Selwyn

Ben Wright

Ben is your go-to guy in the Selwyn District for all of your small business accounting requirements (he can also handle the bigger stuff too, we’re just being modest).

Ben works hard to help his clients grow by getting to know them and helping them define and then achieve their goals.

Ben is a fully qualified Chartered Accountant having gained a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting from the University of Canterbury. Since graduating, Ben has gained experience with large public firms in both New Zealand and the UK before joining the Sidekick team in 2019.

Most weekends you will find Ben enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. He loves jumping on his mountain bike or going for a run to take advantage of the great environment that Selwyn has to offer

Alison Hogg

Alison is passionate about helping businesses unlock their full potential through systems and technology. With a knack for discovering “A-Ha” moments, she loves guiding clients to innovative solutions that streamline their operations and drive success.

Before entering accountancy, Alison worked in the construction, transport, and design industries before picking up the calculator and becoming a fully qualified Chartered Accountant. She gained a Bachelor of Applied Management, majoring in Accounting, from Manukau Institute of Technology and then Ara Canterbury. Alison relocated from South Auckland to Canterbury in 2016 and has recently gained a Graduate Certificate in Professional Coaching, specialising in working with Small Enterprises. She has worked for accountancy firms both large and small before joining Sidekick in 2025.

When she’s not optimising workflows, you’ll find Alison testing new technology, indulging in craft beer, or building her next dream home in The Sims.

Anastasia Chapman

With experience in accounts, administration & customer service, Anastasia enjoys helping clients and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. She’s organised, approachable and always happy to lend a hand where needed.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find Anastasia spending time with family, going out for a meal, or in the passenger seat out at the track.

Cameron Robertson

Cameron is a fully qualified Chartered Accountant and has been practicing in the accounting industry since 2010. A born and bred Cantabrian, Cameron studied at the University of Canterbury and now services our local clients for Sidekick Christchurch.

Cameron has worked alongside business owners in a wide range of industries, from investment properties, to trades to professionals. Cameron draws on his vast experience in the SME environment to ensure your business is on the right track.

Cameron is a big sports lover. Apart from being a huge Warriors fan he’s also a whiz at playing both rugby and cricket, and likes to dabble in golf, cycling, and rugby league.

Ric Thorpe

Ric Thorpe is the CEO of Sidekick Chartered Accountants, leading a fast-growing, modern accountancy group focused on helping business owners be more successful.

Ric’s background is in sales and marketing, and he brings a commercial, practical mindset to the accounting profession. He works across the Sidekick network to drive growth, strengthen culture, and ensure clients receive advice that is clear, relevant, and actually makes a difference to their business.

Today, Sidekick is a multi-office group with a strong presence across New Zealand, combining local ownership with national capability. Ric plays a key role in expanding the group through new offices, partnerships, and supporting ambitious accountants who want to build something better, whether that’s growing an existing firm or starting one within the Sidekick model.

A big part of Ric’s focus is developing people. He coaches and facilitates Sidekick Squads, bringing together team members from across the country to improve communication, workflow, leadership, and client outcomes. These sessions are designed to create confident, capable professionals who take ownership and deliver real value.

Ric is also a regular speaker at business and industry events, sharing practical insights on growth, client engagement, and building high-performing teams. Through initiatives like SidekickTV, he helps communicate ideas, stories, and strategies that support both clients and the wider business community.

At his core, Ric is passionate about culture and clarity. He believes that when people understand what success looks like, have the right support around them, and enjoy the environment they work in, great results follow

Helen Pauley

Helen is a Marlburian who has travelled the world and landed back here. Having a varied work life from managing a regional office for a multi-national advertising firm, owning a hospitality business to practice management of a medical practice, Helen brings a bucket load of skills. Communication is her flag ship skill and she enjoys problem solving. Resourceful and fun, pretty much sums her up.

She is married to Gary, who is a Business Advisor and in their spare time they love to travel to family & friends, experience the great outdoors and discovering new recipes and flavours, accompanied by a glass of fine wine.

Steph Holt

Steph is the creative mind behind Sidekick’s brand – making sure everything from marketing campaigns to internal events reflects who we are and what we stand for. With over 15 years of experience in design and strategy, she loves finding fresh, meaningful ways to bring the Sidekick story to life. From shaping how our brand looks and feels to creating moments that connect our team and clients, Steph brings a mix of curiosity, energy, and heart to everything she does.

Outside of work, Steph enjoys spending time with her teenage son, road-tripping in her self-converted campervan and tending to her ever-growing veggie patch – a creative outlet that balances her busy, design-filled days.

Manoli De Silva

Manoli keeps the team running smoothly, making sure all the day-to-day details are taken care of. She has a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of London and a master’s in international relations from the University of Colombo, she has worked across law firms, UN agencies, and the government sector. Her experience in different environments gives her a strong eye for detail and a knack for keeping things organised and on track.

A massive foodie, Manoli loves cooking and trying out new restaurants. She also enjoys running and staying active, and likes to unwind with a good book and a glass of wine. Most of all, she treasures spending time with her husband and their two young daughters. 

Anna Cochrane

Anna brings a wealth of experience in accounting tech, with a strong focus on FYI and Xero. Having worked closely with firms across New Zealand to implement systems and streamline processes, she’s a go-to expert when it comes to getting the most out of your tech stack.
Anna is passionate about solving problems, improving workflows, and helping teams work smarter. Now based in Timaru to be closer to family, Anna supports Sidekick on a range of internal projects—bringing her trademark energy, insight, and practical know-how to every challenge.