Who We Are
Strategic Finance Partners is an independent advisory firm specializing in financial strategy and capability development for local councils.
We deliver practical, evidence-based advice that strengthens financial resilience, improves decision-making frameworks, and builds sustainable internal capability. Our approach combines strategic insight with hands-on implementation support, ensuring solutions are both rigorous and achievable within the realities of local government operations.
Core Services
Strategic Financial Planning & Policy
- ▪ Long-term financial planning and sustainability modeling
- ▪ Rating strategy and revenue optimization
- ▪ Asset management financial planning integration
- ▪ Financial policy development and framework design
- ▪ Strategic plan alignment and implementation roadmaps
Funding & Resource Analysis
- ▪ Service costing and activity-based funding reviews
- ▪ Grant assessment and evaluation support
- ▪ Multi-year scenario planning and sensitivity analysis
- ▪ Cost allocation methodology development
- ▪ Benchmarking and comparative financial analysis
Financial Governance
- ▪ Financial sustainability health checks
- ▪ Internal control framework reviews
- ▪ Risk management and audit committee support
- ▪ Financial reporting quality assessments
- ▪ Compliance and regulatory readiness reviews
Organizational Capability Development
- ▪ Executive financial literacy programs
- ▪ Finance team skill development and mentoring
- ▪ Financial acumen for non-financial managers
- ▪ Analytical capability building and toolset training
- ▪ Change management for financial transformation
What Makes Us Different
Council Sector Expertise
We understand the unique constraints, reporting requirements, timelines, and political realities of council finance.
Implementation Focus
We don't deliver reports that sit on shelves. Our engagements include implementation support, ensuring frameworks are embedded and teams are equipped to sustain improvements.
Capacity Building
Every engagement is designed to transfer knowledge and build internal capability.
Independent Perspective
As an independent firm, we provide objective analysis without conflicts of interest. Our advice serves your organization's long-term interests.
Our Approach
We work with you through three key stages, each designed to build on the last:
Clarity
The result is transparent strategic priorities. Together we analyse your situation, identifying challenges and defining what success looks like.
Capability
Design and implement practical solutions that work in your context. We build your team's skills and embed frameworks that strengthen decision-making.
Confidence
Clear strategic priorities and strong capability enable confident decision-making at all levels. Complex challenges and difficult choices can be recommended with conviction.
Typical Client Challenges We Address
Who We Work With
- ▪ City, district and regional councils
- ▪ Council controlled organisations
Our Operating Principles
Independence
Objective advice free from conflicts of interest
Integrity
Honest assessment of what will and won't work in your context
Transparency
Clear methodology, assumptions, and limitations in all analysis
Public Value
Focus on sustainable outcomes that serve community interests
Collaboration
Partnership with your team, respecting institutional knowledge
Capability Transfer
Building your capacity, not creating dependency
CONTACT
Tanea Hawkins — Principal Advisor
Email: thawkins@sfpartners.co.nz
Phone: 027 277 1681
Web: sfpartners.co.nz
Let's discuss how we can support your organisation.