Specialist New Zealand R&D Tax Services
About NZ R&D – the specialist R&D arm of NZ Tax Desk
Why We Do This
Innovation drives the future—and we believe businesses undertaking R&D deserve the best possible support in navigating New Zealand’s tax incentives. Our purpose is simple: to empower innovative businesses with access to the funding they’re entitled to, without the confusion, risk, or excessive fees.
Our Point of Difference
We’ve built our practice on three core principles:
- Specialist Expertise – We focus on R&D tax, ensuring our advice is targeted, practical, and technically sound.
- Fair and Ethical Pricing – We charge a flat fee. We don’t take a percentage of your claim—because R&D funding is for your innovation, not our commission.
- Technical Accuracy – We take the time to do it right. We focus on technical accuracy and fully understanding the eligibility rules, so we can claim everything you’re entitled to, with confidence and credibility.
Services We Provide
Our specialist R&D tax services include:
- Reviewing your systems, processes, and documentation practices up front to ensure you are collecting the right information throughout the year—maximising your claim and minimising effort at year end.
- Preparation and filing of R&D Tax Incentive applications, including the General Approval process.
- Filing and management of R&D Tax Loss Cash Out applications.
- Preparation of R&D deferral calculations and guidance on timing rules.
- Specialist advice on capitalisation of R&D expenditure.
- Ongoing tax advisory services throughout your innovation journey.
Real World Results
We’ve helped clients successfully claim up to $500,000 in R&D cash refunds. Our work has supported companies across multiple sectors, including:
- Engineering: Development of a modular feed wagon with enhanced fuel efficiency.
- Technology: Application of nanobubble tech to improve fluid system performance.
- Manufacturing: Creation of a novel mastitis spray delivery system.
- Biotech: Research into next-generation cancer drug candidates.
- Scientific Instrumentation: Design of cutting-edge lab equipment for high-precision experiments.
Why Experience Matters
R&D tax is technical. We’ve seen the costly mistakes made by inexperienced or overly aggressive advisers—missed eligibility, inflated claims, and clients left exposed. Our clients know that choosing the right adviser upfront saves them time, stress, and money down the line.
Fixed Fees. No Surprises.
Unlike many consultants who charge a percentage of your claim—sometimes as much as 20%—we charge a fair, fixed fee. We believe the tax credit exists to support R&D, not enrich advisers. Our ethical pricing reflects our values and gives you certainty from the outset.
That said, if your business requires a success-based fee arrangement, we can accommodate this on a case-by-case basis. We're happy to work with you to find a pricing structure that fits your needs.
If your business is resolving scientific or technological uncertainty—for example, testing whether something will work in practice, or building a prototype you can’t yet confidently replicate—then you may be eligible for this incentive. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
How We Help Our Clients
Many of our clients come to us after encountering confusion, uncertainty, or bad advice from others. Because we specialise in R&D claims and deal with them every day, we know exactly what Inland Revenue is focusing on. That means we can proactively identify risks and opportunities early, saving you time, stress, and money. We work closely with each client to:
- Identify whether their activities meet IRD’s strict eligibility tests.
- Categorise R&D expenditure to maximise eligible amounts while remaining compliant.
- Prepare and lodge their income tax returns and claim forms accurately and on time.
- Advise on structuring R&D projects to ensure future claims are maximised.
And where desired, we manage the process in a fully hands-off manner—freeing up your team to focus on priorities like capital raising, product development, or operational growth.
What Makes Us Unique
We are a dedicated branch of NZ Tax Desk Ltd, established to focus our resourcing and technical capability specifically on New Zealand’s R&D tax credit regimes. With a proven track record through NZ Tax Desk, we bring the same commitment to quality, rigour, and client outcomes to this specialised space.
Our connection with NZ Tax Desk also means we can offer a one-stop shop for clients who want comprehensive tax support—not just R&D claims, but also year-end financial statements, income tax returns, and broader tax compliance and consultancy services. We can also assist clients with more complex matters such as international structuring advice, particularly where businesses are expanding overseas or establishing global operations.
We live and breathe R&D tax. Our clients stay with us because we:
- Are genuinely passionate about the work our clients do.
- Understand the complexities of R&D and the legislation behind the tax credit.
- Prioritise long-term client success over quick wins.
We also recognise that your time is valuable. Many of our clients prefer a hands-off approach, and we’re equipped to manage your claim from start to finish—coordinating with your team as needed while minimising disruption to your business.
Our People
Meet the team behind the expertise. Each member of our team brings deep technical and commercial knowledge across tax, accounting, innovation funding, and R&D advisory.
Angela Hodges
Director – NZ Tax Desk
Angela brings over 20 years of specialist tax experience and is regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading experts in R&D tax incentives. She has a particular passion for working with innovative and early-stage businesses—helping them navigate complex tax rules and access the cash flow they need to grow. Angela understands that in the world of start-ups and R&D, cash is king—and she’s built a reputation for helping clients secure meaningful tax refunds that support their innovation journey.
Unlike many larger firms, Angela is highly accessible and directly involved in client work. Clients appreciate the ability to speak with a senior specialist who not only understands the technical language of R&D tax but can also communicate it clearly and effectively. This direct access to a trusted expert ensures faster decisions, more tailored advice, and a deeper understanding of Inland Revenue’s expectations—helping clients save time, avoid common pitfalls, and strengthen their claims. She also trains other accountants and advisors in how to prepare R&D claims—demonstrating the trust placed in her expertise by others in the profession.
Dan Andrews
Technical Director
Dan brings 20+ years of engineering and project management experience across mechanical, electrical, automation, and service-based disciplines. He specialises in minor projects, innovative solutions, and the kind of practical R&D work that forms the foundation of many successful claims. Having worked on the ground with technology and systems, Dan understands the technical challenges our clients face and speaks their language—bringing clarity and insight to the R&D tax process.
Dan’s background makes him a unique asset in the New Zealand R&D tax landscape. While most accounting and consulting firms rely solely on tax professionals, we have an engineer in-house who can meaningfully engage with your technical team. That means better understanding, more accurate claims, and less time needed from you to explain the detail.
Alana Metz
Senior Tax Consultant
Alana has over 10 years of specialist tax experience, with a strong focus on R&D tax incentives. She has spent much of her career drafting technical descriptions, calculating entitlements, and reviewing claims to ensure they are robust, compliant, and optimised.
Alana brings a sharp eye for detail and a methodical approach to every engagement. Her extensive experience working directly on R&D claims means she understands the practical challenges businesses face and knows how to translate complex technical activity into strong, defensible tax positions.
She plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of every claim we prepare and works closely with clients to ensure the process is smooth, thorough, and efficient.
Claire Clarke
Client Services Extraordinaire
Claire plays a key role in ensuring everything runs smoothly across the team. Her exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail help keep our internal processes efficient and on track, allowing the rest of the team to stay focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.
Claire's work behind the scenes has a direct impact on our ability to deliver seamless, timely service. Her calm, solutions-focused approach ensures nothing is missed, and everything gets done—accurately and reliably.
