Recognised for Excellence, Integrity, and Community in New Zealand
Last year, Virtual Mel was honoured to receive two industry awards that reflect not only professional achievement, but the values that sit at the heart of the business - integrity, excellence, and community.
While these awards were announced in September and October, we wanted to take a moment to properly reflect on what they represent and why they matter to the New Zealand businesses and professionals we support every day.
NZQBA Bookkeeper of the Year – 2025
The New Zealand Qualified Bookkeepers Association (NZQBA) exists to recognise the passion, skill, and commitment bookkeepers bring to their work, while upholding strong industry standards and a professional code of conduct.
The 2025 NZQBA Bookkeeping Awards celebrate those raising the bar across New Zealand, from standout individuals to thriving bookkeeping businesses, and showcase the level of expertise available to support Kiwi business owners.
These awards are grounded in accuracy, ethics, compliance, and accountability. They recognise bookkeepers who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure financial records are reliable, up to date, and handled with care in an ever-changing regulatory and software environment.
If you’re looking for accurate, ethical bookkeeping delivered to recognised New Zealand industry standards, explore our bookkeeping services.
Becoming a finalist is no small achievement. Every nominee has demonstrated professionalism, innovation, and real-world impact within their field.
Being named NZQBA Bookkeeper of the Year 2025 was both humbling and incredibly meaningful. For Mel, upholding industry standards isn’t just about meeting requirements, it’s about working tirelessly to ensure clients receive bookkeeping support they can truly trust.
Learn more about how we work
Get to know our values, approach, and what it’s like to work together here, built on trust, professionalism, and genuine support.
VANNZ Community Contributor Award – 2025
In September, Mel was also honoured to receive the Virtual Assistant Network of New Zealand (VANNZ) Community Contributor Award.
This award is peer-nominated, recognising individuals who actively support, mentor, and contribute to the wider virtual assistant community across New Zealand.
To be recognised by peers, others working in the same industry, facing similar challenges, made this award especially meaningful. It reflects consistent contribution, generosity, and a willingness to share knowledge and encouragement without expectation.
Supporting fellow virtual assistants, offering guidance, and contributing to a strong and connected community has always been something Mel does naturally.
Virtual assistant support
For reliable virtual support that helps streamline your admin, systems, and day-to-day operations, see how we support New Zealand businesses.
Supporting Businesses Beyond the Numbers
While bookkeeping forms a strong foundation, Mel also works alongside business owners in a broader capacity, helping them step back, gain clarity, and make informed decisions.
Through business advisory support, Mel helps clients understand their numbers, improve systems, and build more sustainable, confident businesses, not just compliant ones.
If you want clarity around your numbers, systems, or next steps, learn more about our business advisory services for small business owners.
This holistic approach allows business owners to feel supported both operationally and strategically, with guidance that’s practical, grounded, and aligned to real-world challenges.
Truly Grateful - and Slightly Blown Away
Receiving both awards within weeks of each other was genuinely overwhelming in the best possible way.
Together, they represent two sides of the same commitment:
Professional excellence, ethics, and industry standards
Community, collaboration, and lifting others up
We are incredibly grateful to the NZQBA, the Virtual Assistant Network of New Zealand, our peers, and our clients for the trust and support that made these recognitions possible.
Most importantly, these awards reaffirm our purpose - to provide high-quality bookkeeping, virtual support, and business advisory services to New Zealand businesses, while continuing to contribute positively to the communities we’re proud to be part of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NZQBA Bookkeeper of the Year award?
The NZQBA Bookkeeper of the Year award recognises New Zealand bookkeepers who demonstrate high professional standards, ethical practice, and a strong commitment to best practice.
Why do NZQBA standards matter when choosing a bookkeeper?
NZQBA standards ensure bookkeepers follow a recognised code of conduct, remain compliant with New Zealand regulations, and deliver accurate, trustworthy bookkeeping services.
What is the Virtual Assistant Network of New Zealand (VANNZ)?
VANNZ is a professional network supporting virtual assistants across New Zealand through education, collaboration, and community connection.
What does a peer-nominated community award mean?
Peer-nominated awards reflect recognition from others in the same industry and highlight genuine contribution, integrity, and respect.
How does community involvement benefit clients?
Being active in professional communities helps service providers stay informed, connected, and aligned with best practice - ultimately benefiting clients.
Does Virtual Mel work with businesses across New Zealand?
Yes. Virtual Mel provides bookkeeping, accounting, virtual assistant, and business advisory services to businesses throughout New Zealand.
Get in touch
Whether you’re looking to get your bookkeeping sorted, streamline your systems, or gain clarity around your business numbers, the right support makes all the difference.
Find out how we support New Zealand business owners, or get in touch with Virtual Mel to see if we’re a good fit.
