy and will be a representative in Auckland. He will continue to work as an ambitious collective to increase our membership and front the ever changing tax landscape. He has a staff of 8 in his practice specializing with small business and residential property investment.

There are many strategic challenges and opportunities facing members with new legislation, disruptive technologies and the engine of economic growth very much being driven by the success of our very own business and investment clients.

Lisa Martin, ATAINZ Board Member

Lisa Martin

Board Member

Over the last 30 years, Lisa has seen it all when it comes to being in business and has learnt some great lessons along the way. Lisa’s hunger for educating others inspires and excites those around her. It is in her DNA, she lives and breathes it daily. All businesses must have a purpose, get the purpose right, and the success will follow and that is “WHY we do it!”.

Making it her mission to change the way business owners handle their accounts, Lisa started GoFi8ure, a boutique mobile accounting practice in 2002 from scratch. Since then Lisa, with her team, have assisted thousands of businesses by providing efficient, accurate, mobile, and on-site management accounting, software training, tax and advisory services.

Andrew Palmer, ATAINZ Board Member

Andrew Palmer

Board Member

Andrew was voted onto the Board in 2023 after being a co-opted member in 2022.

He is excited about helping the Board go from good to great, as we work towards being the Professional Body of choice for public accountants to the SME market of New Zealand.

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Nicky Isherwood

Board Member

Nicky Isherwood is a Christchurch-based accountant who founded her own practice in 2004, specialising in supporting small to medium-sized businesses. Known for her clear and direct communication style, Nicky is passionate about management accounting and dedicated to empowering business owners to understand their finances and achieve their strategic goals.

Bringing a wealth of governance experience from her years serving on primary and high school boards and in various Directorship roles, Nicky has a deep understanding of strategic oversight and community leadership.

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Steven Perich

Board Member

Steven Perich started his own accounting firm in 2021 after co-founding and managing his first practice for 21 years. Steven brings to the community vast experience and strengths in business and financial management, data systems, leadership and a listening ear.

Steven is passionate about seeing organisations grow and thrive in a way that serves all stakeholders. He is committed not only to business success but also to holistic health and fulfilment in life.

Regional Coordinators

Northland

Katrina Goldie

Katrina Goldie

Katrina Goldie is the founder of Coastal Accounting and is passionate about guiding business owners through every stage of their journey. Her work focuses on business advisory, strategic planning and practical solutions that help clients make confident decisions and achieve stronger outcomes. Katrina joined ATAINZ to connect with industry peers, share knowledge and continue developing professionally. As Northland Regional Coordinator, she values opportunities to build relationships among local members and contribute to a supportive professional community while delivering practical, high-quality advice to her clients.

Auckland Central

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Dave Saunders

Dave runs Aro Accounting Ltd, a small Auckland practice that helps small businesses, charities and not-for-profits keep their numbers (and their sanity) in good shape. From tax and compliance to governance, he likes making the complicated stuff simple. As an ATAINZ regional coordinator, he's all about getting local accountants together to learn, share and swap war stories.

Auckland North Shore

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Rebecca Stilton

Rebecca Stilton is Director of Spencer Lawrence Accounting Limited, an Auckland practice supporting small and medium-sized businesses with tax compliance, accounting and business advice. She helps owners understand their financial position through clear, practical guidance without complicated jargon. Rebecca values community, collaboration and continuous learning, and enjoys connecting with fellow ATAINZ practitioners. Beyond her practice, she supports local initiatives and volunteers as a puppy raiser for Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs. Her work reflects a commitment to helping people build confidence and achieve positive outcomes.

Auckland West

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Irene Hunter

Irene Hunter has been self-employed across several industries for 35 years and has worked in accounting for 25 years. She holds a Diploma in Business and Accounting and enjoys helping people achieve their small-business goals. Irene joined ATAINZ 15 years ago to keep up with industry changes and expand her knowledge through other accountants. As Auckland West Regional Coordinator, she values supporting local members and encouraging professional connection. Outside work, Irene enjoys walking, spending time in nature and exploring the outdoors.

Auckland East

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Himanshu Shah

Himanshu Shah is the principal of Small Business Accounting Howick, advising small and medium-sized businesses on accounting, taxation and business performance. His practice delivers clear, commercially sound guidance that helps clients understand their position and make informed decisions. Himanshu joined ATAINZ to strengthen professional connections, maintain high standards and contribute to the wider accounting community. As Auckland East Regional Coordinator, he values connecting local practitioners, encouraging knowledge sharing and supporting members as they respond to changing client and professional needs.

Auckland South

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Martin Thomas

Martin has 40 years of experience with taxation and accountancy and will be a representative in Auckland. He will continue to work as an ambitious collective to increase our membership and front the ever changing tax landscape. He has a staff of 8 in his practice specializing with small business and residential property investment.

There are many strategic challenges and opportunities facing members with new legislation, disruptive technologies and the engine of economic growth very much being driven by the success of our very own business and investment clients.

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Western Bay of Plenty

Valerie Rowe-Mitchell

Valerie Rowe-Mitchell is Director of Emerald Business Advisers Limited in Tauranga and brings more than 30 years’ experience in accounting, taxation, business advisory and strategic growth. She helps business owners move beyond compliance to build stronger, more profitable and sustainable businesses. Valerie gives clients the knowledge, clarity and confidence to make informed decisions, achieve success and create lasting wealth. As Western Bay of Plenty Regional Coordinator, she also values professional connection and opportunities to support ATAINZ members within her region.

Eastern Bay of Plenty

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Angela Brown

Angela is Director of Accountants on Domain, with around 25 years’ experience supporting New Zealand businesses. She helps business owners understand their numbers, make informed decisions and build businesses that support the life they want. Alongside tax and accounting, Angela focuses on business advisory and accountability coaching, helping clients set goals, review performance and maintain momentum. Outside work, she holds a private pilot’s licence and enjoys mountain biking and creative pursuits.

Hawkes Bay/Gisborne

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Jacqueline Turner

Jacqueline Turner has owned SBA Taradale since 2016, having joined the practice in 2003. She helps local businesses succeed by providing practical, affordable accounting advice and services. As ATAINZ Regional Coordinator for Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, Jacqueline enjoys connecting with fellow members, sharing knowledge and supporting the profession. She values strengthening professional relationships across the region and creating a supportive environment where practitioners can discuss common challenges, learn from one another and better serve their clients and communities.

Waikato

Lisa Holten

Lisa Holten has worked at the accounting coalface since 1995. After owning two South Auckland accounting franchise practices, she moved to Te Aroha and now operates a boutique practice. Lisa focuses on helping clients and practitioners embrace technology, improve systems and achieve their goals. She joined ATAINZ for peer support, shared learning, practical knowledge and opportunities to give back. As Waikato Regional Coordinator, Lisa values connecting local members, encouraging professional growth and creating opportunities for practitioners to exchange experience and support one another.

Wellington

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Toni Salmons

Toni Salmons is ATAINZ Regional Coordinator for Wellington and has more than 20 years’ accounting experience. She supports small businesses by helping them establish strong systems, meet compliance obligations and build financial understanding through education. Toni values ATAINZ membership for the professional connections, shared learning, best-practice guidance and friendships it provides. As Regional Coordinator, she enjoys bringing local members together, encouraging the exchange of ideas and helping practitioners strengthen their knowledge so they can confidently support their clients and businesses.

Whanganui/Manawatu

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Ross Whitmore

Ross Whitmore is ATAINZ Regional Coordinator for the Manawatu, Taranaki and Whanganui region. He is a consultant at Balanced Accounting Taranaki Limited, which he established with Trent Senior in April 2019. Ross previously spent 28 years as a partner at Vanburwray Chartered Accountants and six years as a manager at Cottam, Cave, Evetts and Fah. He also worked for Inland Revenue for 11½ years, including 5½ years as a tax inspector. His extensive experience brings valuable practical insight to the members he supports.

Canterbury/Southland

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Sarah Fogarty

Sarah Fogarty is based in Selwyn, Canterbury and joined ATAINZ in 2019, quickly becoming an active member. She was appointed Canterbury Regional Coordinator in 2025, reflecting her belief in the value of belonging to a professional body and recognition of her contribution to ATAINZ. Sarah also volunteers as a judge for Artistic Swimming New Zealand. She brings integrity and strong ethical standards to her work, ATAINZ responsibilities and the wider accounting and taxation profession, while championing the association and supporting connections among members.

Nelson/Marlborough

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Lynette Rayner

Lynette Rayner brings extensive accounting and business advisory experience to Accounting Plus 2009 Limited. She combines technical expertise with practical insight, helping clients make informed financial and strategic decisions that support sustainable success. Lynette values strong governance and professional leadership and believes professional body membership is essential to maintaining high standards and ongoing development. As Nelson and Marlborough Regional Coordinator, she supports professional connection, knowledge sharing and continued learning, helping strengthen ATAINZ’s regional community and the wider accounting profession.