Most people don’t grow up dreaming of becoming a liquidator. But for me, it’s become a calling — one rooted in empathy, resilience, and a deep respect for the people behind the businesses.

I come from a small business family. As a kid, I watched my family navigate tough years when our concrete swimming pool business was hit hard by recessions — and let’s be honest, no one buys a pool in a downturn. Those experiences shaped me. I understand the challenges SMEs face not just because I advise them daily, but because I’ve lived through them.

When people hear I’m a liquidator, their first reaction is often surprise — followed by a comment like, “That must be a hard job.” And yes, it can be. But it’s also given me purpose. Anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed with supporting SMEs and improving the productivity of this country. With over 55% of Kiwi businesses failing within their first five years, we’re facing a productivity crisis — and I’m determined to change that statistic.

The Work Behind the Scenes

At Fixity, our values don’t change. They’re at the core of everything we do. We believe in dignity, transparency, and walking alongside people during some of the most uncertain moments of their lives. That’s why clients cry. That’s why families thank us. Because we’ve taken them on a journey — one filled with fear, questions, and unknowns — and we’ve supported them through it.

When a director asks, “What will happen to me?” or “Will I lose my home?” we don’t just give technical answers. We give them space to breathe, to understand, and to rebuild. Our work is about more than winding up companies — it’s about restoring hope and protecting futures.

We don’t get five-star Google reviews. Its challenging to share all of our success stories on social media, when much of the work we do is confidential. When we help a business recover, it’s often confidential. Our focus is on mitigating reputational damage, repairing relationships, and giving businesses a second chance to trade. The wins are quiet, but they matter deeply.

What many don’t see is that a third of what we do is psychology. Another third is accounting. The rest is legal. We sit with directors and their families during some of the toughest moments of their lives. We listen. We guide. We teach. And sometimes, we witness tears — not just of stress, but of relief and gratitude.

Why SMEs Deserve Better

Some of the businesses we work with have been run by families for generations. They’ve developed habits that haven’t served them well — not because they didn’t care, but because no one ever showed them a better way. Their advisors may have missed the mark. Their systems may have failed them. But when we step in, we don’t just wind things down — we help them rebuild.

In a country where 97% of businesses are SMEs and family-run, it’s surprising there isn’t more focus on how to support and strengthen them. These businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve better tools, better education, and better chances.

So when we save a business — when we help someone find their footing again — that’s the real win. And when they say thank you, even though it’s never expected, it reminds us why we do this work.

We don’t do it for the praise. We do it because we want Kiwi businesses to succeed. Sometimes, all they need is a helping hand, a bit of education, and the right tools to get back on track.

💡 Tips for SME Owners and Family Businesses

If you’re running a small or family business in New Zealand, here are some practical steps to help you stay resilient and set your business up for long-term success:

1. Know Your Numbers

• Understand your cash flow, profit margins, and liabilities.
• Don’t rely solely on your accountant — learn to read your own financial reports.
  👉 Learn more about creditor liquidation in Auckland

2. Separate Emotion from Decision-Making

• Family businesses often blur personal and professional boundaries.
• Make decisions based on data, not emotion.
  👉 Explore family business turnaround strategies

3. Get the Right Advice Early

• Surround yourself with advisors who challenge you.
• Legal, financial, and operational advice should be proactive.
  👉 Get insolvency support in New Zealand

4. Build Systems, Not Just Habits

• Document your processes and automate where possible.
  👉 Discover SME business recovery tools

5. Watch for Early Warning Signs

• Late payments, declining sales, and rising debt are red flags.
  👉 Use Project Sentinel for early risk detection

6. Invest in Education

• Upskill yourself and your team regularly.
  👉 Improve financial literacy for SMEs

7. Protect Your Reputation

• Communicate openly with customers and suppliers during tough times.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

• There’s no shame in needing support.
  👉 Contact Fixity for SME turnaround support

Final Thoughts

Being a liquidator isn’t about endings. It’s about new beginnings — for businesses, for families, and for the communities they serve.

If you’re an SME owner in New Zealand and you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: you’re not alone. There are tools, people, and pathways that can help. And at Fixity, we’re here to walk that path with you.