Team
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Christine McNamara
DIRECTOR & BUSINESS ADVISOR
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021 247 7985 · christine@bbas.co.nz
Christine is the self-confessed bogan behind BB&S — tattoos, classic cars, and a big passion for helping people make sense of their numbers. Christine has a real knack for turning numbers into stories and helping her clients see the big picture. Straight-talking, loyal, and a bit of a laugh, she’s all about building long-term relationships and helping people and businesses grow.
Christine grew up on a dairy farm in Invercargill before she went on to help run her family’s motel, experiences that shaped her grounded, hardworking approach to business. Since then, she’s advised clients across all kinds of industries, from ski fields and chocolate brands to major charitable trusts, and she proudly gives back through several community trusteeships. Christine believes that business is about more than balance sheets, it’s about people, relationships, and making an impact that lasts.
As a leader, Christine is passionate about helping her team grow their careers and take pride in their profession as Chartered Accountants. She encourages them to back themselves, think beyond the numbers, and step outside their comfort zones. Under her guidance, BB&S has become a place where people feel supported to learn, challenge themselves, and take ownership of their work, all while having a few laughs along the way.
Passionate about upholding and enhancing the accounting profession, Christine serves on the Professional Conduct Committee with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), where she plays an active role in maintaining high standards of ethics and compliance across the industry. Her leadership is grounded in doing what’s right - for her clients, her team, and the wider community.
When she’s not leading the BB&S crew, you’ll probably find Christine cruising in her 1965 Ford Fairlane, hanging out with her daughter Danica, or getting bossed around by her staffy, James. She brings the same authenticity, energy, and good humour that define everything she does.
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Monique McKewen
DIRECTOR & BUSINESS ADVISOR
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027 823 7205 · monique@bbas.co.nz
A skilled chartered accountant and proud graduate of Otago University, Monique is a passionate Dunedin 'local', with a strong commitment and dedication to community and business. Warm and personable, with a keen, positive outlook, Monique is motivated by contributing to the success of her clients. She has an attitude of continuous improvement and is an advocate of ongoing learning and self-development. An example of this is Monique’s proficiency in Xero and the practical guidance she provides to clients, in applying technology to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their businesses.
When she's not supporting clients, Monique likes to keep fit, and cherishes the special time she can share with family and friends, especially in Central Otago, which she describes as 'her happy place'. -

Darin Stewart
DIRECTOR & BUSINESS ADVISOR
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022 683 1146 · darin@bbas.co.nz
Darin uses local and international experience to leverage technology to assist corporates, privately owned or family businesses and others with pragmatic and commercial advice. Whether it is financial services, hospitality, building and manufacturing or other business activity he brings insight to help his clients achieve their goals.
Darin enjoys surfing, you’ll find him at the beach when he isn’t helping his clients. -

Maurice Noone
DIRECTOR
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021 343 543 · maurice.noone@mgn.co.nz
After more than three decades with PwC, including 23 years as a Partner at PwC, Maurice has seen just about every challenge a business can face, and helped many navigate through them. These days, he channels that experience into governance and strategy, serving as Chair and Director for a range of New Zealand companies, including the Chair role on the BB&S Board.
Maurice has a knack for cutting through complexity and finding the clear path forward. He combines his deep financial and governance expertise with an enthusiasm for innovation and sustainability, especially in sectors that make a tangible difference to Kiwi industries. Known for his steady perspective and quick wit, Maurice brings both rigour and warmth to the boardroom.
Maurice was born and raised in Dunedin and even though he is based in Christchurch, he considers Otago home. Outside of work he enjoys spending time in Wanaka or hanging out with his gorgeous boys, Louie and Charlie (both dogs!).
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Richard McKnight
DIRECTOR
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021 344 699 · richard@bbas.co.nz
Richard predominantly undertakes share and business valuations for a range of clients in many industries and also for referred clients from outside BB&S. He also provides business and tax advice for a small number of longstanding clients.
Richard maintains a balanced life between work and family and is passionate about golf, playing at the lovely Balmacewen course in Dunedin and also in Arrowtown.
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Julie Rickman
DIRECTOR
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021 729 619 · julie@bbas.co.nz
Julie grew up in a traditional Waikato dairy farming family and continues to care deeply and maintains a strong affinity with the rural sector. She is fortunate to have worked across many sizes and shapes of professional services firms and gained exposure to clients from a broad spectrum of industries and stages in the business cycle.
Julie was Managing Partner of Beattie Rickman in Hamilton and in 2006 Julie lead the merger of Beattie Rickman with PwC. She was Managing Partner of PwC Waikato from 2007 until she migrated south to PwC Otago in 2011.
In December 2016 she left PwC and from 2017 to 2021 she was Executive Director Finance, Procurement and Facilities at Southern District Health Board. She now delivers advisory and directorship services through her consulting company. Julie is a director of Barr, Burgess & Stewart Limited, and Perrin Ag, an agri advisory services firm based in Rotorua.
Julie is an avid reader, enjoys music, potters in the garden and loves watching a good game of rugby with family and friends.
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Dianne Wood
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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027 627 5300 · dianne@bbas.co.nz
An import from the Bay of Plenty , Dianne has more than 38 years of accounting experience gained in NZ and overseas. She started her career in corporate accounting and moved into professional services around 18 years ago. Dianne’s passion is working alongside clients and building strong trusting relationships.
Dianne also enjoys passing on her accounting and business knowledge to the next generation, providing mentorship to trainee accountants. Outside of work you will find Dianne traveling, gardening, perpetually renovating houses, and scrapbooking with friends.
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Steph Brenssell
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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027 273 4734 · steph@bbas.co.nz
Steph uses her local expertise and broad skill set to support privately owned and family-run businesses. She works closely with clients across a variety of sectors, including nonprofit organisations, hospitality, construction, farming, and more. Steph enjoys helping clients navigate business and tax compliance challenges, offering practical support with their day-to-day management accounting needs.
Outside of work, Steph is actively involved in the Dunedin community. She dedicates her winters to supporting local rugby and netball teams and regularly volunteers at the Otago Community Hospice.
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Anita Loughrey
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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022 025 5455 · anita@bbas.co.nz
Anita has deep expertise working with privately owned and family-run businesses, providing tailored compliance advice and support on a broad spectrum of technical and regulatory tax matters. She brings clarity and confidence to clients navigating evolving tax legislation and complex reporting obligations.
As a key member of the office’s tax administration team, Anita helps clients interpret and meet Inland Revenue’s compliance expectations. This includes guiding them through changes such as the trustee tax rate increase, provisional tax strategies, tax pooling, and the investment boost.
Anita balances her professional commitments with family life. She actively supports her children’s sporting and musical pursuits, and loves travelling to warmer climates for family breaks.
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Brent Halley
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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021 256 0630 · brent@bbas.co.nz
Brent joined the 'original' BB&S team initially as a University holiday job in 1982. After a secondment, OE and a long period of time with other local firms, he is back at BB&S.
Over the years Brent has developed and enjoyed close relationships looking after a loyal and varied client base in size, geographical spread and business/investment sectors. He provides a range of business advisory services, including tax compliance, tax planning, budgeting & forecasting, financing, refinancing, and asset protection and asset structuring with a particular interest around Trusts.
Outside of work, Brent and his wife are keen sports followers and supporters of their children and grandchildren. Brent remains an active (but more often broken) runner, which he supplements with cycling, gym and swimming activities. What spare time he has left, he puts back into the sport he loves, being heavily involved administratively with various athletics interests. -

Donna Ruwhiu
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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021 341 507 · donna@bbas.co.nz
Donna (Ngāpuhi) is a business advisor with extensive experience working with large and small business clients – including community organisations – to review, analyse and advise on the optimal design and interface for your accounting software requirements. Her role includes taking a holistic view of your organisation and working with you to develop a solution that is specific to your needs.
Donna has lived in Dunedin for 30 years, is an avid bridge player and has been a committed advocate and volunteer for various charities around Dunedin. -

Jean Sutherland
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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027 4545 658 · jean@bbas.co.nz
Jean has over twenty years of experience assisting clients with their accounting and taxation needs; navigating compliance requirements, avoiding tax pitfalls, accessing the advantages of cloud accounting, and providing practical advice. As Practice Manager Jean also takes pride in ensuring BB&S clients receive the best possible service.
Outside of work Jean spends most of her time reading, watching her kids’ sports and feeling slightly bitter by her recent first ever speeding ticket. -

Shaakira Hassen
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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027 239 7672 · shaakira@bbas.co.nz
Shaakira joined BB&S after making the move from sunny South Africa to beautiful New Zealand in 2023. With years of experience in both accounting firms and commercial businesses back home, she quickly got to grips with the ins and outs of New Zealand’s tax landscape. Her keen eye for detail and passion for helping clients achieve great results make her a valued part of the BB&S team.
When she’s not deep in numbers or tax returns, Shaakira’s world revolves around her three lively kids - two energetic boys and their much-adored little sister. Life outside of work is full of laughter, adventures, and the happy kind of chaos that comes with a busy family life.
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Gaile Medder
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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021 262 6510 · gaile@bbas.co.nz
Gaile joined the team in 2022 bringing with her over 30 years combined administration management, management accounting and annual accounting experience. During her working career, she has gained BCom Accounting and Associated Chartered Accountant qualifications.
Being very detail focused, Gaile is passionate about building strong relationships and supporting clients with their day-to-day business activities. During her spare time, Gaile enjoys exploring the great outdoors, gardening and reading. -

Alex Chibvongodze
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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027 301 1560 · alex@bbas.co.nz
Alex is originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, Alex moved to New Zealand in 2016 and studied in Invercargill at SIT. Since graduating from SIT in 2023, he's been part of our team as a Business Advisor. Alex is currently working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, showing his dedication to helping our clients succeed. Outside of work, Alex enjoys playing football and basketball, finding joy and relaxation in sports.
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Chris Keegan
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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027 203 3175 · chris@bbas.co.nz
Chris graduated with a Master’s in Professional Accounting from Victoria University of Wellington and is studying towards becoming a Chartered Accountant. Chris has an open mind and enjoys conversing with clients about their businesses and industries ranging from industry basics, politics, and learning about the people behind the brands.
When he is not working or studying, Chris enjoys relaxing at home, hiking, photography, travelling the country, and the occasional adrenaline-fuelled activity such as skydiving and bungy jumping.
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Eden Poll
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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022 175 5363 · eden@bbas.co.nz
Eden is a proud graduate of the University of Otago, holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. Having completed the academic requirements for her Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) accreditation, she is on track to graduate in mid-2026.
Eden is committed to continually advancing her expertise and attaining her full CA ANZ qualification. Eden provides personalised hands-on training, assisting clients with Xero set-up and other daily operational functions, so that they can confidently manage their day-to-day financial operations. Her practical support helps clients to streamline workflows and focus on what matters most. Being a Dunedin local, Eden is passionate about supporting the growth of local businesses and charities.
Outside of work, Eden enjoys spending quality time with her family, travelling, baking, and reading.
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Thomas Allen
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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Thomas is originally from Christchurch and is in his final year at the University of Otago. He is excited to complete his Bachelor of Arts and Commerce, double majoring in Accounting and French, in 2025. He will soon begin his journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, building on his passion for accounting and professional development. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys playing football and golf.
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Jessica Hewson
BUSINESS ADVISOR
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jessica@bbas.co.nz
Originally from Wellington, Jessica is currently in her second year of studying a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting at Otago University. Jessica is passionate about building a strong foundation in accounting and business. She is committed to gaining both academic knowledge and practical experience to pursue a future as a Chartered Accountant. Jessica enjoys being part of a team and is eager to continue to grow and learn within the field. Outside her studies she loves spending time with family and friends, going on runs and baking.