Here at The Accounting Hub, we are very fortunate to work with not-for-profit groups doing incredible things for people, projects, and communities. Of the many charitable organisations we work with, Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi holds a special place in our hearts.
Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi is Auckland’s Regional Arts Trust, working across the arts, culture, and creative sectors to ignite conversations, foster connections, and deliver impactful research. They support artists’ development and advocate for the infrastructure needed to make Tāmaki Makaurau a vibrant and creative region. The Trust is inspired and energised by the leadership of Chief Executive Alison Taylor.
Alison personifies the organisation’s commitment to developing and nurturing enduring relationships that are authentic, reciprocal, and grounded in shared values. The connection with Helen and The Accounting Hub has been built on our shared core value of whanaungatanga (meaningful connections and relationships). We have worked closely together to progress the strategic direction of Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi—or as Alison affectionately calls the kaupapa (project), “a start-up with a track record.”
Alison recalls the collaboration from the beginning:
“We tendered for financial services, and Andrew and The Accounting Hub came highly recommended. We met with Andrew and were impressed that our values aligned. And then we met Helen—and glory!
We needed bookkeeping support, flexibility and affordable, good-value financial services for an organisation our size. Helen came in to work alongside me, to be my direct right hand, ultimately acting as a pseudo-CFO who could dip in and out of the organisation. The partnership became so seamless it felt like an internal relationship; Helen became part of the whānau.”
The relationship continued to grow:
“Helen would report directly to the Board and I could defer to her when necessary for further details. Helen made a real difference. She worked with our Asset Management team and built trust with the Board that added confidence to our decision-making. Helen provided reasoned and thoughtful advice; at the governance level, we trusted her well-considered guidance.
It was both a personal thing and a skills thing. She is delightful!”
Over many years working with Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi, we provided a full range of financial services to support their mission including bookkeeping, management reporting and audit support. We enjoyed merging our teams and helping shape the strategic direction and financial future of the Trust.
Helen says:
“This has been a rewarding partnership where we have been able to support meaningful change built on strong, authentic relationships. It is less about the numbers and all about the people. We are here to support Alison, provide solid numbers and, where appropriate, offer additional layers of advice. It has been a privilege to be part of their progression.”
When we spoke to Alison, she also exclaimed, “Oh, Holly is amazing!” Holly took care of the bookkeeping for the Trust and Alison was pleased to report that their end-to-end service resulted in the Trust gaining a clean audit three years in a row.
Alison says:
“We would totally recommend The Accounting Hub to other charitable organisations. This relationship has been absolutely amazing.”
Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi is now moving in a new strategic direction. Transformation is afoot to meet the demands of a changing environment. Partnerships remain central to the organisation’s kaupapa, enabling strong links with the wider creative ecosystem. The Trust has led and supported successful collaborations—from the co-funding of Te Manawa to advocacy initiatives with like-minded organisations. Their ability to collaborate, co-design and co-fund sector-driven projects enables them to meet critical needs and create meaningful impact in the creative community.
