Clinton Sanford

Out to the west of Auckland on fine April day in 1959 a wee boy was born to the dotting Sanford parents.  From these humble roots would spring an accounting dream. (Weird. Right?) Kerryn, didn’t think so, and she and Clinton were married in 1988. They went from being Westies to Coasties just over 20 years ago and both have been involved in the Hibiscus Coast community since then.

After leaving school, he studied at Carrington Tech (now called UniTec).  And the dream of becoming accountant began to take shape!  Strange we know, but someone’s gotta do it! He became a Chartered Accountant and received a Certificate of Public Practice in February 1984! Yeah, he’s been doing it long.

Clinton’s career has always been accounting. Which some find unusal as Math wasn’t his favourite subject at school!  But accounting has always been more than “math” to Clinton.  He gets a kick out of helping clients understand what those numbers mean and how they can effect their business and therefore their lifestyle. 

We all have to pay tax – Clinton believes we needn’t pay more than we are obliged to- and looks for solutions that can bring that amount down.  One of his motto’s is: “You’re obligated to pay the least amount of tax your obliged to pay.”  Here’s another: “If we can make you more money and you have to pay more tax, does it really matter?  You still have more money left at the end of the day than what you would have had otherwise.” 

One word describes him best – Integrity : the strength of character that permeates every aspect of life.

In his spare time Clinton enjoys sailing, and is on a first name basis with the local Coast Guard – we said he enjoys it, not that he’s good at it!  He is also an avid cyclist and can been seen at most cycling events around the country.  He is currently in training for  the Round the Lake  event in Taupo.  Which last year  Clinton and his friends finished with style for the 8th time! – We won’t mention times as to protect the innocent. He and Kerryn have been married for 26 years and are parents to 4 children(2 grown, 2 in school),1 cat and 1 dog who bites.