Testimonials

“Professional, honest, dependable, approachable, transparent, efficient and incredibly knowledgeable are just some of the words I would use to describe Dave and his team. They handled our historical NZ student loan issue with professionalism and expertise, and from the outset they took away an enormous amount of stress and uncertainty. They also helped us avoid a significant financial cost, which we are incredibly grateful for. We genuinely can’t thank Dave and his team enough. Their knowledge, communication and personal approach made what had been a very stressful situation feel completely manageable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing expert advice and support.”

“Following a sudden escalation in my matter, I contacted Dave via the firm’s website Book a Consultation page. A pointless series of ever more circular soul-crushing exchanges over three years with IRD unassisted became threats of dire action in days. I requested a consult unsure of what would happen and as a precis: Dave contacted me within hours and after our first conversation I felt immediate relief. Form completed and Dave appointed as my representative next morning. No further contact from IRD and two weeks later I am going with the only possible option certain it is so because a genuinely engaged expert has taken the time to review my personal situation and apply their extraordinary experience. As to cost. Dave explained up front a very, very reasonable fixed cost agreement. I would happily have paid many times the asking but in my situation the work was pro-bono. He was confident and calming and his experience and knowledge of the machinery were immediately obvious. He applied himself with empathy, patience and good humour and I felt advocated for by an expert. Dave is the student loan version of the doctor being winched down at a confused scene. I wish there were more like him.”

“Hire Dave from the very beginning. I’m living overseas and I found Dave when I was a year into back and forth with the IRD, having found myself in the middle of a disputes process when all I wanted was for the penalties and interest on penalties to be removed or reduced from my incredibly large loan debt. Dave calmly swept in, explained everything and continuously kept me in the loop while he negotiated an outcome that meant I could actually pay the loan off entirely! He gives an excellent free 15-minute consultation to understand your situation – absolutely worth your time! Thanks, Dave!”

“Dave has been a tremendous support. After getting to know my situation and circumstance, Dave and his team were proactive and instantaneous with their services despite the time differences to where I live. Pretty much within the day of speaking of Dave he had successfully negotiated an outcome. I cannot recommend Dave enough!”

“Dave really goes the extra mile for his clients and gets results – he negotiated my student loan payment demand & interest down with IRD successfully in one phone call! His fee is very very reasonable – so it is not a barrier to engaging him at all. He could potentially save you thousands in accrued overseas borrower interest, penalites etc. I wholeheartedly recommend contacting Dave for a free consult to find out how he can help you. His professionalism and communication with me was top notch. Get some peace of mind and give him a call – I’m so glad I did.”

“Dave was extremely helpful in resolving my student loan issue with IRD. He communicated with IRD on my behalf and successfully negotiated a fair settlement amount for me. He was professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process. I especially appreciated how quickly he responded and always kept me updated in a timely manner. I highly recommend Dave to anyone dealing with a similar issue.”

“Dave is incredibly efficient, professional, and gets results quickly. Very reasonable rates, and he’s understanding and compassionate when helping you through a very stressful situation. Cannot recommend him highly enough. Could not have sorted student loan payments with IRD without his help.”

“I can’t recommend Dave Ananth highly enough. My student loan had grown more than 6x since I took it out in 2003. I had no idea, it was completely out of ignorance on my part. It wasn’t until my wife and I had our child that I finally looked into it. When I saw the number, it honestly blew my mind and created an enormous amount of stress for our family. Dave literally changed our financial trajectory. He is deeply knowledgeable about the IRD and how student loans work, especially for people living overseas. He negotiated a settlement that chopped my debt by two thirds and arranged a very reasonable lump sum payment. His fees are incredibly fair too. Thanks to him, I’ll be completely debt free by the end of the month. He’s been an absolute saint through this whole process. If you’re struggling with an old student loan and don’t know where to turn, reach out to Dave. You won’t regret it.”

“Dave is a human angel with power who saved me from a lifetime of paying off my undeserved student loan fees by $50K. He is kind, easy to talk to & will actually help you. He will be very rich in money, in soul, in spirit & in karma after what he does for those who come to him in need. Thank you Dave. You are a Godsend. I am sure I am echoing what many say. Keep up the angelic work!”

“If you’re living overseas and overwhelmed by a ballooning New Zealand student loan, stop waiting — contact Dave Ananth and his team right away. When I took out my student loans in my 20s, I never imagined how difficult repayment would become. I was excited to build my career and experience the world. But life takes unexpected turns, and what once seemed manageable can quickly grow into something overwhelming. The years fly by, but one thing that never disappears is your student loan — especially with penalties and interest compounding month after month, sometimes for decades. I was so nervous to face my debt that when I finally checked the balance, I burst into tears. It had grown enormous. A fellow lawyer referred me to Dave, and within just two weeks, the matter was resolved. A huge thank you to Dave and his team for their professionalism, deep knowledge, and strong relationships with IRD. Thanks to them, my husband and I were able to settle the debt. I can finally breathe again. Dave truly is a light for so many Kiwis who left in good faith and later found it too hard to return home. If you’re in this situation, reach out to him — you won’t regret it. Thank you, Dave and your team!”

“I’d been living in Europe for over 20 years with a student loan situation I’d been too overwhelmed and frankly too scared to deal with. As a single parent who’d been out of the workforce for 15 years raising kids, I had no savings, no assets, and no idea how I was ever going to resolve it. The debt had ballooned over the years and I was terrified about travelling back to New Zealand to visit my elderly parents, not knowing whether I’d be stopped at the airport. A friend suggested I look into getting legal help and I found Dave. From the first conversation he was calm, kind and completely non-judgmental. He listened to my situation with real empathy and at no point did I feel ashamed or embarrassed, which after 20 years of avoiding this, meant a lot. Within a week and a half he had negotiated a hardship arrangement with IRD that included the removal of an enormous amount in late penalties, and I am now repaying the remaining balance in affordable monthly instalments. It’s an outcome I could never have achieved on my own and honestly didn’t think was possible. His background as a former IRD prosecutor means he knows exactly how IRD thinks, what they’ll accept, and how to present a case to get the best result. If you’re an overseas Kiwi who has been putting this off because it feels too big and too scary, please just contact Dave, it is so worth it. I can now travel home and see my parents without that fear hanging over me, and that means everything. Thank you Dave, from the bottom of my heart!”

“If you’re an overseas Kiwi with a student loan situation you’ve been too scared to deal with, look no further. Dave sorted my over-20-year-old default within a week and a half, wiping an enormous amount in late penalties off my balance and setting me up with affordable monthly instalments. His background as a former IRD prosecutor means he knows exactly how IRD thinks, but what really surprised me was how kind and patient he was throughout. Life-changing stuff! Thank you Dave.”

“I can’t thank, or recommend Dave enough! The “15 minute” initial consultation ran to over half an hour. This was followed by a couple more “chats”, some minimal paperwork (a one-page consent form) and then clear instructions, following his conversation with the right people at the IRD. Armed with the right information Dave has put me in a position to sort out my own niggly consequences of working overseas for an NZ Company. At no time was there any pressure to commit to the fixed fee whilst Dave assessed the merits of my case. Willingly given, worthwhile, free legal advice is a rare thing these days. A pleasure to deal with. If you’ve got mounting Student Loan debt and no idea how to address the consequences, talk to Dave first! Tim”

“We had a great experience working with Dave Ananth. He helped my wife resolve some complexities regarding her student loan with clear, expert advice. If you are looking for someone reliable and professional to handle tax or loan-related legal issues, this is the place to go”

“I can highly recommend Dave Ananth and his negotiating skills. After living abroad since 2004, I was returning to New Zealand facing a significant and long-standing student loan debt that had been hanging over me for over two decades. It felt like a massive roadblock to my relocation. I strongly agree with the sentiments Dave has shared in his published articles and interviews, these ballooning debts and rigid penalties truly do prevent skilled Kiwis from returning home. For many of us, the fear of enforcement makes the prospect of moving back feel impossible. Dave was a total professional from the first contact. He didn’t just give advice, he took action. Within just a few days, he successfully negotiated a full settlement with the IRD, providing me with the clean slate I needed to return home. If you are an expat looking to settle affairs in NZ, Dave is the person you want in your corner. He is a genuine lifesaver.”

“I reached out to Dave to resolve a 13-year long battle with IRD over a student loan debt of $185,000 I was unable to repay without facing financial hardship. Within ten days Dave negotiated an agreement with IRD for me that reduced this exorbitant debt to the much more manageable amount of $60,000 and also managed to discontinue legal proceedings against me IRD had already initiated. Needless to say that Dave’s fast and friendly expert help ended a long-standing anguish that started to affect my health. Given Dave’s expertise in this area, the superb communication between him and me in which he explained every step of his negotiations with IRD to me, and the very favourable deal he brokered for me, I cannot recommend Dave highly enough to anyone with student loan issues that have become too overwhelming. Thank you so much Dave for your invaluable help that finally made these many years of stress and anxiety go away.”

“Can’t recommend Dave highly enough. Fast, friendly, expert help. No hidden costs. A genuine lifesaver. If your student loan is out of control, call Dave!”

“After many years of headaches dealing with my SL, I decided to contact Dave. He reassured me straight away that we can definitely do something about this. He negotiated on my behalf and had an outcome in less than a few days. I would highly recommend him for anyone who is experiencing anguish over their SL. He really does care about his clients and the mental health that these SL’s are causing thousands of New Zealanders overseas. I found his service and expertise absolutely invaluable! Thanks so much Dave…you are a life saver!”

“Like a lot of overseas student loan borrowers, penalty interest on overdue obligations was making it extremely difficult to make a dent in the balance, despite years of payments and trying negotiate with the IRD myself. Dave was able to obtain a resolution for me swiftly and with compassion. I’m now able to get on top of repayments again and hopefully be rid of a loan I’ve had for over two decades. Highly recommended, Dave and team know their stuff and work fast.”

“After leaving NZ years ago to make my fortune and pay my loan back quickly before returning home, things didn’t work out that way. When it feels like all hope is lost, Dave is the one to call. His non judgement attitude and genuine desire to help is a credit to him. His dealing with the Government helped me get back to an understanding with IRD and back to my home and family. In a matter of days, and for a lot less than he could charge Dave changed my life.”

“So grateful for Dave Ananth’s support. He was friendly and efficient. Easy to communicate with and everything was completed quickly. He negotiated on my behalf and I am so glad that I contacted him.”

“I highly recommend Dave Ananth for his expertise, knowledge and care when he worked for me with my student loan reduction. He gained a truly wonderful outcome for me. He is professional and thorough in his work and gets the results in a very short time.”

“I have the pleasure to engage Dave to act on my behalf in dealing with IRD. His assistance was honest, clear in direction and effective. The result was tremendous and exactly what I wanted. Thanks Dave. It is much appreciated.”

“Dave worked efficiently and quickly. He was able to get my student loan penalties waived within two days. Great result for a nominal fee.”

“I had an excellent experience working with Dave Ananth on my student loan case. He was professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about helping me find the best possible outcome. Dave successfully managed to reduce my penalties, which took a huge weight off my shoulders. He explained everything clearly and kept me informed throughout the process. I’m very grateful for his help and highly recommend Dave to anyone needing legal assistance with student loans. Thank you, Dave, for your hard work and dedication. Shima”

“I cannot recommend Dave Ananth highly enough. I reached out to Dave due to ongoing difficulties with my student loan, a debt I had been unable to repay for over 30 years. The situation had become overwhelming. Communication with IRD had broken down, and with accumulating penalties and changes, the amount I owed kept growing. Eventually, I felt so discouraged that I simply ignored the problem. When I finally acknowledged how serious things had become, I contacted Dave for help—and it was the best decision I could have made. Within just two days, the entire process was turned around. In the first 24 hours, Dave handled all the paperwork to initiate the process. Within the next 24 hours, an offer was made that completely reset my student loan, saving me an incredible $40k+ Dave managed all communication on my behalf, and the loan was closed within three days. After three decades of stress and anxiety, I felt an immense sense of relief. Dave is not only professional and efficient, but also incredibly empathetic. He truly understood the stress I was under and dealt with everything swiftly and with care. If you’re struggling with student loan repayments, as I was, I strongly encourage you to reach out to Dave. He is a true lifesaver. Thank you, Dave—you’re an absolute star.”

“I cannot recommend Dave Ananth and his team at Stace Hammond highly enough. The process of sorting out my student loan debt , which was daunting and overwhelming for me, was managed with reassurance, professionalism, trust and kindness. His very reasonable flat fee for service is the best money I have spent in 25 years! I have been burdened with a burgeoning student loan debt since 2001. I have been tauntingly harassed by debt collectors over this time and forced into financial exile from my beloved NZ. Handing over the reins to Dave, unburdened me from this anxiety and shame. He is a master negotiator with the IRD – reducing my debt total by 30percent. With Dave’s help I am now debt free and feel lighter and happier than I have in years. Engaging with Dave and his team has been nothing less than life changing for me. I am so very grateful for his help and would strongly encourage anyone else feeling fearful, lost or hopeless about their situation to contact him and enjoy the rewards of his incredible work.”

“Due to time overseas and with an amount unpaid, my student loan grew, in penalties and interest. I was stuck in the system, a number not a person. Endless circular phone calls with the IRD, saw frustration and anxiety, loaded with a deep sense of futility – I couldn’t see myself ever being able to earn enough money to capture the debt growing in interest and penalties. The snake eating its tail, my life was financially stripped, and I felt crushed. I contacted Dave Ananth and immediately, my life changed. Dave works fast. In less than five business days almost 20 years of anxiety, stress and shame was gone. His expertise and professionalism saw him deftly navigate the IRD system and win a viable resolution seeing my loan consolidated and completed. Gone FOREVER. His generosity, empathy and kindness is also reflected in his fixed price fee for this service. This makes him accessible and affordable, with the ability to change your life, forever. If you want to get your Student Loan sorted and your life back, then work with Dave – I can’t recommend a better person to do this.”

“I would certainly recommend Stace Hammond and Dave Ananth in particular if you are to find yourself in the same predicament as me having a student loan debt spanning 27 years. I took out a student loan of around 41k in the late 90s, moved abroad and never paid from this date for one reason or another. On a recent return to NZ I was contacted by the Inland Revenue about my student loan liability and was told that I owed (with penalties and interest) well over 150k. As you can imagine, this was a very stressful time and meant I had to sort this out as it could’ve affected my ability to exit or enter the country. I found Dave online and was so pleased that he caps his fee to make it affordable for people like me to seek his services. He was very reassuring and dealt with all IRD negotiations on my behalf. The outcome is that I paid a fair lump sum up-front and are now paying off manageable instalments twice a year until the full liability is cleared. I don’t expect I would ever have received the same outcome had I attempted to resolve this myself and fully appreciate Dave’s professionalism, manner and negotiating skills. Please contact Dave at Stace Hammond if you find yourself in the same situation.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to Dave Ananth and his Legal Administrator Pam for their expert guidance, steady support, and professionalism throughout what was a particularly complex and personally challenging situation. Dave brought clarity, calm, and strategic insight at every step — combining strong legal knowledge with a genuine understanding of the bigger picture. His approach was firm, fair, and always focused on a practical outcome that supported both my wellbeing and my future. Pam was equally impressive — warm, responsive, and meticulous with the details. Together, they made a daunting process feel manageable and ensured I was never left in the dark. Thanks to their help, I’ve been able to move forward with confidence and renewed focus on my business. I would recommend them both without hesitation.”

“I’m so grateful to Dave and Pam at Stace Hammond Lawyers for how efficiently they handled my student loan negotiations. Everything was explained clearly, and the whole process was managed with such care and professionalism. Dave was amazing to deal with — always quick to respond, reassuring, and genuinely supportive through what was a really stressful time. Thanks to him, everything was resolved smoothly, and I finally feel at ease. I’d highly recommend Dave at Stace Hammond Lawyers to anyone needing honest, efficient, and compassionate legal help.”

“Dave Ananth and his amazing PA Pam turned our long-standing student loan nightmare into a huge relief—on day one! The whole process was fast, respectful, and handled with such care. We’re beyond grateful for Dave’s expertise and Pam’s friendly, efficient support. Highly recommend them both if you’re in need of help—worth every cent.”

“I’d been trying to deal with the IRD from overseas for quite some time and wasn’t making any progress. After engaging with Dave at Stace Hammond, he was able to achieve what I couldn’t. He went the extra mile to secure an outcome that I was genuinely happy with and was a pleasure to work with throughout the process. Dave was professional, knowledgeable, and clearly committed to getting a fair result. He was able to significantly reduce the burden of my student loan, which made a real difference. His expertise and support were not only invaluable — they were genuinely life-changing. I highly recommend getting in touch with Dave if you’re dealing with student loan issues from overseas.”

“I had an old student loan that had grown substantially over the years, and I needed help resolving it. I reached out to Dave at Stace Hammond, and from the very beginning he was exceptional—professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive. With his background and experience working with the IRD, Dave managed the entire process on my behalf. I didn’t have to deal directly with the IRD at all, other than making the final payment. Once a settlement was agreed upon, the IRD responded within hours, and my balance was cleared the next day. The peace of mind that brought me was immense. Dave’s expertise made the process straightforward and far less stressful than I imagined. His fees were also very fair. If you’re facing a similar situation, I can’t recommend Dave highly enough.”

“I finally have my student loan issues resolved, thanks to the wonderful Dave and Pam. My only regret is not finding them sooner. Dave’s service was affordable, compassionate, and efficient, and it got me the results I needed. Pam was amazing, offering support every step of the way. I highly recommend their services to anyone needing help managing their NZ student loan. Thank you, Dave and Pam!”

“I had a great experience working with Dave. He helped me manage and pay off my student loan and was very supportive throughout the process. Dave was able to get my penalties waived, which made a huge difference for me. I really appreciate his professionalism and guidance, and I highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal help with student loans.”

“Dave and his team acted sympathetically, promotly and efficiently. They were able to negotiate a workable deal for me at a reasonable fixed price. I can plan and move on. Thanks Stace Hammond.”

“Dave is the best in the business. He worked efficiently and quickly, and explained the entire process clearly and without hesitation. He knows every detail of the way the IRD and student loan process works and was able to reach a really successful outcome for me. I had been treating my loan as out of sight out of mind for too long – I’m so glad to have found Dave and had his assistance. A huge thanks, too, to Pam who made the process easy. Truly a case of above and beyond. If you’re needing help with your student loan or tax concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Dave. I have no doubt I wouldn’t have been able to navigate this alone.”

“Working with Dave and Pam at ‘Stace Hammond’ was something I wish we had done much, much, much sooner. They understood everything we had been dealing with and knew exactly where to go for the best outcome. This isn’t something you should try and deal with without talking to Dave first. Make this your first, and last step.”

“Really helped me with my student loan. Great result for a reasonable fee.”

“I cannot express enough how grateful I am for how Dave handled IRD issue for me. As. 75yr old pensioner the stress this was causing me was intense. Bless Dave for his help.”