Awards to top students an investment in taxpayer protection

PRESS RELEASE From the Taxagents Institute of New Zealand 16 June 2011

Awards to top students an investment in taxpayer protection

Two Open Polytechnic students were awarded $1000 each from the TaxAgents Institute of NZ Inc (TINZ) recently for top marks in their respective taxation courses.

President of TINZ, Pene Johnston, said TINZ made the awards to foster the growth and development of taxation expertise in New Zealand.

“In many ways the awards are an investment in New Zealand business because a high level of expertise is needed to protect the interests of taxpayers.

“The mandate of the Inland Revenue Department is too collect as much tax as possible – it’s definitely not to protect the interests of the taxpayer,” she said. “As such TINZ is actively involved in lobbying government on one hand, and fostering taxation expertise on the other.”

An incorporated society since 1976, TINZ represents tax practitioners and has more than 280 members throughout New Zealand.

“TINZ – along with its members -- represents the interests of all people obligated to pay tax. We’re a watchdog, so the more watchdogs we can create the better.

“As such, we are delighted with our relationship with the Open Polytechnic as a means to foster tax knowledge in New Zealand and to provide bursaries and scholarships for education,” she said. Bachelor of Business student David Stark and NZ Diploma of Business student Beverley Wheoki both said they were pleasantly surprised by the news.

“I was very happy to hear that I was the top student in the tax paper. Of all the papers I was required to take, it seemed to be the most applicable to the career that I was planning on,” says David, who works as an accountant at Mead Stark in Cromwell.

Beverley, who is an accountant at Credit Union Baywide in Hastings, says having work experience in the field made studying a bit easier.

“I wanted to gain a qualification to validate my work experience in accounting and managerial roles that I have gained over the past 25 years,” she says.

David wants to build a career in accountancy in Central Otago.

Beverley, who received her NZ Dip Bus at the Open Polytechnic graduation ceremony in Wellington this month, and presented with her award by the President of TINZ, says she is now weighing up her options.

“Both David and Beverley should be proud of their achievements and we wish them well with their future endeavours. Well done to them,” said Ms Johnstone.

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