Office address: Level 13, 16 Kingston Street, Auckland 1010
Website: www.eapservices.co.nz
Year established: 1989
Company type: mental health care
Employees: 200+
Expertise: HR consultancy, training and career services, EAPs, workplace wellbeing, mental health support, leadership development, conflict resolution, organisational change support, financial wellness programs, diversity and inclusion strategies
Parent company: Habit Health
Key people: Nelly Kalizinje (national lead); Hayley Walker-Williams (EAP service lead); Ben Teusse (CEO); Nicky Holden, Julia Sharkey, Mike Murphy-Scanlon, and Rowena Orpet (EAP clinical leads)
Financing status: private equity-backed
EAP Services NZ is the largest employee assistance program provider in New Zealand, serving over 700,000 employees across 4,000 companies. Based in Auckland, the organisation offers mental health and wellbeing support through a multidisciplinary team of more than 200 professionals, operating 24/7 from 25 locations. With solutions designed to support emotional, social, and practical needs, the company helps organisations boost productivity and wellbeing.
EAP Services NZ was founded in 1989 with the goal of providing comprehensive wellbeing support across New Zealand’s workforce. The company introduced an employee assistance program (EAP) to meet employees’ mental health and wellbeing needs. Over the years, they have expanded their services, now reaching thousands of companies and boosting productivity by 86%.
With a dedicated National Support Centre, the organisation ensures all support requests are efficiently managed. Their multidisciplinary approach includes counselling, physical health resources, and career advice, delivering a significant return on investment. Today, EAP Services NZ remains a valuable asset for New Zealand businesses focused on staff wellbeing.
EAP Services NZ offers a range of support services aimed at enhancing employee wellbeing and addressing workplace challenges:
EAP Services NZ’s offerings provide employees with focused, preventative support, empowering them to proactively manage mental health and overall wellbeing.
EAP Services NZ employs a team of skilled and enthusiastic professionals who bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and a positive outlook to their work. The organisation values diversity, offering an inclusive workplace where people from all cultures and languages feel safe and respected. Team members are rewarded for their contributions and supported in career growth through a culture of equality and opportunity, with benefits that include:
Through tailored support, the EAP team achieves high client satisfaction by focusing on employee needs, from policy discussions to providing guidance literature. Serving workplaces across New Zealand, EAP Services NZ helps individuals balance work and personal life, acknowledging the complex realities of modern workplaces. As a member of the EAP Association of Australasia, the organisation relies on research-based approaches rather than automated responses, ensuring personalised support.
Hayley Walker-Williams leads EAP Services NZ nationally, where she ensures clinical governance and supports the program’s success. Previously, she held roles as deputy director and associate professor in the School of Psychosocial Health at North-West University in South Africa. She earned her PhD in psychology at North-West University, publishing widely and presenting research at international conferences.
EAP Services NZ’s leadership team includes several key professionals who drive the organisation’s mission:
EAP Services NZ hosted an inclusive webinar in October 2024 titled Menopause – Understanding the Transition, designed to support all workplace members. Participants explored key insights on perimenopause and menopause, covering symptoms, health strategies, and practical tips for managing these life changes. Led by experts Nicky Holden and Stephanie Barnes, the session fostered a supportive environment—an approach the organisation plans to build on in future initiatives.
The organisation recently raised funds for breast cancer research through events in Auckland and Wellington, a cause deeply meaningful to their team. Meanwhile, the Nelson team enjoyed team-building by tackling an escape room challenge and running in the Nelson Half Marathon, supporting health and camaraderie. Together, these activities reflect EAP Services NZ’s commitment to both client and staff wellbeing, promoting active, supportive communities.
