The Full Story
About
Support Squad was founded by two experienced professionals, Liana and Hayley, who saw a growing need for reliable business support that allows owners to focus on what truly drives their success.
Liana brings extensive expertise in Human Resource management, helping businesses build strong teams, manage compliance, and foster positive workplace cultures. Hayley contributes her skills in bookkeeping, office management, payroll, and paraplanning, ensuring operations run smoothly and finances are kept in order.
Based in Taupō and supporting businesses throughout the Waikato region, Support Squad was created with one clear mission: to free up business owners from the time-consuming tasks that don’t directly generate revenue, so they can focus on growing their business and doing what they do best.
Liana Smith
Human Resources & Health and Safety Consultant
Liana is an experienced HR practitioner with more than a decade of success delivering strategic, high-quality advice and support across a variety of industries, including tourism, government and defence, small business, local government, transport, and agriculture. She has led HR functions at both a strategic and operational level, building strong teams, guiding managers, and implementing initiatives that enable businesses to thrive through their people.
Her expertise spans leadership, staff development, employee relations, change management, compliance, and recruitment, with a proven ability to balance legislative requirements with practical, people-focused solutions. Liana is skilled at developing and embedding HR strategies, managing performance, and fostering positive workplace cultures.
Passionate about making HR simple, approachable, and effective, Liana focuses on taking the stress out of people management so business owners can feel confident, supported, and free to focus on growing their business.
Outside of work you will find her with Frank, her loyal German Shorthaired Pointer. They love walking together throughout Taupo and regularly visit Boom Boom. She came to New Zealand from Brisbane in the search of some fun in the snow in 2006 and well the is rest to history.
Hayley Robertson
Bookkeeping & Business Support Specialist
Hayley brings a wealth of experience in financial services, bookkeeping, payroll, office management, and paraplanning, with a career spanning both professional services and business leadership. With a Bachelor of Applied Economics and extensive financial services qualifications, she has spent over a decade supporting individuals, businesses, and organisations to stay on top of their finances and operations.
Her background includes working as a Financial Adviser, where she provides tailored investment, KiwiSaver, and personal insurance advice, as well as managing compliance, client relationships, and financial planning. Alongside her advisory work, Hayley has held roles as an Administrator, Bookkeeper, and General Manager, giving her first-hand insight into the day-to-day challenges of running a business. She has overseen payroll, GST, IRD reporting, accounts management, budgeting, and end-of-year financial processes across multiple industries, including financial services, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Today, through Support Squad, Hayley focuses on what she does best — streamlining financial and administrative tasks so business owners can reclaim their time. With strong attention to detail, a strategic mindset, and a hands-on approach, she ensures that clients’ books are accurate, their payroll is seamless, and their offices are running smoothly.
Passionate about helping others succeed, Hayley believes that when the financial and operational foundations of a business are solid, owners can focus their energy on growth and doing what they love.
Hayley is a keen skier, spearfishing women, mountain biker and now golfer. There are not many outdoor activities Hayley hasn't tried. She moved to Taupo to allow her to enjoy everything this region has to offer.
Mission
At Support Squad, our mission is to empower business owners by providing expert HR, bookkeeping, and operational support that saves time, reduces stress, and creates space for growth. We handle the behind-the-scenes essentials so our clients can focus on what truly matters—building profitable, sustainable businesses.
Vision
Our vision is to be the trusted partner of choice for small and medium businesses, recognised for delivering reliable, professional, and personalised support that helps owners achieve balance, efficiency, and long-term success.
