Our People

	Alan Laurenson - CA Director Alan is a Director of Laurenson Chartered Accountants.  Alan completed his professional studies at Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington Polytechnic.  He gained his early experience working for a large independent Wellington CA firm followed by commercial experience working in the corporate sector.   Alan returned to the CA environment and acquired his own practice in 1970.   He went through a number of mergers ending up as part of a ‘Big four’ CA firm.  An opportunity arose in the late 1980’s to reinstate the practice as an independent firm.   Alan brings extensive commercial and professional experience to the practice including the provision of management consulting and taxation advice to small and medium sized businesses.  Alan’s profile includes experience in retailing, property construction and ownership, manufacturing and distribution and servicing industries.  Alan places emphasis on working closely with clients to ensure the achievement of practical and sound solutions. Alan is married with three grown up children. He has many and varied interests, including a variety of sporting activities (golf, rugby), also walking/tramping and sports and arts administration. Expertise: ·      Financial management and management accounting ·      Taxation work and advice ·      Strategic planning and business consultancy ·      Advisory work involved in buying and selling businesses ·      Trust and Estate work ·      Valuation of businesses ·      Forestry Interests: ·      Golf ·      Walking ·      Yoga ·      Boating ·      Rugby Administration ·      Music and the Arts
	Valerie Sum - BCA, CA Director Valerie completed her professional studies at Victoria University. She has spent most of her working life in chartered accounting business services representing a comprehensive range of business industries. Valerie came through one of the 'Big four Chartered Accountancy practice' before becoming a partner of the firm in 1988. Having an Asian background, Valerie is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and other Asian dialects. Valerie is married with one adult son. Valerie brings extensive commercial and professional experience to the practice. Expertise: Business advisory work Taxation advice and planning Advisory work involved in buying and selling businesses Trust and estate work Business Setup & Structures Management Accounting   Interests: Yoga and pilates Music and modern dancing
	Avril Hillind - CA, ACA Auckland Technical Institute 1986 Associate Director Avril recently joined the firm after nine years with a mid tier Chartered Accountancy firm most recently as Business Services Director. She completed her professional studies at Auckland Technical Institute and has many years experience in commercial, professional and chartered accounting roles in Auckland, Rotorua and Papua New Guinea. Avril brings a wealth of experience in the business services area including annual financial statements and tax work, regular management reporting, budgeting and cash flow projections and ongoing business advice. Starting her career in the commercial sector has lead to a specialty in helping clients get the best from their in-house systems not just in the use of an accounting package but also in developing their business by the use of streamlined efficient processes and appropriate resources. Avril is married with a teenage son and has a strong passion for her not for profit work in the education sector as a Governor of Scots College and as a long time financial advisor to the Board of Parents Centres NZ Inc. She is also involved in her local community as a trustee of a community centre. Expertise: Annual compliance Taxation work and advice Management Reporting Small business Accounting Systems Client systems and internal controls Budgeting and Cash flow projections Interests: Governance roles in not for profit sector Volunteer with local community groups Gardening Music Family history
	John Saluni - BBS, CA, CPA Associate Director John completed his undergraduate studies at Massey University in Palmerston North and Masters at Macquarie University in Sydney. He has worked most of his life to date in the corporate sector both here and in Australia. He has vast experience in fund accounting having worked most of his post graduate years in the financial services industry. John previously worked for Fairfax Media, Trustees Executors, National Australia Bank, Mercantile Mutual, MLC and Inland Revenue. He is a qualified Certified Practicing Accountant in Australia and a New Zealand Chartered Accountant. John brings his youthful experience to the practice. He is of Samoan and Tongan background and is proud of his family and their achievements. John is married with one child. Expertise:  Fund Accounting Management Accounting  Corporate Tax Business Consultancy  MYOB Profit Optimiser Interests:  Rugby History Religion Music Reading Community work