Kia ora — a quick introduction (or re-introduction if you remember me)
I'm Daren Riley, GM Sales NZ at Connectworks. I've rejoined the team to work more closely with our customers, making sure you're getting the most out of the platform and that we're building toward what matters most to you.
I'd love to connect. Whether you have a question, want to share feedback, or want to hear what's on the roadmap, please reach out directly at daren@connectworks.com
Book a refresher or WOF-style review
Do you have new staff members, or want to make sure you're getting the most out of Connectworks?
Think of it as a 30-minute health check for your Connectworks setup. We'll make sure your team is working efficiently, flag any features you might not be using, and walk through any changes. No prep required — just book a time and we'll take care of the rest.
Email support@connectworks.com to book your session
What’s coming — Back to Basics roadmap
Our next development phase is focused on making the most common tasks your team performs faster, clearer, and more reliable. Based on your feedback, here’s what we’re prioritising. Note: this is a work in progress but we hope to have addressed these items by the end of 2026. We'll update in later newsletters or keep an eye out our updates page.
Companies Office sync
Reliable synchronisation so your Connectworks data and the Companies Register stay in step with less manual intervention. A firm and entity-based setting is planned to give you control over what syncs.
New company workspace
Easy to read workspace to surface more information directly and clearly show what data is set to sync with the Companies Office.
Address changes (directors/shareholders)
Quick address changes via a guided workflow — with validation to reduce errors and update multiple companies' office records.
Director updates
Streamlined screens and clearer confirmation steps when adding, updating or removing directors.
Shareholder & holdings updates
Simple workflows for share transfers, allotments, and holder detail changes.
Modernising the Companies Act 1993
We’re keeping an eye out for any progress on the potential reforms in this space. For more information: MBIE: Modernising the Companies Act 1993 and making other improvements for business.
It's a topic I follow closely — my first job after university in 1995 was at the Companies Office, just after the Act came into effect (showing my age!).
This was back in the days when most CA firms didn’t have internet access, there was no Companies Office website, annual returns were posted in (and date-stamped and filed by yours truly), and a company search meant a fax to a search agent who pulled the file from a shelf and photocopied and faxed back the requested information. Alongside talk of reforming the Companies Act 1993 the impact of AI in the accounting and legal space is making me feel my age, but also excited about the potential.
I look forward to chatting with you, and keep an eye out for our next newsletter around September.
