About Us
Since its formation in 1962 Candy Gillespie Ltd of Matamata has been at the forefront of accountancy by providing clients with broad and relevant services.
At Candy Gillespie we pride ourselves on being friendly and accessible, and as accounting specialists our business is helping you make your business successful. As an innovative and forward-looking organisation our future plans already embody the expansion of our IT services to incorporate on-line appointments, e-commerce and the continued growth of our specialist activities.
We are committed to providing a comprehensive range of practical accounting services for today's economic environment and we have over 46 years experience in New Zealand to help you realise your goals. We offer a diverse range of services to meet the ever-changing needs of individuals and businesses. Candy Gillespie is dedicated to making a difference for our clients by providing advice that is tailored to who you are and where you want to go.
Candy Gillespie Ltd has the depth and breadth of experience of a major accounting firm but with the personal touch that only a locally owned firm can deliver. These are the qualities that make us unique; and qualities clients have come to expect.
Meet The Directors
Craig Taylor - Director
Taranaki born and bred, Craig returned to Matamata in September 2009, having previously worked for Candy Gillespie from 1997-1999. Craig became a Director in April 2010.
Educated at New Plymouth Boys' High School and a degree from Massey University, Craig has worked for accounting practices in Palmerston North, Matamata and New Plymouth as well as a spell in the commercial sector. Having not been able to find a practice like Candy Gillespie in Taranaki, accepting an invitation to return to Candy Gillespie was a no brainer according to Craig.
Craig is married to Sheree and they have two children, Milla and Carter.
Craig's interests outside of work include family, sport, boating and fishing. Previously a keen rugby player, the boots are now well and truly hung up.
You can e-mail Craig here
Michael Candy - Director
Son of the son of founding Partner Bruce, Michael is the third generation Candy to join the team. After spending his formative years in Matamata, Michael headed south to learn all he could about Accounting and Finance at Victoria University. While there he caught the attention of KPMG and was offered a position in the business advisory division. The distractions of the big city weren't enough to keep him in Wellington and after completing his Chartered Accountancy qualification Michael's affinity for Matamata lead to a shift back to the Mighty Waikato.
Driven to help businesses thrive Michael relishes the opportunity to have down to earth discussions with business owners. Michael works across both the agriculture and commercial sector.
A keen outdoorsman, on the weekend you might find him biking through the redwoods, behind the boat on lake Karapiro or on the hooves tramping through one of the regions beautiful trails. A keen footy player Michael also keeps the clubs books up to scratch.
Being the third generation to join the firm, Michael is often referred to as 'the Holy Ghost', a title he embraces. His ability to reconcile years' worth of GST at times does seem to be of divine intervention. Having recently convinced his new wife, Caro, to marry him and start a family more people are convinced he is in fact the Holy Ghost.
You can e-mail Michael here
Heath Tapper - Director
Heath grew up and went to school in Matamata before heading away to University in Dunedin followed by a few years working overseas.
In 2005 he returned to Matamata to begin work at Candy Gillespie under the expert tutelage of John Gillespie.
As well as taking a keen interest in his clients' farming and commercial businesses, Heath has also undertaken volunteer roles on the School Board and for various Sporting Clubs in Matamata.
Heath is married with 3 children who are all keen athletes. A lot of Heath's spare time is spent following his kids around the countryside watching them compete, although he does manage to squeeze in a bike ride or two
You can e-mail Heath here
Keith Earl – Director
Born and raised in Matamata, Keith attended Hinuera Primary School and Matamata Intermediate and College. He gained a computer science qualification at Waikato University and later his accounting qualification at Waikato Polytechnic.
Keith joined the Candy Gillespie team in 1995 and became a director in 2000.
Having been born and raised on a local dairy farm, Keith has a passion for farm accounting. His time spent working on dairy farms, including sharemilking on the family farm, has provided valuable experience for dealing with issues faced by both farming and commercial clients.
Most of Keith's spare time is spent with his two boys; kayaking, boating, hiking, and travelling whenever possible.
You can e-mail Keith here
Alan Candy – Director
Son of founding partner Bruce, Alan joined the firm in 1984. Alan started his professional career Ernst Young in the Palmerston North office. After a few years service for them, Alan returned to Matamata and joined what was then Candy Diprose & Partners. While the firm has now changed names, Alan has continued as a Partner/Director since 1987.
Educated at Matamata College and Massey University, Alan graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies in 1982.
Since returning to Matamata, Alan has been very involved in the community as a member of the Matamata Community Board (including Chair), a member of Matamata Public Relations Association, and is currently on the Matamata Futures board. Alan has also been involved in a number of local sports clubs.
Alan has significant experience in finance and taxation matters and is involved with a number of clients at board level and holds a number of directorships.
Alan is married to Haana and has 2 sons.
You can e-mail Alan here
Associates
Sonia Hart, CA
Sonia grew up on a dairy farm just out of Matamata and attended Turanga-O-Moana Primary School, and then headed into town to attend the local Intermediate & College. After College, Sonia attended Waikato University, and after graduating, headed to Auckland to work for Grant Thornton. After experiencing the city life for several years, the pull to head back to Matamata was strong, and has been at Candy Gillespie since moving back in 2005.
With specialising in the accounting treatment of foreign investments, Sonia works with a lot of trusts, but also has a passion for the commercial sector. She is also a key contact for dealing with Estates.
Sonia is married to a teacher, Brendon and they have 2 boys – Cooper and Jackson, along with cats, dogs, fish and chooks!
Outside of work, Sonia is involved with the Scouting movement, with both boys also moving through the sections. She also volunteers to a number of community groups. The family spend as much time as possible in the summer time at their permanent caravan at the campground situated at Whangamata.
You can e-mail Sonia here
Glen Jenkins, CA
Originally from the South Island, Glen grew up in rural Canterbury and attended Lincoln High School before heading to Otago University. After completing an Accounting & Finance degree Glen relocated to Wellington with KPMG where he completed his Chartered Accountancy qualification and first worked with our own 3rd generation Candy – Michael.
Glen has worked in public practice with KPMG and PwC, as well as in both the private sector and public service bringing diversified experience in the commercial and agricultural sectors.
Glen and his partner Bridget along with their two young boys relocated to Matamata from Wellington where they spent 12 years. Since arriving in Matamata they have welcomed boy number three, completing what could be a formidable front row in a few years’ time. The move to Matamata is a return to rural life with Glen’s family still farming in Canterbury.
You can e-mail Glen here
