Local expertise you can count on.

Brent has over 30 years of experience and expertise in mentoring business owners to help maximise their performance and profitability. Specialising in tax law and business structures, trustee services and directorships, Brent acts as a professional director for over 40 companies.

Brent works across a variety of sectors, including the construction, retail, hospitality, trades, property development and investment industries. He enjoys working with like-minded people who offer a friendly, professional and timely service, in an industry that is quickly evolving with the enhancement of technology.

“After more than three decades of helping our clients grow their businesses, it is extremely satisfying to be working across generations of successful local business people.”

“I enjoy the feeling of being part of a team that’s contributing towards rebuilding this great city, and am always impressed by the attitude of Cantabrians, who are so keen to learn and take advice.”

Among the many leadership roles he has undertaken, Brent was formerly Chair of Addington Raceway, is a director of Smiths Mitre 10, and a large number of other private boards and a mentor to CAANZ members. He also has involvement with Lamar Charitable Trust, which invests funds and donates up to $400,000 in grants per year.

Adele Ainger brings over 30 years of accounting experience to her role, with a diverse background working for a variety of businesses and organisations in New Zealand and overseas.

Her work with Ainger Tomlin has encompassed a broad range of sectors, including not-for-profit, family businesses/entities, retail, farming, investment, and construction-related services.

Specialising in statutory, regulatory and income tax compliance, Adele also offers business advice, system reviews and processes, and is a director of Ainger Tomlin Audit Ltd.

Adele enjoys working with people who are passionate about what they are doing and putting systems and processes in place so they can work smarter. “One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the opportunity to form relationships with motivated clients. I offer a trusted and experienced point of contact for accounting, tax and admin advice.”

Adele is the treasurer of the Christchurch Boys High School PTA, and a trustee of Donaldson Residential Trust.

With a focus on expert business advisory services, and using the latest technology to provide insights into business performance, Glenn Smith has nearly 20 years experience.

Glenn offers a customised service for clients seeking regular ongoing support to grow their business or make it more efficient. His key areas of specialisation are in tax compliance and advice, business advisory services, cash flow management, financial goal setting and monitoring.

His work extends across a broad spectrum of sectors, including commercial and residential property, hospitality, professional service industry, retail and construction.

Glenn offers regular client contact and monitoring, as well as sound product knowledge in accounting technology, to help clients better understand their business and make processes more efficient. “My main motivation comes from helping clients understand their business as it evolves, and using that information to help them improve it.”

“I’m very excited about the opportunities available in using the rapidly evolving technology now available to maximise the benefits we can offer to our clients.”

Glenn enjoys being part of a strong local economy, all within an amazing landscape with many recreational options available nearby.

He is involved in coaching junior rugby and supporting other sporting activities that his children participate in.

Liza has been with Ainger Tomlin since 1999, with more than 23 years experience.

Liza enjoys working with clients to achieve their goals and improve their business in the most efficient way, which always starts with building strong relationships and being very accessible through emails, phone calls or face to face meetings.

“I really enjoy working with clients to help achieve their financial goals and feel very satisfied in providing clients with great advice on tax, processes and their business.”

Liza works with clients across many different industries. Areas of interest include tax compliance, business advisory services, monthly management reporting and tax reporting for investment portfolios and foreign investment funds.

Elliott joined Ainger Tomlin as an Associate in January 2025, returning to Christchurch after several years working in Melbourne at a wholesale investment firm advising on over $3.5 billion in client assets.

During this time, he gained experience developing bespoke investment portfolios for high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients, focusing on absolute return trading strategies. His work involved a wide range of financial instruments — including managed funds, fixed income, private equity, and unlisted property syndicates — with the aim of delivering uncorrelated returns with a lower overall volatility profile compared to the broader market.

Elliott holds degrees in Law, Accounting and Taxation from the University of Canterbury. A born and bred Cantabrian, Elliott is deeply passionate about the future of Christchurch as it continues to evolve and grow following its redevelopment. He previously worked with Ainger Tomlin during his studies and is thrilled to return, building strong relationships with clients across a wide range of industries.

He particularly enjoys the advisory role accountants play in their clients’ businesses — helping to foster meaningful relationships and provide oversight and guidance throughout their business journeys. His areas of interest include tax planning and structures, consulting and advisory services, and investments.