TE POU THEATRE PRESENTS Te Pūtea Series 

Is Setting Up an Entity Right for Me?

Juggling multiple projects and it’s starting to get a bit much? Been running as a sole trader and wondering what’s next? This wānanga is for you.

Join Navi and Melissa from WE Accounting as they guide an open, practical kōrero exploring the strategic steps to moving beyond contracting – and whether setting up an entity is the right next step.

We’ll explore:

• When to stay a sole trader vs set up an entity
• Types of entities (company, trust, etc.)
• Setup process and key requirements
• IRD, GST, and compliance obligations
• Pros and cons of making the shift
• Case studies and real-world examples

You’ll walk away feeling equipped and empowered to decide if setting up an entity aligns with your kaupapa – and what steps to take if it does.

Delivered in partnership with WE Accounting — Auckland-based accountants passionate about enhancing the mana for Māori and Pacific.

Proudly supported by the ANZ Staff Foundation.

Workshop Details

Āhea | When: Saturday 4 October, 10am – 2pm
Kei hea | Where: Te Pou Theatre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane

Mō wai | For who: Performing arts whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Performing arts whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau. This wānanga is specifically aimed at people who have been sole traders / contractors but looking to expand their mahi, have a few projects on the go, and are considering whether setting up an entity is for them.

Utu | Cost: Free
Roanga | Duration: 4hrs

More info: Te Pou Theatre website

REGISTER HERE

About WE Accounting Facilitators

Navi Singh Aujla, Business Advisor, WE Accounting

Navi Singh Aujla is a proud Cook Island and Fijian Indian entrepreneur, business advisor, and creative strategist born and raised in South Auckland.

Currently operating as a Business Advisor at WE Accounting, he works to enhance the mana of Māori and Pacific people by helping business owners grow profitable and purpose-led businesses. Before joining WE, Navi co-founded Ika Bowl – a Māori and Pacific-inspired eatery that brought island flavour and cultural storytelling to the heart of Auckland’s CBD.

Through his entrepreneurial journey, Navi discovered a deeper purpose in supporting others to succeed. He now focuses on turning ideas into action, simplifying the complex, and building systems that empower Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs to thrive in business and life.

Melissa Wallace CA, Associate, WE Accounting

Melissa is a Chartered Accountant with broad professional experience, starting out in a Chartered Accountant practice in Whangārei and then gaining experience in a range of industries including construction, manufacturing, public sector and charitable organisations. She is committed to making a positive impact in her rohe by helping Māori and Pasifika business to achieve their aspirations.

Before embarking on her career as an accountant she first spent 11 years in the NZ Army in the area of logistics. She loved the Army life, the friends, the travel, the challenges, but once she started having a family she decided to retrain as an accountant to provide a more stable family life for her whānau.

Although her whānau hail from the Hawkes Bay and the King Country, she has spent most of her life in Whangārei and so this is where she calls home. She has 3 children, 11 years to 18 years, who keep her very busy, generally on the side of a rugby field or netball court. To relax she loves to spend time outdoors, be it hiking, fishing, camping or just relaxing at the beach.

Ki te taha o tōku papa
Ko Puketapu te maunga
Ko Ngarurumoko te awa
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu te iwi
Ko Ngāti Hinemanu me Ngāi Te Upokoiri ngā hapū
Ko Ōmahu te marae
Ko Kupa tōku whānau
Ki te taha o tōku mama
Ko Ruapehu te maunga
Ko Whanganui te awa
Ko Aotea to waka
Ko Ngāti Rangi te iwi
Ko Ngāti Uenukumanawawiri te hapū
Ko Te Puke te marae
Ko Haitana tōku whānau
Ko Melissa Wallace tōku ingoa

About the Whakapuāwai Programme

The Whakapuāwai Programme at Te Pou Theatre is an annual programme offering opportunities for development and connection for the Māori performing arts community.