Partner | Audit and Assurance

With a career spanning over three decades, Michael is widely known in the New Zealand audit and assurance landscape for his accessibility, ability to “get alongside” his clients, and seamless service delivery, and combines technical rigour with a deep understanding of the realities and challenges facing medium-to-large commercial entities, public sector bodies, and not-for-profit organisations.

Leading a Modern, High-Growth Practice

Since joining Moore Markhams Wellington as a Partner in 2015, Michael has been the driving force behind the rapid evolution of the firm’s audit division. Under his leadership, the Wellington audit practice has transformed into a modern contemporary, significant operation, scaling rapidly in size and capability to meet the demands of an increasingly complex market. His focus on integrating advanced audit methodologies with a client-centric approach has established the firm as a premier choice for organisations requiring assurance.

Strategic Leadership

Michael’s influence extends beyond the Wellington office into the strategic core of the Moore Markhams network and the wider accounting profession:

• Trans-Tasman Standards: he represents New Zealand interests as a member of the Australia and New Zealand Moore Audit and Assurance Committee.
• Public Sector & Regulation: he serves as the Liaison Partner for Moore Markhams New Zealand with the Office of the Auditor-General, ensuring a seamless connection between the firm and the public sector’s highest standards.
• Network Expansion: as Chair of the Strategic Growth Committee for Moore Markhams New Zealand, he has been instrumental in steering the expansion of the national network in recent years.

Industry Contribution and Technical Depth

Since 2023, he has served on the CAANZ Not-for-profit Special Interest Group and contributes his expertise as a member of the CAANZ annual report judging panel.

His technical proficiency covers International Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards for Public Benefit Entities (PBE), and the ability to assist clients in developing frameworks for non-financial service performance information, an area of critical importance under emerging standards.

Michael enjoys participating in MOORE Global Network Partners conferences whenever he can get away, enjoying the collegiality and different perspectives that his Network counterparts offer.

Professional Background

Michael’s extensive experience includes over 20 years at BDO, where he was an Audit Partner and included a significant secondment to BDO London. He began his career with foundational roles at Audit New Zealand and EY.

Complementing his audit career, Michael has spent five years on various boards in finance roles, providing him with an understanding of the governance and risk management challenges.