Our Directors

Our Directors are:-

Ross Gibson (B.Com, C.A.)

027 229 9787

Ross originally joined Gabites in 1985. After spending time in the UK where he held accounting and audit positions, he returned and was appointed a Director of Gabites in 2001. 


Ross specialises in providing all business advisory services, taxation and succession planning to clients, in both the agricultural and business sectors throughout the South Island. 


He is married and has four children.


Ross's interests away from work include boating, hunting, biking and most outdoor activities.

Aaron Edmond  (B.C.M, C.A.)

021 206 8028

Aaron is a graduate of Lincoln University, and joined Gabites in 1996. After spending some time overseas which included holding senior Accounting and auditing positions in the UK, he returned to Gabites in 2008, and became a Director of Gabites in 2011.


Aaron provides advisory, compliance and taxation services to a wide variety of rural and business clients and enjoys working closely with his clients.


He is married with two children.


Aaron's interests outside of work are karate and spending time with his family.

Simon Wallis  (B.Com(Ag), C.A.)

021 402 314

Prior to joining Gabites in 2008, Simon had a 13 year career in Rural Banking in both the South and North Islands. Simon was appointed a Director of Gabites Ltd in 2018. Simon is a graduate of both Lincoln and Massey Universities and comes from a family farming background. 


Simon provides a range of accountancy services across Rural and Business clients. Simon is also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management.



Outside of work Simon enjoys time with his family, follows most sports and participation in the local pipe band.

Matthew Batty (B.Com, C.A.)

027 465 1323

Matt is a graduate of Canterbury University and joined Gabites in 2006. Matt was appointed as a Director of Gabites in 2019. 


Matt provides business advisory and taxation services to clients.


He has a partner and three children.



Matt's interests away from work include farming, mountain biking & tramping.

Our Associates are:-

Mark Cousins   (B.B.S, C.A.)

027 681 9191

Mark joined Gabites in 2017, becoming an Associate in 2019.


He supports the Directors in providing business advisory and taxation services to clients.



Mark is married with three children and has a lengthy background in playing and coaching sport in Mid Canterbury.

David Strijbis  (B.Com(Ag), C.A.)

021 378 084

David joined Gabites in 2018 and became an Associate in 2020. David has over 20 years' experience as a Senior Accountant including 15 years at Associate level.


He provides business advisory and taxation services to rural clients..



David is married to Karen and they have 4 adult children. Outside of work he enjoys the outdoors with the next tramp not too far from his mind.

Simon Cook  (B.Com, C.A.)

022 150 5506

Simon joined Gabites in 2012 after completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree at Canterbury University. He became an Associate in 2021.


He supports the Directors in providing business advisory and taxation services, with a particular interest in technical taxation issues.


Simon grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Ashburton and is married with two children. He regularly competes in endurance races and has a keen interest in travel.

FC Senekal  (B.Com (Hons), C.A.)

027 315 8737

FC (also known as Frits) joined Gabites in 2021 after making Ashburton home for his family in 2020 when they emigrated from South Africa where he owned and operated an Accounting and Audit firm for 15 years. He became an Associate at Gabites in 2024.


He has a particular interest in business advisory, restructuring solutions and succession planning, and supports the Directors by providing these services to clients.



FC grew up on a farm in South Africa. He is married to Jolene and they have 3 children. If you are looking for FC over a weekend you will find him at the Ashburton Golf Club, or next to the Rugby field, Netball court or Cricket oval, either coaching or supporting his children.

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