On Saturday, 21 September 2025, the Atrium in Hamilton came alive for the VA Awards 2025. The lights, the laughter, the buzz of connection – it was a night dedicated to celebrating the incredible Virtual Assistant and Bookkeeping community across New Zealand.
The VA Awards, run by the team at the VA Foundry and Virtual Assistant Network New Zealand (VANNZ), are all about recognising the talent, resilience, and creativity of people working behind the scenes to keep businesses running smoothly. For NZQBA, it was an honour to once again be part of the celebrations by sponsoring the Top Performing Bookkeeper Award.
Spotlight on the Bookkeepers
This award means a lot to us because it shines a spotlight on Bookkeepers who not only keep the numbers in check but also play a vital role in helping businesses thrive. Bookkeepers are often the unsung heroes – the ones making sure cashflow is steady, compliance is sorted, and clients can sleep at night knowing their finances are under control.
This year, the finalists for the award were:
- Amanda Flemming, Virtual Coastie
- Emma Diver, Balanced Books
- Mel Weston, Virtual Mel
- Tiffany Hubbard, Inner Circle Consulting
All four are incredible professionals who embody excellence in bookkeeping. Just making it to the finalist stage is an achievement worth celebrating.
And the winner is…
The 2025 Top Performing Bookkeeper Award went to Amanda Flemming! Amanda’s dedication to her clients, her professionalism, and her contribution to the wider Bookkeeping community truly stood out.
But as we stood on stage, it was clear that each of the finalists has made a mark in their own right. Emma, Mel, and Tiffany are women we admire deeply – hardworking, committed, and proof of the depth of talent within the Bookkeeping profession.
Our moment on stage
As sponsors, we had the joy (and a few nerves) of giving a speech on the night. Kenn did what Kenn does best – warming up the room with a bit of connection magic. She got everyone buzzing by asking them to turn to the person next to them and share something kind. Simple, but the effect was powerful. Suddenly the Atrium was filled with laughter, smiles, and good vibes.
Then it was Sandi’s turn, telling the now-legendary tale of how she and Kenn almost “died” (*slight exaggeration, promise!) taking the back roads home after the 2024 Awards. Let’s just say it was a GPS detour adventure that could’ve ended up on one of those “world’s worst road trips” shows. If you want a laugh, you can watch our amateur home video of the speech here:
The official photographer – Anita Burgess from Wainui Creative – captured the night beautifully too – the smiles, the hugs, and of course the well-deserved moments of celebration.
Why it matters
For us, sponsoring the VA Awards isn’t just about a logo on the programme or a moment at the microphone. It’s about being part of a community that values growth, connection, and celebrating success.
At NZQBA, our ethos is simple: supporting Bookkeepers and building community. Working with VANNZ feels like a natural fit because their mission is the same – helping people reach their full potential. Together, we get to recognise not only achievement but also the hard work and passion that often goes unseen.
For Bookkeepers, moments like these are reminders that you’re not alone in business. You’ve got peers, networks, and organisations like NZQBA backing you all the way. Whether through mentoring, resources, or our upcoming Bookkeepers Bootcamp Conference 2025, we’re here to celebrate your wins and support your journey.
Ready to be part of a community that gets it?
