For more than three decades, our Rangiora office has been a trusted part of the North Canterbury business community. The practice was originally established by Gordon Sheppard, laying the foundation for a client-focused accounting firm built on strong relationships, practical advice, and a commitment to helping local businesses succeed.

In 2005, Jenny Ormsby took over the leadership of the practice and guided its growth for more than 16 years. Under her stewardship, Sheppard & Ormsby Chartered Accountants earned a reputation for providing personalised accounting, taxation, and business advisory services to generations of North Canterbury individuals, farmers, and business owners.

In February 2022, Bronwyn Candish assumed ownership of the practice, continuing the proud legacy of Sheppard & Ormsby while introducing a fresh focus on business development, education and advisory services. The firm’s boutique approach ensured clients continued to receive the personal attention and trusted guidance that had become synonymous with the Sheppard & Ormsby name.

A significant new chapter began in August 2026 when Praxis Accounting & Advisory acquired the business. Recognising the importance of a strong local presence, Praxis re-established a team of accountants and support staff based in North Canterbury. This return to local servicing combines the familiarity and accessibility of a community-based practice with the depth of expertise, resources, and specialist support available through the wider Praxis group.

Today, the Rangiora office continues to honour the legacy established by Gordon Sheppard, nurtured by Jenny Ormsby, and built upon by Bronwyn Candish. As part of Praxis Accounting & Advisory, the firm remains committed to providing trusted local advice, personal relationships, and practical solutions for businesses, farmers, families, and individuals throughout North Canterbury. By combining local knowledge with the strength of a wider advisory network, the practice is well positioned to support clients for generations to come.

Our Story

For nearly two decades, Praxis Accounting & Advisory has supported businesses, families and individuals throughout North Canterbury with practical advice, trusted relationships and professional accounting services.

Where we started In February 2007, Michelle Tubb established her own accounting practice, Simple Strategies, in Kaiapoi. Built on personalised service and practical business advice, the firm quickly earned a reputation for helping local businesses and individuals through the challenges of running a successful enterprise. Michelle built long-standing client relationships by tailoring accounting, tax and advisory services to each client’s circumstances.

In April 2021, Michelle sold the practice to Nick Noone and Kashyap Hari of Foundry56, a Xero Award-winning accounting and advisory firm based in Timaru. They were committed to keeping the firm’s client-first approach while investing in its future.

Growing the team Under new ownership, the practice expanded its capabilities, embraced modern cloud-based technology and strengthened its focus on business advisory, while keeping the personal relationships clients valued.

In May 2023, Loburn-based Chartered Accountant Angie Sutherland joined as a Director. At the same time, we acquired KN Accounting, established by Kirsten Nicol, growing our client base and our presence across the region.

A new name and a new chapter In February 2026, we became Praxis Accounting & Advisory. The new name reflects our evolution from a traditional accounting practice into a broader advisory business, helping clients make informed decisions and reach their personal and commercial goals. The name changed, but our values didn’t: trusted relationships, practical advice and a commitment to your success.

In August 2026, we acquired Sheppard & Ormsby Chartered Accountants in Rangiora, bringing together two respected North Canterbury practices with a shared commitment to local service.

Today Praxis draws on the combined experience of these practices to serve businesses across a wide variety of industries. Our aim is simple: tailored advice exactly when you need it, backed by the expertise and flexibility to get the best possible outcome.