Director

Maria Livingstone

CA (PP) | BMS

E maria.livingstone@bennettsproactive.co.nz

For Maria, accountancy is about more than getting the numbers right. It’s about building relationships, earning trust and asking the questions that help clients make confident decisions about their businesses that will ultimately increase profit and productivity.

That’s where Maria really excels. Her ability to get alongside clients and understand their needs on a very human level is what she’s renowned for and what she enjoys most.

Maria first joined Bennetts Proactive after graduating from Waikato University with a Bachelor of Management (majoring in accounting). After seven years, she left to spread her wings and work at another firm in Tauranga where she gained vast commercial experience across all sectors including construction, property development, retail and manufacturing. In November 2023 she returned home to Te Puke with 20 years’ experience under her belt and is now one of our two Directors, alongside Amanda Hodder.

Maria helps our diverse client base with their various accounting needs, budgeting and business decisions. Whether someone is weighing up a change to their business structure, reviewing their banking arrangements or considering a new venture, she enjoys working through the options with them and offering practical advice that fits their circumstances. She loves supporting clients through the highs and lows of owning a business or investment portfolio and can provide sound advice that makes sense in the real world. Her extensive knowledge, empathy and command of the numbers can help overcome any challenge your business might be facing.

As a Director, Maria is committed to supporting the people who make up Bennetts Proactive too. She and Amanda work alongside the team and make themselves available to share their experience and help the next generation of accountants grow.

Outside the office, Maria enjoys life in Te Puke with her family. Weekends might find her cheering on her two stepsons at soccer, or out boating and fishing around Tauranga Harbour and the Coromandel.