Media Release: New Zealand expansion for HLB Mann Judd association

A new cross-Tasman association of accounting firms based on the HLB Mann Judd National Association has been formed.

The Auckland-based firm HLB Wylie McDonald has joined the Association which as a result has changed its name to the HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association.

HLB Wylie McDonald has also changed its name, to HLB Mann Judd Ltd, to reflect its closer involvement with the Association. The firm previously had a professional association through membership of HLB International. Another New Zealand accounting firm, HLB Smeaton & Co Limited in Dunedin, which was also a member of HLB International, has become a representative firm of the HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association.

Mr Tony Fittler, managing partner of HLB Mann Judd Sydney and inaugural chairman of the HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association, says that the expanded Association recognises the increasing business connection between the two countries. 

“While New Zealand and Australia have always been close business partners, the growing trans-Tasman trade and business relationships, and the continuing work of the Australian and New Zealand Governments in moving to a Single Economic Market, means that there will be increasing cross-Tasman business needs that we will be well-placed to assist with.

“We already have a number of clients who operate in both Australia and New Zealand and this move will enhance the services that we can offer to them,” Mr Fittler said.

HLB Mann Judd Ltd has four partners and was established over 60 years ago.

Mr Brian Leaning, the managing partner of HLB Mann Judd Ltd, said that the move to establish a stronger professional association will create more opportunities for the firm as well as its clients.

“We believe that this new approach will create opportunities to better service our client base and place us in a better position to develop the services needed for them, in particular those seeking to do more business internationally.  It also creates a stronger regional presence within the HLB International network.

“The expansion will enhance our ability to offer a consistent and effective approach to services in New Zealand and Australia,” he said.

The HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association is an association of independent accounting, business and financial advisory firms throughout Australia and New Zealand. It is a member of HLB International, a world-wide network of professional firms with members in over 100 countries.