The future of farming

11 June 2024

Utilising technology can be transformational in the way that farming businesses operate and lead to better efficiency and productivity and even innovation. One of the ways that farming businesses are utilising technology is by using IoT (Internet of Things) devices. IoT’s are just another name for smart devices – anything that has built-in technology that means it can connect to the internet. For example home security systems, smart watches and voice controlled speakers.


When it comes to farmer, IoT devices can provide information that changes how farmers and growers use land, track stock, assets, and equipment. Some New Zealand farmers already use IoTs such as soil moisture sensors or fuel level sensors. These sensors can send alerts when equipment is taken off-site, when a pipe is leaking, notify fuel suppliers when diesel or petrol tanks are low or locate a lost quad bike. Sensors can even be attached to tractors and heavy equipment to send instant notifications in the event of an accident.


Using IoTs allows you to automate tasks and have more data enabling you to make better decisions. It allows more visibility over your business with the information being feed to your mobile phone or computer.


In New Zealand, companies such as Levno offer water, fuel, and milk vat monitoring services through IoT-enabled sensors and devices. These provide real-time information on fuel and water management, feed monitoring, and milk processing.


If you think your farm or business could benefit from the use of IoTs, get in touch with Spark or Farmside as they offer advice on how to get started with IoT. 

Payroll Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache: How to Simplify & Stay Compliant

1 October 2025
Managing payroll can sometimes feel like navigating a maze; complex regulations, tight deadlines, and countless calculations can easily overwhelm business owners. However, with the right strategies and tools, payroll can be streamlined into a smooth and efficient process. Here’s how you can simplify your payroll process while ensuring full compliance. Embrace Technology Choose the Right Payroll Software Investing in good payroll software is one of the best steps you can take. Look for features that automate calculations, tax submissions, and generate detailed reports. Many software options now offer cloud-based solutions, providing the flexibility to manage payroll anytime and anywhere. Stay Informed on Compliance Know the Laws It’s crucial to stay updated on federal, state, and local labor laws, as these often change. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, so consider subscribing to industry newsletters or updates from trusted legal resources. Record Keeping Maintain meticulous records of employee hours, wages, and payroll taxes. Proper documentation safeguards you from legal troubles and helps resolve any discrepancies promptly. Set a Consistent Payroll Schedule Consistency is key in payroll processing. Choose a payroll frequency that suits your business - whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly - and stick to it. This creates predictability for both you and your employees, allowing better financial planning and cash flow management. Automate Tax Calculations Manual tax calculations are prone to errors. Automating tax withholdings through your payroll software ensures accuracy and compliance with the latest tax rates and contributions. This reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes and late penalties. Regularly Audit Your Payroll Process Conduct internal audits periodically to identify errors and inefficiencies in your payroll process. This proactive approach helps catch and remedy issues before they escalate, ensuring your business remains compliant and efficient. Consider Outsourcing  If payroll complexities feel overwhelming, consider outsourcing. This allows you to focus on your core business activities while ensuring that payroll is handled by experts who stay abreast of ever-changing regulations and compliance requirements. If payroll continues to be a challenge, our team of experienced accountants is here to help. We offer comprehensive payroll solutions tailored to fit the needs of small and medium businesses, ensuring compliance and efficiency at every step. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your payroll processing needs.

Becoming an employer of choice

24 September 2025
How to attract great people to your business and how to keep them. Three tips to help you rise to the challenge to become an employer of choice.

What the IRD Expects from You as an Employer

17 September 2025
As an employer, there are several obligations and expectations set by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) that you must adhere to. Understanding these requirements is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding any potential penalties. Let's take a closer look at what the IRD expects from you as an employer. Register as an Employer Before you hire your first employee, you are required to register as an employer with the IRD. This is a crucial first step in ensuring that you can meet all tax and payroll obligations. Accurate Record Keeping The IRD requires you to keep accurate and detailed records of all employment-related transactions. This includes: Employee personal details Wages and salary paid Payroll dates and methods PAYE deductions and remittances Details of benefits or allowances provided to employees Maintaining proper records helps ensure that you are reporting and remitting the correct amounts to the IRD. Deduct PAYE Tax You are responsible for deducting PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax from your employees' pay. This involves calculating the correct amount of PAYE and ensuring it is deducted from each employee's salary or wages before their net pay is provided. Pay Employer Contributions In addition to PAYE, you may also be responsible for contributing to your employees' social security and retirement benefits, depending on the country you operate in. These contributions are typically paid in conjunction with PAYE tax. Issue Statements and Forms At the end of the tax year or upon employment termination, you should provide each employee with a statement showing their total earnings and PAYE deductions. Additionally, filing the appropriate end-of-year PAYE schedules with the IRD is required. File Employer Returns Employers are required to file regular returns with the IRD, which could be monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on specific regulations. These returns should accurately report all payroll activities, including PAYE deductions. Handle Tax Codes and Changes It's crucial to apply the correct tax codes for each employee's circumstances. Any changes in employment status or tax code must be updated promptly to ensure accurate tax withholdings. Comply with Audit Requests The IRD may audit your business to ensure compliance with employer obligations. As such, being prepared to provide all requested information and records in a timely manner is vital. Adhering to these expectations from the IRD is not just about compliance; it's about fostering a transparent and trustworthy relationship with your employees and the tax authorities. If you need assistance with understanding or managing your obligations as an employer, consider reaching out to a professional accountant. Our team is here to help you navigate these responsibilities seamlessly, ensuring peace of mind and allowing you to focus on growing your business. Feel free to contact us for further information or assistance.
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