Delivering real results.

My passion is to ensure clients have the correct structure for their businesses and have their succession planning in place sooner rather than later. There are so many instances where early planning could make it possible for a family farm to be purchased by one of the younger generation.  If it is left too late there is often no other alternative than for the farm be sold to enable parents to treat all their children fairly. 

I have operated accounting practices in Dannevirke, Waipukurau and now Whakatane for the past thirty years and have had a lot of experience working with farmers, succession planning and small business in a rural setting. 

For most of my adult life I have been joint owner of a sheep & beef farm outside of Dannevirke and have now gone into an equity partnership with the farm manager and his wife with the goal of farm ownership for them. 

I am also heavily involved in the kiwifruit industry alongside my husband, Ian Craig. Ian is well-known in Opotiki as co-founder of OPAC and for his success in the kiwifruit industry. He is also involved in Whakatohea Mussels (Opotiki) Ltd.

Together we have interests in syndicates involved in sheep & beef and dairy farms, kiwifruit, apples and hops, all of which gives us an insight into these industries which I can use for the benefit of our clients. 

Shannon is passionate about the New Zealand primary sector.

With extensive experience in the dairy, sheep & beef and horticulture sectors, Shannon has held a number of senior management and accounting roles including being 2IC at a NZ Agribusiness with global reach. As a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, Shannon also holds directorship roles alongside being a partner and manager of Rural Accountants Limited Partnership.

Growing up on a sheep & beef farm in Southern Hawkes Bay, Shannon's farming background has continued to guide her career from the moment she left school. Her accounting career started straight out of school in a farm accountancy practice. She then gained her BBS majoring in Accounting and Management at Massey University, and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Agri Commerce. 

Shannon also has investments in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture businesses where she is able to practice what she preaches and truly walks the talk.

Shannon is a 2020 Nuffield Scholar, with her project area being plant variety rights.

Jeff is a client‑focused accounting professional with over 10 years’ experience in public practice and financial services, currently working as a Client Manager with Rural Chartered Accountants in Whakatāne. He takes an advisory‑first approach, using GST returns, draft financial statements, and forecasting tools to turn numbers into practical conversations and commercially sound decisions.

Jeff has built his career across both rural and commercial accounting environments, including his earlier tenure with Rural Accountants Limited Partnership and experience with BNZ, before returning to Rural Chartered Accountants. He has developed a reputation for forming long‑term client relationships, asking the right questions, and helping clients stay one step ahead of where they need to be.

Outside of work, Jeff spends most of his time with his children, William and Malakai. Whether it’s getting out for a local fishing trip or lacing up the shoes to train for his first half marathon, he enjoys keeping things active and making the most of the outdoors.

Jane Tyson is originally from the South Island and grew up as an army brat near the military camp of Burnham, Christchurch.

When her dad got a job at the Dental School in Dunedin, Jane went to school at Otago Girls’ High School and attended Teacher’s College. She then began working for Social Welfare.

She moved from the South Island to Hamilton in the 1980s. Next was a move to Whakatane where she embarked on her best project; her two children Jeff and Emma, before running her own garden sculpture business.

When a Prideaux & Co receptionist left and no replacement was organised, Jane found herself filling in. She was “so awesome” that she grew into doing accounting, where she has remained ever since.

In her spare time, Jane is a great squash player and has recently developed some epic mountain biking skills.

When you call or visit our offices, Shona will be the first person to greet you on arrival. She also handles a wide range of administration work, helping to keep our office running smoothly.

Owning a 29ha block with 3ha of avocado orchard also keeps Shona very busy when she’s not at the office. From moving cows, fixing fences and water pipes to managing orchard contractors, Shona is clearly a Jill of many trades.

Aside from work and her lifestyle block, Shona and her two daughters ride and show Quarter Horses in Western Performance events competitively, enjoying the social aspect as well. Shona is also on council for the American Quarter Horse Association of NZ which she sees as an opportunity to give back to the sport and horse breed she loves so much.

Alyssa is in her final year of study, completing a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting, with a minor in Sports Development and Coaching. She has recently completed her internship with Rural Chartered Accountants Limited Partnership in Whakatāne and is now stepping into part‑time work alongside her studies as a junior Accountant. Alyssa enjoys applying her academic learning in a practical, real‑world accounting environment and is looking forward to continuing to develop her skills within the profession.

Personal interests

Outside of work and study, Alyssa enjoys:

• Competitive Western Performance horse riding and travelling around the country competing with her horse, Pru
• Spending time outdoors, especially beach walks with her miniature dachshund, Turbo
• Staying active via the Whakatane woman’s Football team, reflecting her passion for sports.