Office address: PwC Centre, Level 1, 60 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
Website: www.brannigans.co.nz
Year established: 2003
Company type: human resources services
Employees: 50+
Expertise: executive appointments, recruiting, human resource consultancy, health and safety, executive lease, HR retained services, safety and wellbeing, leadership development, psychometric assessment
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Sally Wynn-Williams, Nick Carter, Melisa Kappely, Paul Bell, and Graham Mahuika (partners); Mary Batchelar and David Clausen (leads); Odette Shearer, Kase Craig, Rosie Robinson, and Sophie Green (talent partners)
Financing status: N/A
Brannigans is a Christchurch-based HR consultancy with over 50 employees, offering services in executive recruitment, HR consulting, leadership coaching, and health and safety solutions. For over 20 years, they have connected outstanding talent with top organisations, supporting clients across the South Island and abroad. As part of The People Collective, a network of HR and safety specialists, Brannigans provides strategies to help firms achieve safety and growth goals.
Brannigans was founded in 2003 to provide clients with high-quality HR expertise and a strong network of industry relationships. Known for a mix of professionalism and approachability, the company has built a reputation for delivering effective people strategies while fostering genuine, friendly client connections.
Today, the company continues to innovate and is pursuing B Corp Certification, upholding high standards for transparency, employee wellbeing, and community involvement. In 2024, the firm merged with Intepeople and Intesafety, two respected HR and safety firms in Nelson and Wellington. Together, they now form The People Collective, a comprehensive HR and recruitment service across New Zealand.
Brannigans offers a range of tailored HR services designed to support organisations in managing, developing, and growing their workforce effectively:
Brannigans’ skilled team combines tradition with innovative recruitment strategies and custom HR solutions to create lasting partnerships with clients and candidates.
Brannigans’ culture values professional dedication balanced with a sense of enjoyment and connection with clients. Their team of “good sorts” have built a reputation for being hardworking yet personable, offering valuable insights that align closely with business needs. Clients’ feedback highlights their expertise and effectiveness in key areas, including:
The firm proudly supports South Island communities, partnering with local organisations to contribute to regional development and wellbeing. Brannigans focuses on building strong connections through sponsorships and community involvement. Their ongoing partnerships include contributions to various groups, such as:
Brannigans hosts the Brannigans Club, a unique forum where clients, partners, and consultants connect to discuss HR insights and industry trends. Through exclusive events across Aotearoa, the club facilitates discussions on leadership, sustainability, and current best practices. These gatherings uphold thought leadership, building strong networks and advancing HR expertise.
Sally Wynn-Williams is a partner and people consultant at Brannigans and also a partner with Intepeople. Previously, she served as a senior HR partner at Crane Distribution and as an HR advisor at Placemakers. She studied at Otago Polytechnic and Christchurch College of Education.
Nick Carter is a partner and HR consultant at the firm and a non-executive director at NZ Skills in Demand Limited. Earlier roles include area sales manager at Elders Rural Holdings and marketing director at Farmside. Carter holds degrees from the University of Canterbury and Christchurch Polytechnic.
Melisa Kappely, a partner at both Brannigans and Intepeople, advises CEOs and leads talent acquisition and change management. Her prior experience includes senior positions at Stats NZ, Port Nelson, and Fonterra. Kappely studied at Harvard Business School Executive Education and at the University of Canterbury.
Paul Bell is a partner at the company, managing director at Intepeople, chair at NBS, and a director with The Global People Collective. Previously, he was a principal adviser at NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and held GM roles at Westpac NZ and Contact Energy. He attended London Business School, University of Canterbury, and Melbourne Business School.
Graham Mahuika, a partner and safety consultant at Brannigans, also serves as GM at Intepeople. His experience spans risk management roles in global oil and gas firms, the NZ Army, and forestry. He studied at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and Edith Cowan University and holds multiple certifications.
Brannigans’ leadership team offers expertise in HR, recruitment, and business solutions. This includes:
Brannigans’ future focuses on building community impact and advancing high standards in HR and business solutions. They recently sponsored the Corporate Citizenship Award at the Spirit of the Wakatipu Awards, which honours organisations improving the Wakatipu region’s safety, health, and sustainability. The firm congratulated all finalists and thanked the Wakatipu Community Foundation for an exceptional event, anticipating continued growth in impactful community partnerships.
The company recently launched specialised Education Services for Schools, led by experienced consultant Rosie Robinson. This service helps school boards and principals develop recruitment and HR processes that reflect their strategic vision. Brannigans remains dedicated to supporting schools in building inspiring, effective learning environments through tailored HR solutions.
