Christchurch

Lisa Adamson

Lisa is a Director at Sidekick, helping larger businesses and clients with multiple entities cut through complexity and feel more confident in their numbers.

A Chartered Accountant and Certified Public Practitioner, Lisa has worked in accounting and business advisory for the best part of 15 years. She works with a varied mix of clients, including trades, supermarkets, recruitment, manufacturing and professional services, bringing a practical understanding of how different businesses operate. Lisa also works in her family’s building business, giving her first-hand insight into the realities of running a small business from the other side.

Clients often come to Lisa when they need to genuinely understand their numbers or talk through whatever is happening in their business. She helps with bank funding, shareholding changes, valuations, consolidations, forecasts, KPIs, dashboards and group financial positions, presenting information in a way that is straightforward, useful and easy to act on.

Lisa’s style is warm, grounded and approachable. Clients know they can bring her a question, challenge or messy situation and she will help them get it sorted without making things feel more complicated than they need to be. She is especially good at simplifying the complex in a way that builds confidence, helping clients understand their position and make better decisions.

For Lisa, good advice is built on regular conversations, simple reporting and trust. She genuinely cares about her clients and wants them to feel supported, capable and confident in whatever they are working through.

Outside work, Lisa enjoys time with friends and family, good hospitality, sunshine, travel and adventures, although these days her adventures look a little different with her wee lads in tow.

Cameron Robertson

Cameron is a Director at Sidekick Christchurch, helping business owners make smart decisions around structure, tax, property and long-term wealth.

A Chartered Accountant and member of CA ANZ, Cameron has 16 years’ experience in accounting and business advisory and holds a Certificate of Public Practice. He started his accounting career in Nelson in 2010 before moving to Christchurch in 2013, the same year he joined Sidekick. Two years later, he and Ric Thorpe started Sidekick Christchurch.

Cameron works with New Zealand SMEs and owner-operated businesses, from sole traders through to multi-entity groups. Many of his clients are property investors, developers and trades businesses, along with the trusts and holding structures behind them. His key areas of focus include property and development, investment and wealth structuring, trades and construction, business restructuring, tax advisory and planning.

Clients often come to Cameron before a purchase, property deal, restructure or growth step, when getting the right advice early can make a real difference. He helps business owners work through how to structure a deal, where to hold assets, how to fund growth, how to extract profit efficiently and what tax changes mean for their wider position. Cameron is especially good at turning complex structure and tax advice into clear, plain-English decisions, showing the reasoning so clients understand not just the answer, but how it was reached.

His style is direct, analytical and practical. Cameron enjoys strategic conversations where the numbers help shape the decision, whether that means buying a business, planning the next three years, restructuring a group or identifying where profit is really being made or lost. For him, the best advice happens before the decision, not after it. It is about being genuinely in it with the owner – the sidekick, not the scorekeeper.

Outside work, Cameron’s spare time is largely split between family, golf and sport. He is a big Warriors and Black Caps supporter, and with both of his girls involved in gymnastics, he has also found himself taking on the role of treasurer at their club.

Ric Thorpe

Ric is CEO of Sidekick Holdings, helping grow the Sidekick group while supporting our offices, people and clients to be more successful.

Ric has been involved with Sidekick since 2010 and became CEO in early 2025. His background sits across business growth, marketing, sales, strategy, technology and client experience rather than traditional accounting. This gives Ric a different lens within the accounting world, with a focus on helping business owners make better decisions, understand where they are heading and connect the right advice, people and systems around them.

Ric works closely with ambitious business owners, growing SMEs, regional businesses and people who are trying to build something bigger or better. He also spends a lot of time with accounting firm owners, partners and leaders who are thinking about growth, succession, joining Sidekick or building a stronger future for their team and clients.

Clients often come to Ric for clarity, growth ideas, a fresh perspective and honest conversations about what needs to change. He helps people work through growth decisions, marketing and sales opportunities, technology, AI and automation, leadership, succession and turning loose ideas into practical plans. Ric is especially good at joining the dots between marketing, sales, systems, people and numbers, helping business owners focus on the things that will really move the dial.

His style is straight-talking, energetic and practical. Ric likes big-picture thinking, but he is always focused on turning ideas into action. For him, good advice should make business feel clearer, less lonely and more manageable. He believes business owners do not need more noise – they need clarity, confidence and practical help from people who genuinely want them to win.

Outside work, Ric enjoys spending time with family, cars and motorbikes, travel, good food, coffee and finding interesting places. He is naturally curious and enjoys learning about new ideas, technology, business models and people. Ric has also been involved in community and charity activities, including running 50km for Life Education Trust Canterbury, and is interested in supporting young people, business owners and regional communities where Sidekick can make a positive difference.

Amanda Wright

Amanda thrives on helping businesses uncover insights that drive success. She is passionate about building strong relationships with our customers, understanding their needs, and delivering solutions that make a real impact.

Amanda is an Associate Chartered Accountant after completing a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Marketing, at the University of Canterbury. With experience across business advisory services and compliance for SMEs, she also worked for five years as a management accountant at one of our esteemed national research institutes, where she learned to blend creativity with problem-solving.

Her life is full, with two young children keeping her on her toes, along with adventure racing around New Zealand and tackling new running challenges to embrace our great outdoors.

Charlotte Roberts

Charlotte, our Office Manager, plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the Christchurch office. As well as managing our internal office processes and administration, Charlotte also completes bookkeeping and payroll for a variety of clients.

Charlotte holds a degree in Travel and Tourism and has many years of front line experience. However we’re convinced her fantastic skills in multi-tasking and organising chaos must come from being a Mum to her beautiful children Riley and Tawera.

When she’s not hanging out with the Sidekick team, Charlotte enjoys relaxing with family and friends.

Ayumi Ogata

Ayumi graduated with a Commerce Degree from Fukuoka University in Japan in 2005, has a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from ARA and is currently studying towards becoming a Chartered Accountant. Ayumi is one of our valued Accountants and has been with Sidekick since 2012.

Ayumi has first hand experience in running her own small business and draws on this knowledge to help our clients. You’ll find Ayumi and her Yum Yum Gyoza team at the Riccarton Farmers market or catering for functions with her delicious handmade Japanese Dumplings.

Ayumi is a big fan of the outdoors, especially fishing, camping and snowboarding. Ayumi also competes in Roller Derby and absolutely loves it!

Ben Bailey

Ben joined the Sidekick team in late 2020. He studied at the University of Canterbury and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting.

After gaining Accounting experience in Canterbury, Ben spent the last 2 years over in Germany playing Rugby in the 1st Bundesliga. He returned late last year and started up here at Sidekick. In his free time, Ben enjoys getting out for a run, meeting new people, and obviously a game of Rugby!

Ben brings a wide range of knowledge and skills from his time working and travelling, and has settled in really well here at Sidekick.

Chelsea Buckeridge

Chelsea started her accounting career in her home town of Whanganui, where she worked at a local firm while completing her Bachelor of Business, majoring in accountancy.

She moved down to Christchurch when she has begun her career at Sidekick, with the opportunity to “work with a firm that continues to evolve from conventional accounting practices” exciting her.

In her free time, Chelsea loves keeping active, going to the beach over the summer months, attending gigs and festivals, and she’s always excited to head back home to Whanganui to visit her whānau.

Danielle Burr

Meet Danielle, our talented Accountant at Sidekick Christchurch! With a Bachelor’s in Business (Accounting) under her belt and currently working towards her CPA Australia certification, Danielle brings a wealth of experience to our team. Over the past 12 years, she’s honed her skills in various industries, including Tax, Entertainment, and Construction, both here in Christchurch and during a stint in the UK.

When she’s not crunching numbers, Danielle loves spending quality time with her family, exploring the great outdoors, discovering new brunch spots with friends, and staying active with reformer pilates.

Emily Roach

Emily, one of our whizz-kid accountants, joined the Sidekick team in February 2017 and boy are we glad to have her on board! Emily has been working in the accounting industry for many years, starting her career in administration at an accounting firm, and loved the work so much she worked her way up to being an accountant.

From working as an accountant at accounting firms, in the tech industry, and for a charity, Emily brings a great depth of knowledge and experience to the team. Emily has travelled through Europe, lived and worked in the UK, and is always planning the next trip, her most recent being South East Asia!

Gianni Pessione

Originally from Nelson, Gianni moved to Christchurch to complete his accounting qualification at the University of Canterbury in conjunction with working as an Accountant.

Outside of work he enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. Health and fitness is a big part of Gianni’s life, often finding him at the gym. He has a passion for cars, always taking every opportunity he has to work on his own. Over summer he’ll get out on the water every day, whether it be water sports or just going up the bay. 

Jenna Anderson

Jenna is a fully qualified Chartered Accountant, graduating from Otago University with a BCom followed by a Diploma in Accounting from Lincoln University. Jenna is one of our valued senior accountants in Christchurch and has been with the djca and now Sidekick team since 2014.

Jenna’s role involves working with a variety of SME businesses in Christchurch, with a focus on developing close working relationships with many of these clients.

When she’s not in the office, Jenna enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking and visiting family in Wanaka.

Working with Jenna, you’ll enjoy her cool, casual style combined with her attention to detail and getting things right!

Joseph Jagger

Joseph is part of the team at Sidekick CA, helping clients stay on top of their accounting and tax without overcomplicating things. Based in Christchurch, he focuses on practical, down-to-earth advice that makes a real difference.

When he’s not working, Joseph enjoys a round of golf, getting into video games, and catching up with friends and family.

Katie Ashton

Katie, one of our friendly accountants here at Sidekick Commercial has a Bachelor of Applied Management Accounting from Ara and is embarking on her Chartered Accounting qualification this year.

Before joining Sidekick in 2018, Katie worked in Corporate Accounting in Melbourne for five years, before moving back to Christchurch to be closer to family.

Katie enjoys working closely with the Sidekick Commercial clients, and especially enjoys the satisfaction of watching them grow and develop to reach their business goals.

Outside of work Katie enjoys being active with boxing and mountain biking, traveling, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends.

Sarah Joyce

Sarah is a Chartered Accountant with experience spanning audit, financial reporting, and commercial finance. She began her career in audit before moving to the UK, where she held group reporting and financial controller roles across a range of industries.

After returning to New Zealand, Sarah joined back into practice, specialising in financial reporting advisory and IFRS accounting. She has worked with clients across both the public and private sectors, including hospitality, energy, healthcare, local government, and agribusiness.

Sarah joined Sidekick to focus on supporting small and medium sized businesses. She enjoys building strong relationships with clients and helping them find practical, pragmatic solutions that support business growth and long-term success.

Outside of work, Sarah is kept busy by her three young children. She enjoys travelling, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Ryan Wallace

Ryan joined Sidekick in February 2021, bringing with him a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Management from Varsity College in South Africa. He completed the second half of his degree by correspondence after moving to New Zealand in 2017, graduating in 2019.

Outside of accounting, Ryan has an impressive sporting background. A talented cricketer, he spent several years playing around the world, including time in England and South Africa. He also played hockey at a high level, earning selection in the South African U21 World Cup squad and later playing for the Canterbury Cavaliers.

When he’s not working, Ryan enjoys getting out on the golf course, catching an early morning surf or firing up the BBQ with mates.

A genuine all-rounder, Ryan brings plenty of energy, drive and team spirit to Sidekick.

Ashleigh Falgar

Ashleigh is part of the Christchurch team at Sidekick, working across bookkeeping and administration to help keep client work and office processes running smoothly. She has a strong base of knowledge across general admin, bookkeeping systems and day-to-day tools like Xero and Hubdoc. 

Efficient, effective and quick to get things done, Ashleigh brings a helpful, organised and positive energy to her role. She likes having variety in her day and being able to make things easier for the people around her.

Outside of work, Ashleigh enjoys spending time with her young family, finding good places to eat and drink, and being out in the sunshine.

Hannah Williams

Hannah is part of the Christchurch team at Sidekick, working as a Client Services Administrator and supporting our senior accountants to deliver a smooth, well-organised client experience.

With a strong background in administration and HR within the accounting sector, Hannah understands the systems, details and communication needed to keep work moving efficiently. She supports the wider team by identifying what is needed, streamlining admin processes and helping make each day run more smoothly.

Efficient, genuine and adaptable, Hannah brings practical support and a people-focused mindset to her role. She enjoys adding value through the small details that make a big difference to the Christchurch office.

Outside of work, Hannah loves spending time with her young family and heading away on camping adventures.

Liv Gobbie

Liv is our friendly receptionist who’ll be greeting you when you come to visit us in the office or call us on the phone. Helping out with many aspects of administration, Liv ensures all clients and staff are well taken care of.

Outside of work, Liv plays rugby union and 7s for Marist Albion. She’s passionate about photography and looks forward to the family holiday in Kaiteriteri every year. She loves fishing and spending time on the water, and with family and friends being such an important part of her life, she’s always up for some quality time together. She’s also a big fan of country music!

Millie Peers

Millie is one of our Administration Assistants. She has a background in both legal support and small business operations. She started her career working as a Legal Secretary/PA, before moving into a small import & wholesale business where she picked up a broad mix of experience across admin, systems, and day-to-day operations.

In her current role, she works across client onboarding and assisting with internal projects, and generally keeping things organised behind the scenes.

Outside of work, Millie can be found out walking her dog Bessie, picking up new hobbies (lately that means spending more time that planned on her sewing machine), or trying out new recipes.

Shaunagh Poutoa

Shaunagh is our friendly Administration Assistant, bringing her experience as our former receptionist to support the team in any way possible and keep everything running smoothly.

Outside of work, she loves swimming in the summer, whether at the beach or river, and values quality time with friends and family. She stays active through gym sessions, walks, biking, and a game of touch – and she’s always got some good music playing in the background!

Steph Holt

Steph is the creative mind behind Sidekick’s brand – making sure everything from marketing campaigns to internal events reflects who we are and what we stand for. With over 15 years of experience in design and strategy, she loves finding fresh, meaningful ways to bring the Sidekick story to life. From shaping how our brand looks and feels to creating moments that connect our team and clients, Steph brings a mix of curiosity, energy, and heart to everything she does.

Outside of work, Steph enjoys spending time with her teenage son, road-tripping in her self-converted campervan and tending to her ever-growing veggie patch – a creative outlet that balances her busy, design-filled days.

Manoli De Silva

Manoli keeps the team running smoothly, making sure all the day-to-day details are taken care of. She has a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of London and a master’s in international relations from the University of Colombo, she has worked across law firms, UN agencies, and the government sector. Her experience in different environments gives her a strong eye for detail and a knack for keeping things organised and on track.

A massive foodie, Manoli loves cooking and trying out new restaurants. She also enjoys running and staying active, and likes to unwind with a good book and a glass of wine. Most of all, she treasures spending time with her husband and their two young daughters. 

Helen Pauley

Helen is a Marlburian who has travelled the world and landed back here. Having a varied work life from managing a regional office for a multi-national advertising firm, owning a hospitality business to practice management of a medical practice, Helen brings a bucket load of skills. Communication is her flag ship skill and she enjoys problem solving. Resourceful and fun, pretty much sums her up.

She is married to Gary, who is a Business Advisor and in their spare time they love to travel to family & friends, experience the great outdoors and discovering new recipes and flavours, accompanied by a glass of fine wine.

Vanessa Burt

If somebody asks ‘who is the best person to do this tricky job?” our answer is likely to be Vanessa.

Vanessa manages Sidekick Bookkeeping and completes clients’ various administrative duties, advises them on their tax obligations, acts as our one stop Xero help-desk and even completes the odd tax return.

Vanessa is also a qualified Gym instructor and has competed in Body Building competitions, so when she’s not at the gym teaching group fitness you will find her at home with her children Tyler, Manaia and Kobe.

Jimmy

Jimmy is our newest intern. He is a little Jack Russell and Fox Terrier cross, and he comes into the office most days of the week with Ayumi. He is very young and a little shy.  Whilst he is still learning how to be a good office dog and greet clients, he has already got the entertaining and uplifting of his workmates sorted.

Outside of his work hours you will find him running and foraging in the red zone, hanging out with his doggy friends, and getting lots of good cuddles from his doting parents. We love having him in the office, and he never fails to brighten up our days.

Stevie

Meet Stevie, the charming Border Collie and office dog at Sidekick Christchurch! If you come into the office, you’ll likely see Stevie lingering in the corridors, always ready for a pat from anyone passing by. In dog years, she’s our most senior team member, and we spoil her accordingly. She has a stroll around the CBD a couple of times a day as various members of the team take her out for walks and some fresh air.

Stevie never puts up a fuss and gets along great with everyone. When she’s not gracing us with her presence at work, you’ll find her chasing balls at the park or chilling out at home with Cam and the rest of her family.

Rocco

Meet Rocco, the Chocolate Lab who hangs out at Sidekick Christchurch. Rocco never fails to liven up the office when Ric brings him in. He’s still young and learning the ins and outs of being an office dog, with our other furry companions showing him the ropes.

Rocco is eager to befriend Stevie, our senior office dog, though the relationship is currently a bit one-sided. Despite this, he’s quickly stealing the hearts of our human team members!

Bessie

Bessie is a 9 year old mini Poodle with the very important role of office lap warmer.

She spend her early years as a breeding dog before being adopted at age 6. Since then, she has fully embraced retirement life as a spoilt office dog!

She is (too) clever, (too) affectionate and has a strong preference for sitting on any available lap.

When she is not busy supervising the team or monitoring the treat drawer, she can be found insisting on sitting on someone’s lap, or strategically positioning herself wherever snacks might appear.