Team Insights
Natasha Waters
BBUS CA
With over 25 years of experience in accounting, Natasha is the founder and driving force behind ExpertEase. She became a Chartered Accountant in 2004 while working at Deloitte and has owned her own public practice since 2014. Her extensive expertise spans across all sectors, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the challenges businesses face today.
In addition to leading ExpertEase, Natasha plays an active role in her family’s lighting business, which involves importing and distribution—adding another layer to her business insight. She holds a Bachelor in Business Studies, a Diploma in Management, and is a Certified Xero Advisor.
Natasha and her husband Scott, who have been married for over 20 years, live in Gordonton with their three active teenagers. Their household is full of energy, laughter, and love—especially thanks to Scott, who shares the load at home. Their family life is also shared with a lively collection of pets – dogs, rabbits, and horses, reflecting Natasha’s deep love for animals.
A passionate horse rider, Natasha and her daughter often spend weekends away camping and riding. She also enjoys the outdoors—whether it’s paddleboarding, cycling, fishing, or hiking. And when it’s time to wind down, she taps into her creative side through painting or strumming a tune on the guitar.
Geoff Hogan
Geoff established his accounting practice in 1993, for the past 30 years he has built up a great reputation, with a passion for accounting and a love for helping people in their business. He retired as a principal of this practice in 2018 but continues to provide his ongoing support. Geoff still works with many of our clients on their trusteeships, the history and knowledge he has acquired over his professional career are invaluable to the firm.
He’s not quite retired yet but is enjoying working fewer hours and spending time with family and friends, fishing or at the beach.
Laura Li
Laura came to New Zealand from China early 2000 to pursue her Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) degree at Waikato University. Since 2007, she has been working in public practice gaining her chartered accountancy qualification in 2011.
Committed to her professional development and eager to continue her qualifications aspiring to earn advanced certifications in the accounting arena. Laura thrives on personal growth and readily embraces fresh challenges at ExpertEase engaging and helping clients.
Moving to Cambridge in 2007, Laura and her husband and young son now call Cambridge their home. When not at work, you can find Laura at the football field with her son Johnny or relaxing with a good book and sharing a glass of wine with friends. Staying active is important to her, so you’ll often find her walking to work whenever the weather cooperates.
Lea Aparente
Leah is originally from the Philippines but now calls Cambridge, New Zealand home. She brings a wealth of expertise to the ExpertEase team, holding a degree in Business Studies and six years of experience in the finance sector. Leah is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and is currently working towards her Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification.
She enjoys being part of the friendly and supportive culture at ExpertEase, where teammates are open, collaborative, and always willing to share knowledge. The opportunity to keep learning and growing is something she truly values.
Outside the office, Leah is a passionate runner. What began as a challenge to complete a 5K in the Philippines has turned into a love for marathons. She dreams of one day completing all the Abbott World Marathon Majors and running for charitable causes. When not training, Leah enjoys spending time with Clover, her sister’s dog, and discovering great coffee spots, new cuisines, and travel adventures with friends and family.
Debbie Petch
Debbie has strong roots growing up in Cambridge, she has a solid back ground in accounting with a career that stretches nearly 45 years. Debbie worked for Hogans back in early 2000s, when she took a break from public practice to work in a commercial role, returning to work for us in 2020. We are glad to have her back as the knowledge she has gained over her extensive career is invaluable.
In the 1980s, seeking and adventure, Debbie, along with her husband Grant and son Leon, chose to embark on a journey traveling around the picturesque North Island for three years in a bus. Many special memories were made here. During her leisure, Debbie finds time to enjoy gardening, and loves spending time with family and friends and cherishes the time with her two granddaughters Evie and Annebelle.
Vicki Kirkpatrick
You may recognise Vicki’s friendly face from her years in retail and real estate here in Cambridge, but what you might not know is that she also brings over 20 years of accounting experience to the ExpertEase team.
Originally from the Netherlands, Vicki has called New Zealand home since 1994 (with a year in France and 1.5 years in the UK along the way). She spent decades helping with her family businesses—running accounts, payroll, health & safety, and administration.
Alongside her extensive hands-on business background, Vicki has completed the NZ Certificate in Small Business Management, NZ Certificate in Real Estate, private HR training, and in-house bookkeeping training. She has a long-standing involvement in property investment, building, development, and rentals since 1998 adds even more depth to her financial knowledge.
Vicki has returned to her true passion accounting and joined ExpertEase in January 2024. She thrives on learning, connecting with people, and bringing her positive energy to the team.
Outside of work, Vicki loves the outdoors—whether it’s cycling, climbing, running, or walking. She’s also into sewing, reading, and learning languages (Spanish is her fourth!). A devoted auntie and stepmum, she treasures spending time with her family and always makes it a priority.
Jo Strawbridge
Jo has over 15 years accounting experience working with a diverse range of clients across Cambridge and Auckland firms. After a break to complete studies in psychology she has returned to the profession with fresh insight, a renewed perspective and a strong client focus.
Originally from Auckland’s North Shore, Jo enjoyed a coastal upbringing before travelling to Europe and living in the UK. This is where she met her husband Tim, who came from Cambridge, which they now call home, working at Deloitte’s prior to starting their family.
Now based on a lifestyle property just outside of town, Jo brings a warm, people-first approach to her work. She values building strong relationships with clients and helping them feel supported in their financial journey.
Joining Jo and Tim on their rural lifestyle block are their two daughters Abbie and Lucy, both studying at home, and Jo treasures watching them grow into young adults. Also not to be forgotten are the 3 dogs, 3 pigs and more cats than she’d care to admit too.
Just as passionate about life outside the office she loves escaping to the Coromandel or Fiji where she can experience sun, beach and maybe a good fishing adventure, but is also just as happy enjoying road trips and exploring NZ, reading and yoga. Jo will always find time for coffee catch-ups or a glass of wine; or maybe even a cocktail with family and friends.
Gavinder Grewal
Family is an important part of her life — she and her husband run Koi, a well-loved restaurant in Cambridge. She is also a proud mum to her 21-year-old son.
Her journey reflects a wonderful mix of family, study, and career, and she continues to grow both personally and professionally with a bright future ahead.
Pam Spearman
Pam is the friendly face that greets you as you walk through the doors at ExpertEase. As our front-of-house administrator, she manages reception, sends out tax notices and correspondence, and keeps everything admin running smoothly. Pam brings both professionalism and warmth to her role.
Originally from South Africa, Pam relocated to New Zealand in 2023 and now calls Cambridge home, where she lives with her husband and their young daughter. Family life is at the heart of everything she does, and weekends are often spent exploring New Zealand’s scenic spots or enjoying relaxed time with loved ones.
Pam also has a passion for true crime documentaries and crime novels. Enjoys watching MasterChef but happily leaves the cooking to her husband.
Her belief in teamwork, continuous learning, and doing every task with a smile, this together with her sense of humour, warmth and positivity truly brightens up the office.
Karin van Lee
Karin joined ExpertEase in 2018 and is responsible for managing our accounts payable and receivable, as well as providing bookkeeping services to our clients. Known for her friendly nature and approachable style, Karin is a familiar and valued presence around the office.
Originally from Holland, Karin moved to New Zealand at the age of 8 and now lives in Cambridge with her husband, two daughters, and their chocolate labrador. She appreciates the strong team culture at ExpertEase—especially the fun team-building activities.
Outside of work, Karin loves spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and taking weekend trips around New Zealand. She has a passion for health and wellness, having studied nutrition, and is currently learning about how genetics influence the body. Creative at heart, Karin also enjoys home decorating and has a flair for interior design, especially when it comes to family building projects.
Neeraj Dhankhar
Neeraj moved to New Zealand with his family in 2015 and completed his studies at the Manukau Institute of Technology. He joined ExpertEase in 2018, having previously worked alongside Natasha.
A dedicated and focused team member, Neeraj is known for his strong work ethic and quiet determination to get the job done.
Outside of work, Neeraj enjoys quality time with his family and friends. To stay active, he keeps up his love for cricket—both playing and following the game.
