Tauranga accounting practice Young Read Woudberg has appointed Natalie Milne pictured, as a partner in the firm, a move principal Raimarie Pointon describes as dual purpose.
"It's about succession planning, but it's also about ensuring we have the capability and resources to service a rapidly growing client base."
Ms Pointon said she and Steve Read and Eric Woudberg, the other two partners, were of similar ages.
"We're mindful it's important to plan ahead," she said.
"While we may be 10 years away from retirement, we can't afford to leave succession planning for that long."
Ms Milne had 12 years of chartered accounting experience, along with specialist knowledge in foreign investment taxation, overseas pensions and farm accounting and deserved the promotion in her own right at this point in her career, added Ms Pointon.