The autumn / winter months always prove to be a busy yet rewarding time of year for everyone at NZ Tax Refunds HQ as we continue to calculate and process tax refunds for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders. However for Cilla Hegarty, inspirational leader of the team, these last few months have been even more rewarding than ever before as she was named Her Businesswoman of the year 2011. An incredible achievement and recognition for what Cilla has achieved since the launch of NZ Tax Refunds back in March 2008.
Hear Cilla's reaction when The Canterbury Star gathered her thoughts shortly after the awards ceremony.
It's exciting, as well as humbling. It's a huge honour as there's some amazing women out there in business. I think there were about 20 people (in Wellington for the awards) from Christchurch, which is terrific. My family were so proud of me. I think my mother was quite tearful, it was really sweet.
Were you surprised to have won all three categories entered?
I was. It's amazing. It's just a reflection on the NZ Tax Refunds team. They're a really great team. On the technical side we were quite confident but not in the others not so much, so the outcome was great. We were also finalists in the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards as an emerging company in May so it's been a good year.
What is your business background?
I've been an entrepreneur for many years. I'm also an accountant, I have an account practice as well, and been a property developer and investor along with various other things.
My husband, Aaron, and three daughters Gabrielle, 25, Genevieve, 23, and Ellie, 20, are all involved in the family business NZ Tax Refunds Ltd, which was set up in March 2008.
We talk business around the dinner table, unlike other families. The girls have always been involved from a very young age. They all know who is the boss though!
What inspired you to set up NZ Tax Refunds Ltd? I understand you have helped Kiwis receive about $75 million of unclaimed tax back.
I felt there was a need to for a simple online process to help people get money owed to them (by the Inland Revenue Department) back. It's a win, win, obviously we're a business. Feedback from clients shows how much the service helps people.
I got a letter from an elderly lady who got a check for $624 who said 'I've never had that much money in my life in one go' and a man who got $3000 rang and told me he would spend his money on roses for the garden, which I thought was really cute.
Do you encounter many challenges in setting up NZ Tax Refunds Ltd?
There are (challenges) but you just have to turn them round the other way. I don't know much about technology so I went to an expert. You just have to be positive and think this is going to work, how do we make it work?
Has it turned out to be a more lucrative business than you ever expected? I understand it is one of the five fastest growing companies in New Zealand.
It's not actually something I focus on. It's more, how can we enhance the customer journey? That's my focus, not really what's on the bottom line. Yes we're profitable, but our focus is on our clients.
What advice would you give to other aspiring businesswoman and entrepreneurs?
The biggest thing is not to be deterred by the barriers. If you've got a vision you need to have a strategy or plan in place. Keep that focus and that vision and just go for it. Don't be scared.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I live in Cashmere in a home built by my husband. We were very fortunate to come through the earthquake unscathed. I love my family, I like to travel and I like to cycle, not so much competitively but I'm not quite at the back of the field!
This interview was conducted by The Star on the 4th July 2011, to read their article click here
