Office address: BNZ Centre, Level 1, 101 Cashel Street, Christchurch 8011 
Website: www.echelongroup.co.nz 
Year established: 2004 
Company type: human resources services 
Employees: 6 
Expertise: recruitment, HR, business consulting, strategic planning, general management, technical and operations, production management, human resources, engineering, accounting, business systems, banking and finance, sales and marketing  
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Patrick Methven and Gerald van Looy (directors); Kerri Jennings, Matt van Tuinen, and Aaron Calder (senior consultants); Vicky Unwin (recruitment coordinator) 
Financing status: N/A 
 

Echelon Group is a Christchurch-based consultancy offering recruitment, HR, and business consulting services across New Zealand. The firm specialises in tailored solutions by understanding business drivers and tapping into its extensive networks. The company leverages its national presence to connect businesses with the talent and strategies needed for sustainable success. 
 

History of Echelon Group 

Echelon Group was established in 2004 with a focus on offering recruitment and HR services tailored to New Zealand's unique business needs. The firm initially concentrated on leveraging local expertise and national and international networks to identify exceptional candidates for its clients. Over the years, the organisation expanded its offerings to include advanced recruitment technologies to enable clients to manage talent acquisition more effectively.  

The firm also developed in-house capabilities for organisational design, performance reviews, and staff development programs. As South Island representatives for the StaffCV applicant tracking solution, Echelon Group has supported numerous clients in streamlining recruitment processes. It continues to engage with diverse industries, assisting organisations in designing roles, integrating systems, and fostering staff development initiatives. 
 

Products and Services of Echelon Group 

Echelon Group provides a broad range of services tailored to client needs. Key offerings include: 

• recruitment services: sourcing and placing candidates across accounting, technical, and operational disciplines
   
• executive leasing: offering interim and contract solutions for key roles
   
• HR consulting: strategic advice on HR policies, employee engagement, and workforce planning
   
• recruitment systems: implementation of efficient applicant tracking solutions
   
• business consulting: expertise in organisational design and workforce structuring
   
• training and development: initiatives to enhance leadership and staff capabilities
   
• assessment and psychometric services: tools to evaluate candidate suitability and employee development 
   

Echelon Group combines expertise across industries to deliver solutions that drive growth and success. This allows them to focus on ensuring that businesses receive tailored strategies to meet their unique goals. 
 

Culture at Echelon Group 

Echelon Group operates with a core principle of prioritising people, enterprise, and success. The team develops customised strategies shaped by a clear understanding of client goals. Drawing from vast experience, they identify key drivers of growth and deliver impactful results. 

The company has engaged in team-building activities that celebrate milestones and community involvement. They sponsored Green Jerseys for sprint champions at the 5 Passes Cycle Tour. The team also enjoys events like an outing to Black Estate winery, taking advantage of Christchurch’s stunning weather to strengthen camaraderie. 
 

About Echelon Group Directors Patrick Methven and Gerald van Looy and Key People 

Patrick Methven is a director, shareholder, and principal consultant at Echelon Group, bringing extensive expertise in recruitment and organisational development from his Christchurch base. He previously led Methven Consulting, managed practices at Hudson, and worked as a recruitment consultant with Morgan & Banks. He holds degrees from the University of Canterbury and St. Bede's College. 

Gerald van Looy is a director and principal consultant, also serving as director at Integrated Business Solutions and board chair at Kilmarnock Enterprises. His previous roles include managing director of Agtrac Limited, director at GVI Business Consulting, and honorary consul for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He studied at St. Paul’s and Otago University. 

The team at Echelon Group features dedicated professionals bringing expertise and diverse experience to their roles: 

• Kerri Jennings is a senior consultant, focusing on recruitment strategy and delivering tailored hiring solutions across various sectors
   
• Matt van Tuinen serves as a senior consultant, specialising in talent acquisition and providing advisory services for workforce planning and organisational development
   
• Vicky Unwin acts as Echelon Group’s recruitment coordinator, ensuring efficient processes and a seamless experience for both clients and candidates
   
• Aaron Calder as a senior consultant leverages his international recruitment experience to offer innovative strategies and expand the firm’s candidate reach 
   

The Future at Echelon Group 

Echelon Group continues to strengthen its reputation by successfully partnering with leading businesses like SKOPE Refrigeration, a prominent manufacturer, to connect them with high-calibre talent. Recent placements have displayed their ability to match professionals with key roles, which has driven value for clients and candidates alike. These achievements position the firm to develop its recruitment services and influence in the future workforce across New Zealand. 

The company recently welcomed Aaron Calder to their Christchurch team, bringing his recruitment expertise from his years with a prominent London-based agency. His unique network, especially within the Kiwi expat community, enhances the company’s ability to provide innovative talent solutions. This addition reinforces Echelon Group’s mission to connect clients with exceptional candidates while addressing diverse industry needs.