Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, xtravel is redefining what it means to travel well. As curators of exceptional and extraordinary holiday experiences, xtravel specialises in bespoke leisure, group, corporate, conference, incentive, and luxury travel. With a nationwide presence and a growing team of brokers supported by a dynamic head office, xtravel is committed to delivering seamless, supported travel—before, during, and after every journey.

What sets xtravel apart is its passionate, well-travelled team, who have explored all seven continents. This wealth of firsthand experience allows them to craft tailor-made itineraries backed by strong global partnerships with trusted airlines and tourism operators. Whether it’s a luxury escape or a corporate retreat, every itinerary is designed with care, ensuring clients feel confident and cared for while abroad.

xtravel is proud to champion inclusive, ethical, and sustainable travel. Their partnerships with organisations such as Winter Pride, Project Uplift, and the Wakatipu High School Foundation reflect a deep commitment to community and connection. Their values-driven approach has earned them multiple industry awards, particularly for their leadership through the challenges of COVID-19.

Exciting developments are underway at xtravel, including the launch of a dedicated corporate travel division. This new initiative is designed to support the growth and success of SMEs across Aotearoa, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best while xtravel handles the logistics. With expanded talent and investments in smart travel technologies, the team is poised to deliver seamless, customised travel solutions that add real value to modern Kiwi businesses.

At Sidekick, we’re proud to support xtravel throughout their journey, providing expert guidance at key milestones. From cashflow forecasting during COVID-19 to budgeting for new premises and advising on business acquisitions, our practical approach has helped xtravel grow with confidence. We’ve also supported their broker network in understanding tax obligations and entitlements, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.

To learn more or connect with xtravel, visit their website, follow them on Facebook, or explore their adventures on Instagram.

Born in the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, Easys was dreamt up mid-hike, as Brayden and Conor hauled heavy beer and wine into the backcountry. Halfway through the hike, they joked there had to be an easier way… so they made one! Now based in Queenstown, Easys has turned that lightbulb moment into a thriving business, offering lightweight, powdered cocktails perfect for the great outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, or camping, just add water (and a splash of spirits if you fancy) and enjoy a proper drink with a view.

Stocked in over 25 outdoor and liquor stores across New Zealand, Easys is quickly becoming a go-to for adventurers who like their packs light and their drinks tasty. And they’re not stopping there — the team is currently developing a game-changing product: powdered alcohol. That’s right — no need to carry spirits at all. Just water, and you’re sorted. It’ll be the first of its kind in Aotearoa, and we’re just as excited as they are.

At Sidekick, we’re stoked to be supporting Easys on their journey. We keep their tax obligations in check, so the team is free to focus on what they do best — creating and marketing a brilliant product. Here’s what they had to say about their experience working with Sidekick Queenstown: “Joy has been awesome to work with — always quick to respond and genuinely keen to help!”

Follow their journey on Instagram – Main Brand, Instagram – Behind the Scenes, and TikTok.

Josh and Becs Dondertman are the dynamic duo behind Valleyfield Pastoral Ltd, proudly contract milking near Dunsandel for Dairy Holdings Ltd. With a shared vision for excellence in both farming and leadership, they’ve built a reputation for running a highly efficient, people-focused, and forward-thinking operation in the heart of Canterbury. Outside the farm gate, Becs also brings her expertise to No8HR, working as an HR, Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Specialist, further extending her commitment to fostering healthy and productive work environments both on the farm and in the broader rural community.

Having been through tough financial times after exiting an equity partnership, Josh and Becs know firsthand the resilience and determination it takes to rebuild and grow a successful business. This experience reinforced the importance of trusted advice and sound financial systems—which is why they’ve partnered with the skilled team at Sidekick Rural Timaru. Together, they are focused on building a sustainable, future-ready business with strong financial foundations.

Their hard work and commitment were recently recognised with two prestigious honours at the 2025 Dairy Industry Awards for Canterbury and North Otago: Industry Leadership (sponsored by Federated Farmers) and Business Excellence (sponsored by ASB). To be recognised as leaders is something they are incredibly proud of and strive to continue. Josh and Becs are deeply passionate about their rural communities and are active in many roles across the district and nationally—giving back, supporting others, and helping shape a positive future for the industry they love.

As advocates for rural wellbeing, Josh and Becs hold governance roles in key organisations such as the Rural Support Trust and Surfing for Farmers, both of which play an important part in supporting the mental health and overall wellbeing of those in the farming community.

Josh and Becs are also active members of local sports clubs, recognizing their importance in providing opportunities for their children and future generations to thrive, while fostering a sense of community and healthy living.

Keeping a future-focused mindset is central to Josh and Becs’ goal of farm ownership. They understand that success requires balancing the day-to-day tasks of running the farm with building strong networks that open doors to new opportunities. They recognise the importance of keeping an open mind about the options available and regularly work with Sidekick Rural Timaru to analyse these opportunities and make informed decisions. By maintaining a clear vision and leveraging strong relationships, they ensure that every decision brings them closer to their long-term goals.

At Sidekick, we love partnering with forward-thinking construction professionals who are breaking new ground across regional and international markets. Recently, we had an engaging conversation with Chris—a dynamic entrepreneur running two successful businesses with a third one in development. In our chat, Chris shared insights into his client-conscious service delivery, his plans for expanding into new territories, and how the support from Sidekick helps him keep his business on track.

Below, we’ve split out the conversation into a Q&A format to give you a glimpse into Chris’s journey.

Q: Chris, can you tell me a bit about your businesses?

Chris: “I run two businesses right now, with a third one in development—all focused squarely around my clients. My first business is a construction consultancy where I work closely with operations managers to solve problems and get things done. I also provide pre-construction services that ensure projects start on the right foot. The second is a franchise for a building business serving the West Coast region. I’m committed to expanding into regional markets; in fact, I’ve dedicated myself to being on the West Coast really regularly, and at the drop of a hat when I’m needed. It’s exciting—venturing into new territory means engaging local suppliers who share our values and, when needed, tapping into the expertise of trusted installers. This shift is refreshing: moving from simply repairing buildings to actively constructing new, large-scale projects.”

Q: Do you find it useful working with an accountancy firm that’s also focused on building regional businesses? Do you feel aligned with them?

Chris: “Absolutely. It’s essential for me that everyone involved in my business thinks along the same lines, and that trust is at the heart of any partnership. Working with Sidekick has been a great fit. I can’t do what they do—and I wouldn’t be any good at it if I tried—they are exceptionally skilled at managing the financial side of things. Their support gives me the confidence to focus on growing my business without worrying about the details.”

Q: What has been the biggest surprise of working with Sidekick?

Chris: “I was really impressed by their mix of tech and personal attention. If I send an email with a request, I get a quick response, sometimes even on a Sunday afternoon, which I never expected. That level of responsiveness really shows their commitment to customer service and helps keep my business running smoothly.”

Q: For those considering working with you, Chris, what kind of construction support can they expect?

Chris: “People come to me looking for comprehensive construction support, sometimes when it’s too late and this is when I’m at my best. Whether it’s project management or building large-scale projects—like constructing massive sheds—I’m here to help. I provide full project support, and if there’s something I can’t personally do, I know exactly who can. It’s all about delivering the right expertise for each unique project.”

Q: Who are you most excited to work with in the future?

Chris: “I’m really looking forward to collaborating with local communities and industry partners. Imagine spending Saturday afternoons with local farmers at community clubs or working on innovative projects that require a bit of creative engineering—maybe even something like installing a custom door on a shed to allow special equipment access at night. Whether it’s a standard build or something a little more unconventional, I’m ready to tackle it.”

Final Thoughts Chris’s journey is a prime example of how staying client-centric and embracing regional opportunities can drive innovation in the construction industry. His commitment to quality, trust, and effective partnerships—both with local suppliers and with his accountancy firm, Sidekick—has enabled him to expand his business confidently into new markets.

If you’re looking for construction support that combines expert project management with creative problem-solving, Chris’s story is proof that the right partnership can help you build a future as solid as the structures you create.

Interested in learning more about how Sidekick can support your construction business? Contact us today to find out how we can help you focus on what you do best while we take care of the numbers. #effective – One of Sidekick’s core values.

At BM Joinery, we consider ourselves more than just a small joinery business; we are a passionate team of twelve dedicated to crafting custom solutions for our clients’ homes. Since opening our doors eight years ago, we have been committed to designing, manufacturing, and installing high-quality household joinery. Over the years, we have had the privilege of working with amazing clients who trust us with their exciting projects—each one a unique opportunity for creativity and innovation.

Our journey has been dynamic and fulfilling, and we invite you to be part of it. To stay updated on our latest projects and learn more about our team, follow our Facebook page or visit our website at www.bmjoinery.co.nz.

A crucial part of our success story has been our partnership with Sidekick, which we have enjoyed for the past seven years. This collaboration has truly transformed our business. When we first joined forces with Lisa and her team, we realized how much we didn’t know about managing our finances effectively. From the very beginning, they embraced us with warmth and provided the support we needed to navigate the complexities of accounting.

Lisa and her team have been instrumental in educating us in a supportive and genuine way. Their guidance has been invaluable, helping us stay on top of tax requirements and ensuring we remain on the right path. They have truly become our “how-to” guide for business finances, consistently bringing a smile and friendly demeanour to every interaction.

One of the most significant changes we’ve experienced is our newfound confidence in financial literacy. We can now read a profit and loss sheet with ease! This development has allowed us to form valuable habits and gain a deeper understanding of our business operations, which has been particularly crucial in weathering the challenges presented by the recent economic landscape.

For any fellow business owners seeking an accountant who truly has your back, we wholeheartedly recommend Sidekick in Queenstown. While some may dread calls from their accountant, we genuinely look forward to our conversations with them.

As we toast to seven fruitful years of collaboration with Lisa and the Sidekick team, we express our heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support. We look forward to many more years of partnership and success together!

We are absolutely stoked to announce that one of our clients, Buzz Burrows, was selected as a winner for the Xero Beautiful Business Fund, beating more than 5,500 other Xero customers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom. 

Not only was Buzz Burrows one of four small Kiwi businesses or non-profits that each won $20,000 in prize money for winning their local category award, but Buzz Burrows also won the global prize for ‘Trailblazing with Technology,’ netting an additional $50,000, bringing the business’s total prize money to $70,000.  

Tony Burrows started Buzz Burrows, creating and manufacturing high-quality pendant lights from his home near Wānaka. With a background in film and television, where, for 30 years, he specialised in working with light to shape the mood of films, this knowledge and expertise are reflected in his lights. “Having enjoyed the life of a filmmaker, I decided to create physical objects that bring simple and enduring pleasure into people’s lives. The hours I have spent working with light to shape the mood of a film now inform every lamp that I make.” 

Surrounded by the mountains of Wanaka, Tony’s studio runs off solar power and beautifully blends into the landscape around it. With this famous landscape of mountains, lakes, and colours all being seen and reflected in his designs. One of Tony’s recent designs, the Woven Pendant, is inspired by South Pacific weaving traditions. It features the warmth of Heart Rimu in a weave pattern that evokes a feel of New Zealand. With ethically harvested timber used and flat-packed shipping to reduce transport carbon and waste, there is a clear emphasis on sustainability present.  

Tony has used part of the Xero Beautiful Business fund to add a state-of-the-art laser-cutter, which will allow him to further streamline manufacturing and reduce waste. He says he is “beyond thrilled” by the double win, “We’ve tested the market, and we are ready to take the business from a side hustle to the main gig. Because we live a long way from markets and materials, we have to think laterally to be viable.” “Embracing new tech and using it to innovate is a fundamental part of our business strategy. The Xero Beautiful Business Fund will enable us to access digital tools that allow us to explore new materials and new designs.” 

To see Tony’s designs, check out the link below! We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Buzz Burrows. 

Buzzburrows.com 

instagram.com/buzzburrows.nz/ 

My name is Tristian, and I’m based in Albert Town. I originally come from Scotland and have been living in the Wanaka area, on and off, for the past 14 years. I share this beautiful place with my Kiwi wife and our two boys, Lachie and Finley. For about 7 years now, I’ve been passionately pursuing Landscape Astrophotography.

In my line of work, I specialize in crafting fine art Landscape & Astrophotography prints. I also offer a unique service of creating Bespoke Picture Framing using reclaimed hardwood that I personally craft into frames. These frames add a distinctive touch to my artwork, which I sell through various channels such as social media, local markets, and my own website. Additionally, I create custom frames to perfectly fit any artwork sizes requested by my clients.

Just last week, I had the incredible honor of winning the “Astro Landscape Photographer Of The Year” award in the Australian Photographic Prize. This prestigious competition takes place annually and accepts entries from both national and international photographers, including professionals, amateurs, and students. This recognition has truly left me humbled and grateful. Winning these three badges, along with a shiny trophy and a Williams Optics Redcat51 Telescope, has been an overwhelming experience. These prizes are currently making their way to me from the awards ceremony.

Building on this achievement, my goal is to increase my presence on social media to further expand my business and connect with more clients. In addition to my photography endeavors, I’m embarking on a new venture called ‘Artful Focus Studio’ with my close friend Luke. This studio specializes in laser-engraved wooden products, allowing us to explore another dimension of creativity.

To manage my business efficiently, I’ve partnered with Sidekick for handling my annual accounts and receiving valuable business strategy advice. This decision has significantly reduced my stress levels and granted me more time to focus on my art and spend quality moments with my family.

Reflecting on one memorable experience, I remember sitting at my Sister-in-law’s house in Balclutha, monitoring space weather, terrestrial conditions, and the Aurora Australis Facebook group. As the conditions seemed promising, I decided to seize the opportunity. I quickly hopped into my car and without a predetermined shooting location, I headed north from Balclutha for around 20 minutes. While en route, I realized that Nugget Point Lighthouse could be a suitable spot, despite the tight timeframe. Racing against time, I sped south and reached the location just as darkness was setting in.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, I managed to set up and capture the beauty of the Aurora Australis, witnessing the naked-eye beams with sheer excitement. Within an hour, I shot two breathtaking panoramas. The first was a two-row, six-image Aurora Australis Panorama that had been a long-desired shot for me. Amidst the howling wind and intermittent rain, I felt exhilarated. As I was considering packing up due to the worsening weather, a bright light emerged from the east, growing stronger as it traversed the sky towards the western horizon.

With swift determination, I repositioned and captured a 180° overhead view from the eastern to the western horizon, capturing a fascinating phenomenon known as S.T.E.V.E (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement). This vertorama consisted of seven images and revealed a striking phenomenon. It was during the stitching process that I realized these two captivating phenomena had intersected directly overhead, a truly remarkable occurrence that filled me with awe and wonder.

Foothill Engineering Services have recently Partnered with Coastal Offroad – High Clearance Offroad Vehicle Armour for your 4×4, Foothills are now the Assigned Local Agent, Manufacture and Installer for Coastal Offroad in Nz and Australian markets. Foothills owner-operator Shane Dekort purchased the small agricultural engineering business in Mayfeild in July 2021 and is already making big leaps forward in diversifying their current workload.

Coastal Offroad are the leading provider of DIY weld together Bumper / Bull-bar kits in North America with 100+ Customizable designs to support most major Vehicle manufacturers. Orders are custom-made to order in Canterbury and delivered to your door in NZ or Australia within 20 days of the order being placed. Shane Crossed paths with the owner of Coastal Offroad in 2018 while working internationally in Canada and they have kept in touch ever since, it was when Shane brought the Workshop in Mayfeild that he was approached to assist with manufacturing and Shipping trials runs and local promotion. This really is your prime example of a kiwi can-do attitude overachieving from a little shed out in the country!

What work has Sidekick helped you with and how has that helped your business?
Shane approached Sidekick in late 2021 to assist with financial guidance and business mentoring, Sidekick are with Shane every step of the way managing all matters Financial and Tax related.

Pickupmedia.com, Instagram, TikTok

Client Spotlight: Zen Builders

ZEN Builders is a locally owned and operated construction business. ZEN help you with renovations and alterations, big or small, as well as structural work, maintenance, and new builds.

They specialise in architecturally designed homes with some of their most recent builds being in Charteris Bay & Diamond Harbour.

Sidekick has worked with Ziggy and Caitlin since they started up in business together. Covid provided some challenges to them (as it did for many) and we successfully supported ZEN through Covid with the Regional Business Partners program to help build plans and establish resilience in their business.

One of ZEN’s greatest attributes is their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. We have a fantastic working relationship with them here with Ben Bailey taking charge on the accounts.

Outside of ZEN Builders, Ziggy and Caitlin even train together with Ihi (our Receptionist) and they’re mad CrossFit fans.

Mt Hutt Lodge, run by Butch and Jo Stern, is perched on the banks of the Rakaia river and overlooking Mt Hutt. While it’s a stunning location (as you can see from the photos below) it’s also an extremely convenient location as it provides access to a myriad of outdoor activities such as Golf, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Horse Trekking, Jet Boating, Fishing, Walks, Ballooning, Kayaking and much more.

Jo and Butch and Mt Hutt Lodge were also recently featured on Breakfast’s Slice of Heaven series showcasing the beauty of the Rakaia Gorge. Matt Mclean made the trip down south and showcased some of the wonders of the area (including the hot air balloon!). You can check out a couple of clips from the feature below 

If you love the look of the place and wish it was your slice of heaven you may be in luck! Mt Hutt Lodge is currently on the market as Butch and Jo look to retire and find new owners to take over the sustainable business continue their vision for the property. This isn’t an opportunity that comes up very often so if you have any interest in finding out more you can check out the details here. You can also check out the walk through video listed below.

Nestled in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, a team of busy pie makers keep the cabinet filled with our twist on classic Kiwi fare. Known for our famous ‘Fairlie Pies’, the team at the Fairlie Bakehouse believe that fresh is best. They prepare  baked goods fresh onsite daily, including hand filling up to 3,000 pies each day. Behind the scenes of this family owned and operated business is a large team of 50 employees working hard to get your favourites into the cabinet on time. At the helm is internationally trained chef and founder Franz Lieber, his daughter Sophia manages the HR and son in law Sam heads up the team of bakers.

The future is very exciting for the team at the Bakehouse. They are currently in the process of developing a Bakehouse Butchery, to meet the growing demands of our factory and supply our local community with good honest meat. They are also about to complete a refit of our factory premises to allow them to produce more pies to keep up with growing demand. They are also considering branching into much requested merchandise, so watch this space!

They had some very kind words to say about their relationship with us: “We love working with the team at Sidekick, and their assistance has been invaluable to our business. With guidance ranging from succession planning to guiding us through a worldwide pandemic when 2020 hit. 2021 saw renewed growth for our business, and the support from the queues of customers down the street after lock down was really encouraging. As the year progressed, Sidekick assisted us with ongoing future planning, keeping track of our accounts, running our payroll, and assisting us with any queries we may have. We have also received guidance from the Sidekick legal team, assisting us with writing contracts for our staff and navigating the hospitality vaccine mandate that came into effect at the beginning of December 2021. A big thank you to the whole team at Sidekick, we really enjoy working alongside you, and regard you as team members here at the Bakehouse.”

If you want to find out more you can check out the links to all of their social media links here; Website, Facebook, Trip Advisor and Instagram!

Antony & Mates is a modern agency with old-school flair, helping clients engage with budding consumer markets, building deep-rooted brand trust and preference. They offer content, website, creative/design and strategy services.

Social Media marketing is not an exact science, it’s a conversation with your audience. The constant attention to detail excites them. They’re in awe of the power it possesses and the potential it can unlock. With someone like Antony & Mates by your side helping share your story to build a strong following, your business will be able to reach customers far easier than ever before!

Clive and his team have worked with a number of large clients on some incredibly exciting projects including University of Canterbury, Dark Hampton and Social Drink Co. They’ve helped them to develop and introduce innovative advertising campaigns and spread them across their digital channels.

We’ve worked with Clive in helping him with growth, organisational charts (the right people in the right role), succession and a really exciting project where he brought on another shareholder. They work with clients all around the country so no matter where you’re located, they can help with your advertising needs. These guys are especially great when it comes to selling to the Gen Z market, as they have a deep understanding of the buying principles of young Kiwis. You can get in touch with them here.

Also – Clive has even joined us for an episode of SidekickTV chatting about the relevancy of TikTok, and you can check that out here too.