Blog....
15/02/2012
The best of the best …
The entrepreneur, Murray Thom, will be inspiring guests with his successful journey and business insights at the inaugural BNZ Newmarket Business Excellence Awards being hosted by the Newmarket Business Association, in conjunction with Newmarket Rotary. Murray left school at 15 without any qualifications and by the age of 23 was Managing Director of CBS Records New Zealand, the youngest in the world. Join him on Tuesday 21 February at the Eden Park Function Centre to be inspired by his successful journey and insights he has gained.
The awards are to celebrate business excellence and will be awarded in seven categories including service excellence, young enterprise, heritage and overall excellence. There will also be live entertainment and tickets can be purchased through Ticketek at www.ticketek.co.nz
Our client, Michael Holmes Premium Eyewear www.premiumeyewear.co.nz has been nominated for two of the awards including ACP Magazine Peoples Choice Award. Good luck Michael. A night not to be missed showcasing the best of Newmarket business.
03/02/2012
Myth & Legend …
An auspicious year signifying success and happiness, according to the Chinese as we begin the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is all powerful yet totally unpredictable so may the celestial Dragon bring good luck to everyone for the year ahead.
The Marley Loft team is now back at the office after our summer break. Again, we will be bringing you news, updates, reminders, our services, client profiles and what is happening around the Newmarket precinct. Let us have your comments on any articles.
We have mailed out notices to those clients who have tax due by 7 February 2012. Please ensure that payment is made before this date.
14/12/2011
Year End Eleven …
The final words for 2011 and not long before the Marley Loft team take a break.
We had our six week fix of rugby of course with the great result we all wanted. Now the Black Caps have also pulled off an historic test win over the Aussies on their home turf. What a good sporting finish to the year.
Closer to home – do not forget to make a $25 purchase at participating retailers in Newmarket to go in the draw to win up to $100,000 Christmas giveaway. The promotion closes 22 December and good luck, it could be you.
Just a reminder that we close on 22 December at noon and reopen18 January 2012. We do look forward to catching up again with news and views of the local area, businesses and people, and of course accounting stuff we want to pass on to you. Have a fantastic festive and holiday time.
29/11/2011
What a party! …
For three and a half fun filled hours, The Special Children's Christmas Parties provide unforgettable experiences for disabled and disadvantaged children at many venues throughout New Zealand. The events here have been run for the last 13 years and provide a magical day out for children who have terminal illness, are physically impaired, intellectually impaired or come from severely underprivileged circumstances.
Events feature international and local celebrities including sports, television and radio. The children are treated to a star studded stage show featuring many local, national and international artists.
There are bouncing castles, face painting, merry-go-rounds, petting zoos, pony rides, clowns, dancers, fairies, magicians, hoop shooting contests, bowling alleys, Police and Army displays, etc providing a fantastic day's fun and entertainment. A great variety of food is also provided to keep their energy up. On top of all that every child receives 3 to 4 high quality gifts to call their own.
If you are in business and wish to enhance your local image while helping disadvantaged children, have a look at The Special Children's Christmas Parties website: www.sccpnz.co.nz
"Freefall – Living Life Beyond the Edge" by Sally Anderson. This book has its official launch in New Zealand on 8 December 2012 and will be available at Goodeys Bookstore inside Wise Cicada, 23 Crowhurst Street, Newmarket. This is a story of a remarkable journey from humble beginnings through triumph, tragedy, transformation and transcendence. An unflinchingly compelling story of how one turns their excuse for failure into their reason for success. For more, go to www.freefallselfimprovement.com
15/11/2011
The IRD pays you back …
Tax credits (previously known as rebates) can only be claimed by an individual (not companies, trusts or partnerships). You need to have been earning taxable income during the claimed for period, and were in New Zealand at any time during the tax year.
To see if you qualify for a tax credit:
• You must have made a donation of $5 or more to an approved charity – claimed up to 33.33% of total donation or 33% of your taxable income.
• Have made – payments for childcare or a housekeeper (there are criteria to be met). The maximum claim for childcare and a housekeeper together is $310.
Please note, this information relates solely to individuals and individual income tax. For more information on the above or other tax credits, please call us or check the IRD website.
http://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax-individual/tax-credits/dch-taxcredits/
03/11/2011
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth …
The abolition of Gift Duty will change the nature of asset and estate planning.
Whether you should gift or not will depend on your own circumstances. Decisions that require to be addressed will generally fall under the following headings:
• Identity of beneficiaries
• Residential care subsidy entitlement
• Preservation of rights
• Solvency/Creditor protection
• Relationship property considerations
When you are looking at whether to gift or not, you will need to consider your motives for the trust originally.
It is extremely important to seek advice regarding whether or not to forgive existing (and on-going) debts in whole or part. Please contact us to discuss your gifting needs.
Book Launch
Sally Anderson (refer to Blog profile dated 29 March 2011) has the launch of her book in New York on 1 March 2012. The book "Freefall: Living Life Beyond the Edge" is available to pre-order now at Amazon. Click on the link to find out more.
www.amazon.com/Freefall-living-life-beyond-the-edge/dp/1614480850
18/10/2011
I Spy …
Spyglass Group Ltd – from exhibits to spectacles touring the globe, this company leads in every field of event vision and technology. They explore new avenues in event design such as invisible screens, domes, holographic effects and other unique high-concept screen arrangements.
Spyglass was involved in the on field projection for the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup. This was a great production seen by a huge worldwide audience.
The company was also responsible for the Tourism New Zealand Rugby Ball dome projections in the 100% Pure New Zealand display. The rugby ball is currently down at the waterfront in Auckland.
Go to www.spyglass.co.nz to see the latest innovations in event design by Spyglass Group Ltd.
"Go the mighty All Blacks"
7/10/2011
Experience Newmarket …
…"Experience the Passion". Marley Loft is right behind the events being held in Newmarket so why don't you come by and find out for yourself. Here are some of the activities to tempt you:
• Newmarket Alive! – jugglers, musicians and buskers on the street before the rugby on 8 and 15 October.
• Facepainting at Lumsden green to get your team colours done before hopping on the FREE returning buses to Eden Park.
• Great shopping, hair, fashion and beauty
• Italian Film Festival.
• Opera off Broadway.
• Travel photography techniques and information
• Cooking classes
• Art week; Tour of Art
• Wine and cheese tasting
• Late night Friday 14th.
And there is more. Go to www.newmarket.co.nz to find out all the details and for more events and shows in Newmarket this month. Please let us know what you saw and what you liked.
26/09/2011
Back on Board …
Carl Sowter has been re-elected back on to the Newmarket Business Association Board, an organisation run to promote all businesses with the Newmarket precinct. Carl has held the role of Treasurer on the Board since 1998. www.newmarket.co.nz
Models, Tigers and Rugby Players …
Newmarket is to provide a free bus service during the Rugby World Cup. Domestic and International visitors here for the RWC should look out for the free bus service commencing on 27 September. The bus will run on a 2 hourly circuit until the conclusion of the tournament between Newmarket, the Museum and the City's upmarket hotels, 5 times a day. Look out for a bus sporting an "iconic" fashion theme featuring models, tigers and rugby players. www.newmarket.co.nz/63/news/11/item/860/
STOP PRESS...
Check out our very own Carl Sowter in action for the Newmarket Business Association election in the below video link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnR8ii9KJ0I
14/09/2011
LAQC to LTC …
If you are changing from LAQC to a Look Through Company, this a reminder to get your forms back to us before 20 September. We then have to file them with the IRD before the end of the month.
Shopping … Rugby?!!
Newmarket is having a late night on Friday 16th as part of the 30 Days of Fashion and there will be special offers on the night. If you need a break from the rugby then come along to Newmarket. Let's face it, you might want to get a new stylish LBD, or black supporters clothing and gear to get you through the Rugby World Cup festivities.
A month later on Friday 14 October, as part of the celebrations of the Rugby World Cup (no games that night), there will be another later night which will also feature street entertainment and prizes. Pencil this date in the diary.
1/09/2011
Viva Newmarket! …
Newmarket has adopted a second team for the Rugby World Cup – Italy. Marley Loft have got into the spirit of it all and put up decorations for the adopted Italians. The support of course only goes so far, and it is black where our hearts lie.
30 Days of Fashion and Beauty is now under a week away and coming to Newmarket. Fashion & Beauty Central Lindauer Lounge is located at 136 Broadway where the fabulous FREE events will be happening. It opens daily from 10am and you can have your nails tidied or enjoy a glass of Lindauer bubbles.
Make sure you are up-to-date with the 30 Days events calendar to register for the event you would like to attend. www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.co.nz
Ford has the all-new Ford Focus to give away this year and you can enter the draw by spending $30 on any fashion and beauty product in Newmarket over the month of September. Bring your receipt to Fashion and Beauty Central and get your VIP entry into the draw!
24/08/2011
Hold on to what you have …
You want to protect your assets and investments after working hard on growing and developing your business.
Holding Trusts and property investment are two routes many owners take. It is imperative that the right processes and paperwork is in place to avoid the minefields that Trusts and Property can present. Call us for advice in this area.
15/08/2011
The eyes have it …
You must visit Michael Holmes Premium Eyewear if you are looking for classic, elegant, beautifully engineered eyewear that is different from other brands stocked by New Zealand optometrists.
Licensed brands, bling and logos are avoided. They embrace great design and present eyewear collections by specialist eyewear designers. You will find them at High Street CBD and Newmarket.
To find out more about the collections Michael Holmes Premium Eyewear stock and about Michael and his team, go to www.premiumeyewear.co.nz
30 Days of Fashion – Newmarket is involved in this event. Look out for promotions to attend in September. More to follow.
03/08/2011
Get sorted and lower your bill …
The way you manage your books and documents can affect your tax preparation bill.
If your books are not well organised or reconciled throughout the year we have to spend more time going through all your data to put it into order. This of course takes more time and costs you more than you need to pay. A bookkeeper can help maintain and manage your affairs and will be cheaper for you.
If you do not have a bookkeeper yourself, and want to make sure your figures and files are in good order for year-end and interim tax filing, talk to us about setting up a service to get everything in order and reduce your tax preparation bill.
29/07/2011
A Room with a View …
There are very few views in the world that capture the essence of a city than the one from Sails Restaurant. Have a look and see for yourself at www.sailsrestaurant.co.nz.
Sails Restaurant has won numerous awards for both food and service. They were recently voted by the public as the overall winner in the Great Auckland Seafood Challenge for the best seafood dish in Auckland.
Along with the great food, prepared by the most talented chefs and served by professional waiting staff, they have an extensive wine list which includes rare vintages from New Zealand's top vineyards.
To experience Sails Restaurant and be attended to by people who really care about what they do, phone: 378 9890.
19/07/2011
Open for Business, as usual
Newmarket has again been criticised by some disgruntled people trying to paint a negative image of the retail vacancies situation in the area. This is hardly helpful in these challenging times for retailers, but not all that is reported in the NZ Herald is correct.
Contrary to what was written, most vacated sites are filled very quickly, eg the former Starbucks, Supre and Kimberleys all have new tenants (Supre to a multinational retailer taking the whole site). There is plenty of car parking in Newmarket (over 4,000 car parks), with a number of parking buildings and sites throughout the area.
Station Square is to have a new feature coming up (more news to follow next month).
Ashley Church, the Newmarket Business Association general manager, strongly rejects the article and accuses the NZ Herald of "trotting out the same story once every few months" without the checking the facts.
When you come to see us, take the time to check the newly opened stores and cafes in the changing scene of Newmarket.
A last thought … perhaps Rupert Murdoch's people at the News of the World should have reflected on this quote:
"Think much, speak little, write even less"
14/07/2011
Do you want to reduce your tax?
Tax Planning is for everyone, not just for the rich. No one wants to pay tax, but we know it is inevitable.
Bill Gates said that having the best tax professionals before Microsoft became the organisation it is today, was the single most important decision he made to amass his wealth.
If you want to look at reducing your tax bill, let Marley Loft look at the complicated area of tax planning law and put in place the right structures to avoid costly mistakes in the future.
Newmarket - Keep a look out for some exciting events happening in Newmarket over the next year, and particularly around the time of the Rugby World Cup.
05/07/2011
KiwiSaver - Changes Ahead
The changes to be implemented for KiwiSaver have been announced, and the scheme is and will remain a very good retirement savings option.
The three changes are:
• The Member Tax Credit had been cut in half to $521 a year (what other plan offers this?).
• The compulsory contribution rate from 2013 will be lifted from 2% to 3% for employers and employees.
• The employer contribution will be taxable (up until this point that has been tax free).
If you have any questions relating to the upcoming changes, or the scheme as it is, do give us a call to discuss.
Also, to remember, KiwiSaver is the only plan that offers $1,000 from the Government just for joining.
16/05/2011
Who gets the money,
Who takes over?
One of necessities of life we often prefer not to think about is Estate Planning and succession of ownership of your business.
We have the experience to handle estate administration, including:
• Valuations, inventories, appraisals of assets
• Court approval for a grant of administration
• Protecting assets
• Pay taxes and debts
• Distribution of the Estate
If you own a business, then planning for business continuity and ownership is essential.
To help protect your assets and your business, call us to discuss estate and succession planning. Also, click on the links to the full articles Estate Planning and Succession Planning under "Our Services".
02/6/11
Property – At Home and Commercial
In these turbulent times of whether to buy, or when to buy property, we stress that it is extremely important to have forecasts of revenue returns, financial position and potential growth prepared. We can help you with that.
We can talk to you about all aspects of purchasing a property from agreements, funding advice, tax minimisation, ownership structure, etc
Contact us for advice on any property matters you may have.
25/05/2011
There ought to be Clowns …
Pat Armitstead calls herself New Zealand's first joyologist, a term for tapping into personal joy and positive thinking. Pat travels throughout the country presenting seminars or Joyevents, and Joycoaching to clients, and also runs a stress management course at Auckland University. Pat has also written two books, "Humour Works" and "There Ought to be Clowns", and has a weekly radio programme on Auckland's Planet FM. All this came about after her personal life started to fall apart and she chose to do a lot of personal development rather than pills. Joyology was born.
Pat has received speaking awards for her work and for a positive experience you can contact her at www.joyology.co.nz
16/05/2011
Newmarket for Christchurch
The collection boxes distributed to businesses in Newmarket, to display in stores and offices, raised a total of $8,000 for the relief effort in Christchurch. The money has been donated to the Salvation Army.
This is a fantastic effort from everyone visiting and working in Newmarket, particularly with the many other organisations raising money.
Budget Preview
We await the next budget with interest. John Key's pre-budget speech has already mentioned a number of changes, particularly to KiwiSaver. If you have any queries after the presentation this week, do not hesitate to speak to us.
02/05/2011
Clean and Green Motel …
Off Broadway Motel, 11 Alpers Avenue, Newmarket has been awarded the Qualmark Enviro-Bronz award. Qualmark licenses professional and trustworthy New Zealand tourism businesses to use "tourism's official quality mark". Businesses performing well in reducing environmental impact in five key action areas can be given this award as part of the Qualmark Green programme:
• energy efficiency
• waste management
• water conservation
• community activities
• conservation initiatives
Congratulations to Off Broadway Motel for their commitment to responsible tourism and environmental practices. You can find them at www.off-broadway.co.nz
20/04/2011
Provisional Tax Reminder …
Payment of Provisional Tax is due before 7 May 2011.
You will be receiving reminder letters of your tax to pay, so please make a note of this to avoid penalties.
To snip or not to snip …
Wilf Marley has succeeded in the challenge to grow a ponytail (see article Dollars & Sense – Spring 2010). Graham Gibbs of PSP Ltd www.psp.co.nz offered to pay Wilf's charity, North Shore Hospice, the sum of $1,000 if he succeeded. Everyone gathered at the Hospice to inspect the effort and Graham Gibbs was so impressed, he upped the amount to $5,000. Huge thanks to Graham for his generous donation.
Wilf has become quite attached to his new look and is taking a poll on whether or not to keep the ponytail. Check out the photo and send us an email on whether to snip or not to snip.
14/04/2011
New GST Rules
GST rules changed on 1 April 2011. These changes apply to land sales, motor vehicles, as well as changes to farmstays and homestays.
Check the full "Dollars & Sense" article on the new GST rules under Newsletters – Autumn 2011.
Gold Medal Construction Winners …
Lawton Building Ltd has won the Master Builders Association Gold Medal for the Education Project, Commercial Projects Awards. They won their own category and were then judged against all other entrants in the Education Project category.
"It is a great honour for the company to win this Master Builders award" said Mr Lawton. Lawton Building Ltd can be contacted at www.lawtons.co.nz
07/04/2011
Tax Reminder and Tax Due …
From 1 April the Company tax rate has been reduced to 28% and the Depreciation rate on buildings reduced to 0%.
2010 Terminal Tax is due Thursday 7 April.
Bon Voyage and a Milestone …
Chris Hillier who joined Marley Loft for two years, and stayed eleven, finally threw in the calculator and has decided to start the next stage of his life by going off to see the world with his wife Christine. They will be taking an initial holiday to check out foreign parts then relocating to Europe for a couple of years to visit past haunts and new places. We all wish them, with pangs of envy, a fantastic journey.
In honour of Chris leaving and also to celebrate Wilf Marley reaching a milestone birthday, the Marley Loft Team honoured the occasions by dining out at the Market Kitchen & Bar in Newmarket. Delicious food, reminiscing and a good time was had by all to wish bon voyage to Chris and celebrate Wilf's milestone.
29/03/2011
Is your past limiting your career?
Sally Anderson is New Zealand's leading Executive and leadership coach, and is also an author and coach trainer helping executives get to the next level of their career. "My approach, as an executive coach, focuses on correcting the default or disempowered behaviour which a lot of people live by unconsciously and are often triggered by incidents which happened in their past".
Read all about Sally Anderson, her professional and personal life, and how she can inspire and guide you for the next step of your career and your life: www.sally-anderson.com
25/03/2011
Do you and your partner want to see the new season fashion? …
Winter Fashion Catwalk on the Street is to take place on 26 March, just across the road from the office in Osborne Street. A runway will go down the middle of the road with the local fashion houses showcasing the new season for both men and women. Make sure you catch up on this event and join the Newmarket Business Association Treasurer, Carl Sowter, in the front row for Winter Fashion Catwalk on the Street. Tell us what you thought of the shows.
Have you done this for your end of year tax returns?
With the end of the tax year fast approaching it is a good idea to start getting prepared for your tax returns. Good preparation at your end can reduce your accounting fees so here is a quick tip.
Make sure you have all of your receipts identified so they can quickly and easily be entered into the correct heading in your accounting file.
For more advice on affordable accounting visit our website http://www.marleyloft.co.nz/
Newmarket is More Than Just Retail And Accountants
I have been observing, from my office window, the battle between the Auckland City Council, the local birds and a heap of grass seed. Lumsden Green across the road has been struggling to live up to its name for some time since the new landscaping of the park. After the initial planting the grass gave up, ably assisted by the birds, and the Green resembled the Australian outback. I am pleased to say that the grass has been coaxed back to life and is once again lush and vibrant. Take a lunchtime stroll through Lumsden Green.
