A new year has a funny way of shining a light on the little things at home that just aren’t working anymore.
The kitchen that feels chaotic every morning.
The bathroom that’s cold, tired, or short on storage.
The layout that technically works… but could work so much better.
They’re small frustrations - until they’re not.
Good renovations aren’t about trends or big statements. They’re about improving how your home feels to live in.
Think:
Simple changes, done well, can completely change how a home works.
One of the biggest reasons people put off renovating? They think they need all the answers first.
You don’t.
Most projects start with a conversation - what’s not working, what you’d love to improve, and what’s realistic for your home. From there, the plan takes shape.
Starting early gives you breathing room. Time to explore ideas. Time to make confident decisions.
Renovating is a big investment. Doing it right the first time matters.
Thoughtful planning leads to:
It’s not about rushing — it’s about getting it right.
If a renovation is on your radar - whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, layout change, or something bigger - the New Year is a great time to start thinking it through.
At Refresh Renovations Rodney, we work with homeowners across the Hibiscus Coast and Rodney to plan and deliver renovations that are practical, well-designed, and built to last.
Even if you’re just in the ideas phase, we’re happy to help you explore what’s possible.
Ready to make your home work better this year? Let’s start with a conversation. Call Amber and Bronson for a no obligation chat on 0800 215 216 or email bronson.arter@refresh.co.nz or amber.osborne@refresh.co.nz
From David Hooper, David Hooper CA Ltd
The boost is really only a timing difference for tax: when the asset is eventually sold, any “over-claim” of depreciation may be written back as depreciation recovered and taxed as income.
From 22 May 2025, NZ businesses can claim an extra 20% deduction in year one when they buy a new depreciable asset (often called the “Investment Boost”). You still depreciate the remaining 80% at the normal IRD rate. It’s not free money - it simply brings forward a slice of future deductions to help cash flow now, with a potential clawback later if you sell above book value.
What qualifies (in plain English): New business assets like machinery, tools, equipment, and many fit outs. Not second-hand purchases. Commercial buildings can qualify for the 20% upfront deduction even though they don’t usually depreciate.
Buy a new machine for $100,000. In year one you can deduct $20,000 immediately. The remaining $80,000 is depreciated as usual over time. At a 28% tax rate, that upfront 20% could trim this year’s tax by $5,600 - but remember, if you later sell above its book value, some or all of that benefit may be taxed back as depreciation recovery.
Keep invoices and an asset register; confirm the asset is new and used for business; factor the bigger year‑one deduction into provisional tax planning; and before signing, check the sale and purchase terms (including any chattels values) so tax treatment matches reality.
This is general advice only so always consult a Chartered Accountant to get advice on your situation.
Big idea: Inland Revenue allows an interest deduction when borrowed money is used to earn taxable income. If your loans have funded private spending (owner drawings, overdrawn shareholder current accounts), that portion of interest isn’t deductible. The good news: you can often restructure now so future interest becomes deductible.
Warning: Always seek professional advice from a Chartered Accountant as there are traps.
List every loan and overdraft and ask: What did these dollars actually pay for? Tag each portion business (stock, wages, equipment, fit-out, premises) or private (drawings, personal bills, historic tidy-ups). Blended facilities are common—split them on paper first.
An overdrawn shareholder current account (the shareholder owes the company) screams “private use”. If bank debt is effectively covering that overdraft, interest on that slice is non-deductible. Two fixes:
1) Dividend set-off
Declare a fully imputed dividend and apply it to clear the overdrawn balance (legal set-off). From that date, ensure all borrowing funds business purposes only.
Example: The company has a $60k overdrawn current account and a $180k term loan. You declare a $60k fully imputed dividend and set it off, eliminating the private receivable. You then split the facility into two sub-accounts: $120k business working capital and $60k capex. Going forward, interest on both is deductible because the funds are clearly tied to income-earning use.
2) Shareholder cash injection
The shareholder repays the debit current account in cash. From then on, bank debt finances only business activity. Again, interest becomes deductible going forward.
Guardrails: Pass the Companies Act solvency test, check imputation credits, and brief shareholders on the personal tax impact of dividends.
Where possible, ask the bank for separate sub-accounts: one for working capital, one for each asset purchase. If you refinance an existing business loan at a better rate, interest remains deductible because the underlying use hasn’t changed.
Example: Last year you advanced $80k personally to cover payroll and stock (the company owes you—current account in credit). Draw an $80k business term loan and repay the shareholder. This is a refinance of business funding, so interest is deductible.
If the bank will only lend to you personally, use an on-lend: you borrow, then on-lend to the company at a commercial rate under a simple loan agreement. The company uses the funds for business; its interest is deductible. You return interest income; your personal interest cost broadly offsets it.
Example: You borrow $120k at 8.2% and on-lend at 8.5%. The company buys equipment and deducts the 8.5% interest. You return 8.5% interest income and pay 8.2% interest expense—small spread, clean tracing.
Bottom line: You can’t re-characterise yesterday’s spend, but with clean splits, proper resolutions and crisp tracing, you can ensure tomorrow’s interest is deductible.
Article provided by:
Owning a piece of land you love is a dream for many homeowners, but sometimes the house itself doesn’t live up to your expectations. If you’re wondering whether to renovate, extend, or build a new home, there are several factors to consider before making a decision.
The starting point is a realistic assessment of your current home. Older houses may have hidden issues such as outdated wiring, plumbing, or structural wear. Renovations can address these, but sometimes the costs add up to the point where building new becomes more practical.
How your home interacts with the sun, prevailing winds, and views can make a huge difference to comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor–outdoor living. If your current house is poorly oriented, a rebuild might allow you to optimise sunlight, passive heating, and cooling - something that’s often difficult to achieve with a simple renovation.
Consider how the house sits on your land. Does it make the most of your outdoor spaces, garden, or neighbouring views? Sometimes small changes or extensions can significantly improve usability, but in other cases, starting fresh allows for a design that fully responds to the site’s potential.
If your site is large enough, relocating or rebuilding your home could open opportunities for subdivision in the future. This is an important consideration for investment potential and long-term planning, particularly in Auckland’s competitive housing market.
Before deciding, list the aspects of your current home that you love - and those that frustrate you. Perhaps the layout works, but the kitchen is outdated, or maybe the bedrooms are too small. This exercise helps determine whether a renovation could meet your needs, or if a new build is the best way to create the home you truly want.
Deciding whether to renovate, extend, or build new is a balance of practicality, cost, and lifestyle goals. Consulting with an architect early can help you understand your options, evaluate potential costs, and develop a plan that maximises your site’s potential while delivering a home that fits your life. Reach out to Archoffice today for a free consultation.
Ph: (021) 790 908
Email: admin@archoffice.co.nz
Website: www.archoffice.co.nz
Renovating is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home. Done well, it improves the way you live day to day and adds long-term value. Done poorly, it can cost more than it’s worth. So how do you make sure you’re getting the most from your money?
Jumping in without a plan almost always leads to stress and overspending. Having a clear design, budget and timeline from the start will save you time and money. Talking to a local renovation specialist early also helps — we know Rodney’s council processes and market inside out.
Kitchens and bathrooms are where you’ll usually see the strongest return. In Rodney, outdoor living is also key — decks, patios and good flow from inside to outside are highly valued. Don’t overlook practical upgrades either: storage, insulation and heating make a big difference for families and future buyers.
Invest in the things that last — like waterproofing, cabinetry and structure. Then look for savings in finishes and fixtures. A stylish mid-range tap can look just as good as a top-end designer piece, without blowing the budget.
Even if you’re renovating for yourself, think ahead. Neutral colours, classic layouts and energy-efficient features appeal to a wide range of buyers and lower running costs. Sustainable upgrades like double glazing and LED lighting are now must-haves.
Managing trades on your own can be stressful and expensive. Having one team to manage design, planning and building keeps everything on track and ensures your investment is protected.
Renovating is about lifestyle and return. With the right approach, you’ll enjoy your home more today — and increase its value for tomorrow.
Thinking about a renovation in Rodney? We’d love to help. Get in touch to book a free consultation. Specialist renovation services for Hibiscus Coast and Rodney. Whether you are after a bathroom or kitchen renovation, house extension, garage build or conversion or just help with your walk-in wardrobe design. Bronson and Amber have the expertise to get the best result with a seamless and stress free process and have the contacts to get you the best pricing! Know your costs before you start! Call today for an obligation free chat ...
Contact Bronson or Amber on Ph: 0800-21-52-16 - Email: bronson.arter@refresh.co.nz - Web: refreshrenovations.co.nz/locations/rodney
Advice from David Hooper CA Ltd
For those local businesses seeking advice on how to best work for your business at tax time, this advice focuses on vehicle expense claims if you are a company structure.
A company is a distinct legal entity as such, when a company provides a benefit to an employee or shareholder-employee – such as the use of a company-owned vehicle for private purposes – that benefit is typically subject to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).
In simple terms, FBT is a tax applied to non-cash benefits that employees (including shareholder-employees) receive as part of their employment. The FBT cost is typically the equivalent of getting the value of the benefit as extra salary or wages.
The obligation to pay FBT lies with the employer not the employee.
If a company vehicle is used exclusively for business purposes and is not available for private use, FBT does not apply. However, Inland Revenue takes a strict stance: if a vehicle is available for private use – even if not actively used for personal trips – it is deemed to be a fringe benefit. Notably, commuting between home and work is classified as personal use with some exemptions.
There is an exemption for certain work-related vehicles, such as utes and vans.
To qualify, the following conditions generally apply:
Companies that own fewer than two vehicles and do not provide any other fringe benefits may elect to opt out of FBT. In this case, vehicle use is treated similarly to sole trader arrangements, where expenses (including depreciation and interest) and GST can be claimed based on the actual business use percentage. Maintaining a logbook for three months is the normal proof of the percentage.
An alternative to providing company vehicles is to reimburse employees (including shareholder-employees) for the use of their private vehicles. This can be done via:
For closely held companies, determining whether a vehicle should be owned by the company or retained privately is an important strategic decision.
To minimise FBT exposure:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. While care has been taken to ensure the content is current and accurate at the time of publication, tax legislation and Inland Revenue (IRD) guidance may change over time.
Readers are strongly advised to consult with a qualified tax professional or accountant before acting on the information contained herein, especially in cases involving complex or unique business circumstances. DHCA assumes no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
If you'd like further tax advice or support call David and his team on 09-421-1635 or email on david@davidhooperca.co.nz
Approximately 5% of adults and 10% of children experience blocked ears - if you're one of them here are some tips and notes on why this may be and what to do when you have blocked or sore ears.
Ear wax, or cerumen, may not be a glamorous topic, but it plays a vital role in ear health. Produced by specialized sweat glands in the ear canal, wax acts as the body’s natural self-cleaning mechanism, protecting against bacteria and reducing the risk of infections.
However, when ear wax becomes impacted or lodged in the canal, it can cause irritation, infections, and hearing difficulties. When you are experiencing the frustration that comes with blocked ears this is the time when the locals at Hear Again can become your best friends in helping you understand and obtain effective relief.
While ear wax serves a purpose, overproduction or impaction can lead to blockages. Most blockages occur naturally but can be worsened by inserting fingers or cotton buds, which push wax further into the canal, making it harder to remove naturally.
When it comes to ear health, it’s easy to do more harm than good. Your ears are designed to clean themselves, and often the best thing you can do is leave them alone. But if things start to feel blocked, uncomfortable, or your hearing seems off, that’s when it’s time to call in the experts.
At Hear Again, we’re here to take the guesswork (and risk) out of ear care.
Instead of trying to manage wax buildup at home, come see us for safe, professional help. Our friendly team uses gentle micro-suction technology that’s far more effective, and much safer than cotton buds or DIY remedies.
Important: Never insert objects into your ear canal and avoid using sharp or hard objects for cleaning.
Ear pain and hearing issues can be frustrating, and in many cases, they’re signs that something deeper is going on. Whether it’s a wax blockage, inflammation, or even an infection, it’s best not to self-diagnose or rely solely on over-the-counter remedies.
At Hear Again, we’re here to help you get to the root of the problem, and provide real, lasting relief.
If You’re Experiencing:
Don’t wait it out, book an appointment with our friendly team for a professional check. We can assess your ears, remove any wax blockages, and let you know if further treatment is needed.
But remember: these are only temporary measures. If symptoms persist or you’re unsure what's causing the problem, it’s best to come in and have it looked at properly.
If you contact Hear Again they can offer you wax removal appointments with a fixed fee, regardless of how much wax needs to be taken out. If you are unsure if ear wax is affecting your hearing you can also request a free assessment at no charge.
While most blockages are caused by wax build up, infections in the outer or middle ear can also cause similar symptoms. If you experience pain or discharge, it may indicate an infection. A professional ear cleaning can help, but you should visit your GP for further treatment. The experienced team at Hear Again can guide you toward the best course of action.
Blocked ears shouldn’t interfere with your quality of life. Book an appointment with the specialist team at Hear Again and get back to hearing clearly.
If you'd like advice or support around any hearing matter pop by and have a chat with the friendly team at Hear Again, upstairs at Coast Plaza, Ph: 0508-432-724 or email on info@hearagain.co.nz.
Planning is the key to a successful renovation. A clear plan ensures your project stays on track, within budget, and meets your expectations. Here’s how the Refresh Renovations 5-step process helps guide your renovation from start to finish:
Your renovation journey starts with a consultation where we get to know your vision and needs.
This is the foundation of the project, setting clear goals for the renovation and ensuring we’re aligned on expectations. Our project managers work with you to understand your requirements and provide expert advice on the best approach.
Next, we move to concept design, where we create layouts and designs tailored to your goals.
This phase also includes assessing the feasibility of the project, ensuring the design works within your space and budget. Our project managers collaborate with the design team to ensure that everything is practical and achievable.
During this phase, we finalise the design, obtain any necessary building consent, and work with architects and engineers if needed. Our project managers oversee the entire process, ensuring the design is fully detailed and that costs are accurately estimated. This step ensures the project is set to move forward smoothly, with all approvals and plans in place.
Once the plans are finalised, construction begins. Our project managers ensure the build stays on schedule, coordinating trades and suppliers to keep things running smoothly. Regular updates and progress reports ensure you're informed throughout the process, and we aim to complete the renovation on time and within budget.
After construction, we conduct a final inspection to ensure everything meets your expectations. Our post-completion support ensures any final adjustments are made promptly, and we’re always available for ongoing assistance if needed.
At Refresh Renovations, we know that planning and project management are essential to a successful renovation. Ready to bring your renovation vision to life?
Contact us today on 0800-21-52-16 or email bronson.arter@refresh.co.nz to schedule your consultation, and let us guide you through every step of the process.
Check us out online at Refresh Renovations.