Increasing numbers of Japanese corporates and high net worth individuals are investing in New Zealand. In addition to traditional tax, accounting and advisory services, Japanese investors require a trusted, local partner who speaks Japanese and adds value to their business.
Established in 1945, Staples Rodway Ltd. is a member of Baker Tilly International Ltd., one of the world’s largest advisory networks. As a locally owned, certified public accountancy and business advisory firm, Staples Rodway is enabling business between Japan and New Zealand. Their Australian affiliate, Pitcher Partners Pty Ltd., also works closely with mutual Japanese Trans-Tasman clients.
“We have successfully grown our Japanese practice since I started our Japan business 13 years ago,” said Annette Azuma, the firm’s director of business advisory and vice chair of the Japan New Zealand Business Council.
“Today, we are one of the preeminent firms for Japanese businesses in New Zealand. Our clients include listed and unlisted corporates; and high net worth individuals who are either permanently based in New Zealand or have permanent residency gained through the Investor Plus Visa.”
Staples Rodway’s Japanese practice TEAM JAPAN consists of Japanese language speaking experts and offers outsourcing, accounting and business services, international tax consultancy, human resource advice and other complementary services.
“‘TEAM’ is an acronym of ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’ and we have associated this area of our business with sports, as New Zealand is a passionate sporting country,” said Azuma. One recent achievement was Team NZ winning the last America’s Cup.
Hosted by Japan, the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games have been a catalyst for Staples Rodway to host a series of events to assist New Zealand companies as they enter the Japanese market.
“We host events that encourage Japan-New Zealand relations to flourish and we are planning our next event in November this year,” said Azuma.
Azuma’s passion for working with Japanese clients extends to promoting her country as both an investment destination and partner for Japan.
“In addition to New Zealand providing new opportunities in the construction and retail sectors to name a few, Japanese and domestic companies have established partnerships in order to enter third markets together,” said Azuma.
“There are many reasons to invest in New Zealand. We invite companies from Japan to work with us and we look forward to welcoming our Japanese friends with open arms.”
