Originally from Southland, Gaye studied at Otago University to attain her Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree.  While studying, Gaye worked for a large Invercargill accounting firm.

In 1988 Gaye relocated to Tuapeka West to marry local farmer Nigel Cowie.  In the same year she commenced employment at Shand Thomson and, owing to her skills and expertise, has held various senior management roles culminating in her appointment as an Associate of the practice in 2003.

Although Gaye's main focus is in farm accounting, taxation and management accounting, she has expertise in education, accident compensation, goods and services tax and income tax issues.  She also has a mentoring role with our accounting managers and graduates who are pursuing professional qualifications.

Gaye has a special interest in farming.  She and husband Nigel farm 920 acres on their Tuapeka West property with 5,000 stock units comprising sheep, beef and deer.  Gaye particulary enjoys advising dairying, sheep and beef farmers.

Gaye and Nigel Cowie have four children (Bridget, Becky, Adam and Meg) who are at high school and university.  Gaye spent nine years on the Clutha Valley Primary School board of trustees and her vision and determination were instrumental in securing funding for a new school at Clutha Valley.  She also gave many years to Telford Rural Polytechnic where she was deputy chair and chair of the finance committee.  Gaye is currently a board member of St Hilda's Collegiate School Board of Proprietors and Board of Trustees.  She was also Co-Chair for the Gabriel's Gully Goldrush 150th Celebrations, the committee which organised a very successful event to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of Gabriel Read discovering gold in Lawrence.

In her leisure time Gaye enjoys following her children's sporting pursuits, socialising with friends and escaping to the Cowie holiday home in Wanaka.

Specialist Fields

• Farm Accounting
• Tax
• Education