Cilla Hegarty - CEO

Cilla has run her own accounting business for the last 10 years and was in 2010 a finalist in both the HER and Next Businesswoman of the year awards. She founded NZ Tax Refunds Ltd in 2008, and her infectious enthusiasm and vision has helped her build a company with talented, committed staff.

Cilla has run half marathons and competed in triathlons in the past but is now a keen cyclist. She is inspired by meeting interesting people and traveling.

Aaron Hegarty - Chief Operating Officer

Aaron has a background in property development and finance. With his wife, Cilla, he has established a number of successful family-operated businesses over the last 20 years.

Aaron is a car enthusiast and enjoys spending time on his ’67 Pontiac Firebird and retro Mustang. Once a keen runner, Aaron now focuses on cycling and spending time with Cilla and their 3 daughters

Tina Esau - Trust Account Manager

Tina manages the NZ Tax Refunds Trust account on behalf of our clients. She has a wealth of experience and has been with the Directors’ companies for past 7 years. Tina is passionate about accuracy, and enjoys the growth of the company and appreciation she receives from our clients.

Tina loves spending time with her large family, including her sister who also works at NZ Tax Refunds! She has recently visited Samoa for the first time and met members of her extended family.

Maree Rae - Customer Services Manager

Maree is the first point of contact for clients at NZ Tax Refunds HQ, providing reception and office administration support for the team. She ensures our clients are well looked after. Maree has been with the company for two years. She previously ran her own home loan company.

Maree is keen on travelling, and enjoys going to the gym and keeping fit. (She should really be our office Zumba instructor!)

Jason Messingham - Marketing & Community Manager

Jason has a Degree in Business Studies and a post-grad Diploma in Digital Marketing. He has over five years' marketing experience in London. Jason has an affinity for technology and digital marketing, especially social media. He is focused on strategies that allow NZ Tax Refunds’ clients to claim their refunds easily, quickly, and risk-free.

He is passionate about playing and watching sports, particularly squash, golf and football (soccer). Although as a Portsmouth FC Fan it's not always enjoyable! Jason tries to do his bit for charity and, in 2010, helped raise over £30,000 for a local hospice by climbing Kilimanjaro!

Ellie Hegarty - Student Community Manager

Ellie is the Generation Y expert in the office. She has been with the company since its inception and is part of the management team. She is studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce in Management.

Ellie enjoys travel and shopping. She is fortunate to have visited many countries, as a young child, and this continues to be a passion.

Processing Team

Mandy Brooks is passionate about resolving issues for our clients, especially when they are suffering hardship. She is currently studying part time towards her Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. She enjoys fitness and the outdoors.

Bella Esau is fluent in English and Samoan. She enjoys explaining the NZ tax system to speakers of other languages and specialises with WFFTC clients. She loves spending time with her family and especially her nephews.

Claire Jones assesses WFFTC and Student Loan clients. She has a real ability to build a rapport with clients. A keen shopper and traveler, Claire has spent time living in Australia and the UK.

Isaac Dunn has a Bachelor of Arts from Canterbury University. He thrives on removing the hassles our clients experienced when dealing with IRD directly. He has just returned from traveling overseas, throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia and has had great experiences and met inspirational people.

IR3 team

James Hill, IR3 Team Leader, is our resident multi-tasker, keeping the IR3 team ticking over; he constantly manages to solve any complex or tricky issue and mucks in whenever and wherever needed. James has been with NZ Tax Refunds for close to two years, during which time he has completed his BSc in Computer Science, and is continuing studies in Accounting and Law. When not devoting time to work or study, James can usually be found on the squash court, or catching up on sleep!

Tony Chung is a recent graduate from University of Canterbury with a degree in Accounting and Taxation. His passions are; learning and doing new things, and dealing with technical tax issues. Tony enjoys traveling, seeing different cultures and meeting new people.

Malcolm Sim graduated from University of Canterbury with Bachelor of Commerce with Honours, endorsing in Accounting and Taxation. Malcolm’s interests include music, soccer and swimming.

Jamie Dudfield is currently studying towards his Bachelor of Commerce at Canterbury University. He is proud to be a member of the IR3 team and is a passionate Southlander.

Candace Tana is in her final year of her Bachelor of Commerce at Canterbury University and works almost full time for the company. She loves traveling to Melbourne where her family live.