Maria’s Consulting Services – Empowering small businesses through knowledge
Empowered by the North King Country Development Trust
For Maria Ralph, helping small business owners feel confident about their finances is more than a job - it’s her passion. Since founding Maria’s Consulting Services in 2019, she has been dedicated to mentoring business owners who are great at what they do but need a little extra support in the financial side of running a business.
“Running a business doesn’t need to be overwhelming and stressful,” says Maria. “I believe in providing straightforward, reliable support that helps make business life easier, and more enjoyable.”
Maria is both qualified and experienced in bookkeeping, Xero accounting software, and business mentoring, working with start-ups as well as long-established businesses to help them streamline systems, improve accuracy, and save time. Whether in person or online, she’s committed to helping clients grow their skills and confidence.
Turning support into opportunity
Through a grant from the North King Country Development Trust (NKCDT), Maria was able to create an online Xero Overview Mini Course, designed for busy business owners who want to upskill in their own time.
“Many of my clients are time-poor, they might only get time to learn late at night or on a rainy day,” Maria explains. “Creating this course meant they could access clear, easy-to-follow learning when it suited them.”
The funding enabled Maria to hire a local professional videographer to help develop high-quality, on-brand video content. The result is a practical, engaging resource that empowers people to understand and manage their bookkeeping more confidently.
In addition to the online course, Maria also offers one-on-one Xero training over a six-week period, which participants can apply for NKCDT funding to attend.
Investing in good governance
Maria’s own professional growth has also been supported by NKCDT through a series of Governance Training workshops she’s attended over the past four years, including Risk Essentials, Financial Essentials, Strategy Essentials, and Governance Essentials.
“These workshops have been invaluable,” she says. “They help those serving on boards and committees stay relevant, compliant, and confident in their roles. The facilitators have all been of a very high calibre.”
Supporting community growth
Maria’s connection with the Trust doesn’t end with her own business. Through one of her roles, she helped secure NKCDT funding for the Waitomo Caves Museum to rebuild its website, which has recently gone live. It’s another example of NKCDT’s role in strengthening local organisations and ensuring they remain visible and connected.
Maria is a strong advocate for NKCDT’s programmes and regularly encourages her clients to explore available support.
“I often recommend that small businesses apply for the mentoring, training, or funding available through NKCDT,” she says. “Whether it’s for a new website, software training, or business development, it really can make a difference.”
She also describes the application process as simple and approachable.
“I’ll admit, I was a little nervous attending the application meeting, but everyone was so welcoming. Now when we see each other down the street, we’re on a first-name basis!”
Empowering businesses, strengthening communities
Maria’s story is a great example of how NKCDT funding not only supports individual business growth but also contributes to the wider economic and community wellbeing of the North King Country. Through her mentoring and training, Maria is helping others build confidence, capability, and success, one business at a time.
“I have a genuine interest in your business journey being enjoyable and profitable,” Maria says - and with support from NKCDT, that’s exactly what she’s helping others achieve.
Phone: 021 0274 9955
Email: maria@mariasconsulting.co.nz
Address: 88 King Street West, Te Kuiti, Waitomo, New Zealand, 3910
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Email: admin@nkcdt.co.nz
North King Country Development Trust supports local people and businesses through funding, mentoring, and capability-building programmes that strengthen our region’s economic wellbeing.
Our catchment area for business funding
Arohena | Aria | Awakino | Benneydale | Hangatiki | Kiokio | Kinohaku | Kopaki | Mahoenui | Maihiihi | Mangakino | Mangaorongo | Mangaotaki | Mangatutu | Mapiu | Marokopa | Mokau | Mokauiti | Ngaroma | Oparure | Otewa | Otorohanga | PioPio | Piripiri | Panetapu | Pureora | Rangitoto | Taharoa | Te Kuiti | Te Mapara | Tongaporutu | Waimahora | Waimiha | Waipa Valley | Waitomo | Whakamaru | Wharepuhanga