Office address: Level 1, 834 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013 
Website: www.eqconsultants.co.nz 
Year established: 2006 
Company type: human resources services 
Employees: 13+ 
Expertise: executive search and recruitment, talent benchmarking, remuneration review, succession planning, leadership development, board and chair appointments, HR consulting, organisational change and review, culture surveys, psychometric assessments, investigations 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Steve Kennedy (managing director), Craig Atkinson, Viv Patterson, and Amy Lawson (directors); Jenny Barr, Malissa O’Malley, and Carlie Cosgrove (consultants) 
Financing status: N/A 

EQ Consultants, a Christchurch-based HR and recruitment consultancy, supports businesses across New Zealand with experts in Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch. Its team of over 13 professionals offers services designed to improve productivity, drive team engagement, and reduce risk for businesses of any size. Known for their accessible and skilled HR support, the firm collaborates with clients of all sizes and sectors to deliver recruitment solutions and specialist guidance. 

History of EQ Consultants 

EQ Consultants was founded in 2006 to help New Zealand businesses build confidence and skills in people management. Over the years, they have supported companies across sectors like manufacturing, health, agribusiness, and professional services with recruitment and HR needs. Their services have evolved to offer managers and business owners easy access to comprehensive HR support, both on-site and online.  

Known for identifying top talent, the firm collaborates with clients to find qualified candidates locally and internationally while assessing each hire's fit for impactful results. Their psychometric assessments have become fully automated and can be completed online or reviewed in person with an expert to provide valuable insights. Acting as a trusted partner, EQ Consultants has been recognised as a reliable HR adviser for small and medium-sized enterprises across New Zealand. 

Products and Services of EQ Consultants 

EQ Consultants offers a range of tailored HR and recruitment services. Key offerings include: 

• HR consulting: includes HR helpdesk support, workplace compliance, employment relations expertise, and on-site HR support 
• executive recruitment: services span candidate search, personality and leadership assessments, and psychometric testing, with a national and global reach 
• HR Today: a cloud-based HR software platform for managing employee data, comprehensive HR processes, and overall workforce support 
• organisational change: restructuring, change management, organisational reviews, culture surveys, and training programs 
• additional services: outplacement consulting, health and safety advisory, and leadership development 

EQ Consultants combines real business experience with a deep understanding of clients’ needs to deliver effective talent recruitment. Their approach prioritises fairness and transparency, treating every candidate with respect while representing clients professionally. This dedication ensures a positive candidate experience, enhancing each client’s reputation throughout the hiring process. 

Culture at EQ Consultants 

EQ Consultants fosters an innovative and collaborative work culture that embraces new methods in executive recruitment and HR management. The team upholds core values of delivering quality, building partnerships, and providing trusted advice that yields strong outcomes. Clients have shared positive feedback on their experience with the firm: 

• trustworthy resource: clients describe them as an integral part of their organisational structure, positioning them for future success 
• responsive and informed: they received praise for their accessible and professional approach to HR advice and systems 
• value-driven relationships: clients value their association with EQ Consultants and the consistent quality of support and advice 
• well-presented insights: the firm delivers results in a way that is informative and easy for clients to understand 

EQ Consultants actively engages in social events, supporting causes like the Christchurch City Mission’s annual fundraiser. Team gatherings, including their lively Christmas party, celebrate the group’s hard work and camaraderie. Events with clients, such as whisky tastings, add a personal touch, fostering stronger business relationships through shared experiences. 

About EQ Consultants Managing Director Steve Kennedy and Key People 

Steve Kennedy is the managing director and principal consultant at the firm and a member of the Institute of Directors. Previously, he served as senior director and country general manager at Kelly Services (NZ), overseeing over 1,000 employees nationwide. Kennedy studied at Canterbury University and attended St. Bede’s College in Christchurch. 

The key team at EQ Consultants brings expertise and strategic insight across HR and recruitment functions: 

• Craig Atkinson is the principal consultant and director, specialising in organisational strategy and complex HR consulting for various industries 
• Viv Patterson is a director of governance, focusing on guiding EQ’s corporate compliance and governance framework 
• Amy Lawson serves as an HR consulting manager and director, leading HR solutions and employee relations support for client organisations 
• Jenny Barr as a senior consultant provides tailored workforce planning and recruitment strategies to meet clients' unique needs 
• Malissa O’Malley, senior consultant in Queenstown, supports regional clients with recruitment and HR advisory services 
• Carlie Cosgrove serves as a systems consultant, streamlining HR processes and tech solutions to enhance client efficiency 

The Future at EQ Consultants 

EQ Consultants recently celebrated moving into a larger Christchurch office, marking an important milestone in their journey. Over the past year, the company expanded services to add value for clients and built a collaborative team pioneering HR and recruitment solutions. As they continue to expand, the firm is focused on delivering comprehensive people solutions to support the country’s businesses. 

The company launched the HR 101 Leadership Launchpad Series in August 2024, designed to build practical leadership skills in recruitment and performance management. This program teaches participants how to align hiring practices with company values and develop clear communication skills for managing performance. EQ Consultants will expand its hands-on seminars to empower leaders with recruitment tools, promoting confident leadership and enhancing organisational strength in the coming years.