Heritage Lifecare is one of New Zealand’s largest residential aged-care providers, supporting over 3,000 people across 42 sites from Whangarei to Invercargill.
As the organisation expanded rapidly, growing from 500 to 3,000 employees in just 18 months following a series of acquisitions, their existing payroll system couldn’t keep up. Outsourced to a single external resource, payroll was riddled with inaccuracies, lacked visibility, and involved time-consuming manual processes.
To reduce risk, increase control, and prepare for future growth, Heritage Lifecare turned to Affinity with a fully managed payroll service.
The challenge: Inaccuracy, inefficiency, and risk
"There was no visibility of our payroll system whatsoever, and our reporting was inaccurate. Due to incorrect processes, it was quite a challenge to decipher. Our reports could only be checked months later."
With their payroll handled externally, Heritage Lifecare faced a growing list of complications:
- Inaccurate reporting led to compliance risks and financial discrepancies.
- Delayed verification meant errors were often discovered months after processing.
- Fragmented systems made it difficult to manage data following acquisitions.
- Manual data intervention masked issues and delayed resolution.
- Lack of documentation left no audit trail or centralised repository.
The goal: A future-proof payroll foundation
"We wanted a system that could provide innovation and future-proof our technology – something more than just basic payroll software. We weren’t going to make this change and then have to do it again in five years’ time."
– Margaret Crozier
To overcome these challenges, Heritage Lifecare needed a comprehensive solution that would:
- Capture more than just payroll data to improve insights and decision-making through integrated workforce management software
- Deliver fully managed payroll services to alleviate administrative load
- Provide robust reporting for compliance and operational clarity
- Automate manual tasks to boost accuracy and save time
- Scale with growth using flexible and modern cloud payroll technology
The solution: Embedded support and complete payroll confidence
Affinity implemented a fully managed payroll solution tailored to Heritage Lifecare’s complex and rapidly evolving needs.
Compliance & Best Practice
Increased compliance with regulations and industry standards without needing an immediate HRIS overhaul.
Dedicated Expert
A Payroll Manager embedded in the business for daily support and stronger relationships.
Automated Accuracy
Enhanced data accuracy through automated collection and reporting, powered by cloud payroll.
Scalable Process
Adaptable processes to support changing operational needs and rapid acquisitions.
The results: Time savings, accuracy, and strategic clarity
"It used to take weeks and weeks for one FTE to go through that information. Having Affinity Payroll has enabled us to reduce the time it takes and the potential for human error through accurate, efficient cloud payroll services."
– Margaret Crozier
- Improved managerial control with better visibility into payroll processes.
- Reduced risk through stronger compliance and fewer manual errors.
- Greater trust and transparency via standardised, consistent workflows.
- Accurate financial reporting to strengthen budgeting and strategy.
- Elimination of paper-based systems through a centralised digital repository.
Why Affinity?
For over 40 years, Affinity Payroll has helped mid-market and enterprise organisations across Australia and New Zealand reimagine payroll. As one of the leading payroll companies ANZ offers, we combine people, processes, and cloud payroll technology to transform payroll from a cost centre into a strategic asset.
Facing rapid growth or complexity?
We’ll show you how our tailored payroll solutions drive efficiency, compliance, and insight so your team can focus on what really matters.