Our Legacy

Serving Northland for over four decades.

Sumpters has its roots firmly in Northland, with a history stretching back more than four decades. The practice began in 1981 when Dick Sumpter and Vic Baughen combined their expertise to form Sumpter Baughen, serving businesses and families across Whangārei and surrounding districts.

Both men brought strong professional and practical backgrounds. Dick with a focus on management advisory and taxation, and Vic with deep experience in rural accounting and farm management. Their commitment to personal service, technical excellence, and long-term client relationships set the foundation for a firm that still upholds those values today.

Over the years, new directors have joined, offices have opened, and mergers have taken place, but the legacy remains: Sumpters continues to serve many of the same clients who placed their trust in Dick and Vic all those years ago.

Group of people standing on steps in front of a building with a sign that reads 'Winery Lane', two vintage cars parked in front, one white and one teal.

Our Key Milestones

  • Group of people standing outside near a building with a sign that reads 'VINEY LAN' and two cars parked in front.

    1981

    Sumpter Baughen was formed by Dick Sumpter and Vic Baughen, operating in Whangārei and the surrounding districts.

  • A group of 14 people, including men and women, gathered in a restaurant or banquet hall for a photo. They are dressed in business or semi-formal attire, with some men wearing white shirts and ties, and women in blouses and jackets. The background shows a red wall with some signage and a door. The group is smiling and posing for the picture.

    1992

    As the firm grew, they expanded into the Kaipara District with the opening of the Ruawai office primarily servicing rural accounting customers. This move strengthened their ties to the farming community and cemented their reputation as trusted advisors in the region.

  • Two people, a man and a woman, sitting at a wooden table signing documents in a conference room.

    2001

    Dick Sumpter and Vic Baughen both retire from the business and Jenine Watson and Craig Wells take over as principals, ensuring continuity of service and capability to our clients.

  • Group of five people standing in front of a building with a sign that reads 'Sumpter Baughen Chartered Accountants.'

    2006

    A new Kerikeri office opens to serve clients across the Far North. This expansion brought the firm closer to its rural and agribusiness clients, strengthening its presence in Northland.

  • A smiling middle-aged woman with short blonde hair, wearing a patterned top, standing against a blue background.

    2008

    Jenine Watson retires after serving as a director since 2001. Her leadership and commitment over those years helped shape the firm’s direction and culture, and her retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter built on the strong foundations she helped create.

  • Steve Ganley Sumpters

    2010

    DECEMBER
    Steve Ganley is appointed as a Director. With a strong background in tax from his years at Inland Revenue and one of the “Big 4” firms, Steve brought specialist expertise in taxation and advisory services, adding depth to the firm’s offering.

  • Peter Hill Sumpters

    2012

    SEPTEMBER
    Merger with Peter Hill Chartered Accountant Ltd. Peter Hill becomes a Director, further strengthening the practice. With extensive experience in property and investment, Peter added valuable insight into corporate governance and Northland’s business landscape.

  • Brenda Smith Sumpters

    2018

    APRIL
    Brenda Smith is appointed as a Director. Brenda works closely with businesses from dairy farms to commercial property owners, helping them manage growth, improve cashflow, and simplify systems. Her appointment added strength in business advisory and a partnership-focused style that supports clients in achieving both their financial and lifestyle goals.

  • Smiling middle-aged man with gray hair wearing a black button-up shirt standing outdoors against a plain light-colored wall.

    2018

    OCTOBER
    Craig Wells retires after serving as a Director since 2001. Craig was instrumental in developing the firm’s specialist Māori accounting services, working closely with iwi and Māori businesses to provide trusted governance and financial advice. His contribution helped cement the firm’s reputation as a leading advisor in this area.

  • Syers Hamilton Pool Ltd Sumpter Baughen

    2021

    SEPTEMBER
    Merger with Syers Hamilton Pool Ltd, combining two respected Northland firms under the Sumpter Baughen name. The merger united complementary expertise and local knowledge, expanding the depth of services available to clients across the region.

  • Logo for Sumpters featuring stylized green and gray book icon and black text on a white background.

    2025

    Sumpter Baughen refreshes its brand, a simple change to reflect the firm’s proud legacy and to formally adopt the name by which they are often fondly known. Because at Sumpters your success has always been our business.