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.
Back home, Patrick has spent much of his career in New Zealand's higher education and government sectors, working in areas like accreditation, quality management, and policy. He oversaw degree programme approvals, worked as a ministerial assistant in Wellington, and even served as President of the New Zealand University Students' Association (NZUSA).
Patrick holds a Master's in Asian and International Studies, along with postgraduate qualifications from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the University of Hong Kong in business psychology.
Patrick's extensive experience in governance, professional development, and regulation plays a vital role in supporting ATAINZ's ongoing growth and success.
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.
Amie's prior board experience includes advisory (in terms of finance, governance, and strategy) to several boards throughout the last 5 years.
ATAINZ mission statement resonates with Amie, she is passionate about supporting the association to empower members (both current and future) to understand the value they can play in their clients’ businesses and is an advocate of recruiting new graduates and up and coming players in the industry, encouraging diversity and longevity of the association.
When not at work you'll generally find Amie on the netball sideline coaching her daughters (11 and 13) or spending time with her family and friends.
Richard has been a member of ATAINZ since 2004. He was elected to the board in March 2017. In March 2018 he was elected by the members at the AGM as the Chairperson. Richard has been managing an accounting firm in Nelson since 2000 and currently has 15 staff in his practice.
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.
ATAINZ is uniquely placed to add value across the board for both businesses and citizens of New Zealand. Remembering ‘none of us is as smart as all of us’, as a collective we have the opportunity of developing unparalleled taxation expertise with strength in numbers, and being in a prime position to earn trust as advisors.
Martin joined the board in 2019 and continues to contribute to the board as Treasurer and accelerating the growth and brand of ATAINZ to benefit all of our members.
Lance Green – Born and raised in Wanganui originally with a background in Retail, Commercial and Merchant Banking. Decided that Accountancy was a more rewarding career over 35 years ago and since then has been a Senior Accountant, Associate and Director at four Accountancy firms before commencing practicing on his own account in April 2021. His clients are many and varied and involved in many activities from farming, retail, contracting, hospitality and investment. The main enjoyment in the position held is being able to assist client’s growth from small beginnings to a business that has a strong future.
Outside accountancy I am an ardent NZ Warriors supporter from day one in addition to enjoying the DIY lifestyle in a smaller regional city.
Lance & Partner Mary have 5 grown up children together with 8 Grandchildren.
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.
Lisa believes that every accounting professional must belong to a membership organisation that supports standards, best practice, education and continuing professional development. Being a passionate member of ATAINZ, when a Board opportunity arose in 2021 Lisa expressed her passion and desire to help educate the accounting industry and join the Board and help spread their mission, purpose, and values. Lisa looks forward to working alongside the ATAINZ Board and members to uphold and promote our amazing profession.
#bestpractice #betterschoolsandhospitals #youdidntgointobusinesstotackleyourtaxbutwedid
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.
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.
A committed member of ATAINZ since 2016, Nicky qualified as a Professional Tax & Business Advisor (PTBA) in 2019. She has been a proactive contributor to the organisation, serving as the Canterbury Regional Co-ordinator since 2018. Her dedication was formally recognised in 2023 when she received the ATAINZ President's Award for her service and commitment. Nicky was co-opted onto the Board in 2025, where she continues to apply her extensive experience and dedication to the profession.
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.