Office address: 213 Karamu Road North, Hastings 4156, Hawke’s Bay 
Website: www.growhr.co.nz 
Year established: 2006 
Company type: human resources services 
Employees: 10 
Expertise: human resources, manager training, employment basics, restructuring, employment relations, pay and benefits, team building, disciplinaries, strategic workforce planning, staff surveys, performance reviews 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Mandy Cartwright and Dave Robb (directors), Greg Millard (associate director), Lance Peterson and Sonya Earley (HR consultants), Yvette James (contractor), James Beck (advisor), Sarah Jenkinson (co-ordinator) 
Financing status: N/A 
 

Grow HR is a Hawke’s Bay-based consultancy specialising in HR, employment relations, and remuneration services tailored to employers and managers across sectors. Known for practical solutions, the organisation assists businesses of all sizes with strategic and operational challenges. Its expert team offers advice that is readily accessible through phone or email. 
 

History of Grow HR

The Grow HR was founded in 2006 by Dave Robb and Murray Cowan to provide flexible HR and employment relations solutions for businesses of all sizes. The company introduced a pay-as-you-go model, allowing clients to address specific challenges without fixed overheads. The firm expanded its services to offer anything from one-off issue resolution to fully outsourced HR and employment relations management.

The company ensured seamless leadership through a well-executed succession plan, appointing Mandy Cartwright as a director to succeed co-founder Cowan. The organisation also formed partnerships with experts in recruitment, leadership development, payroll processing, and professional advisory services. These collaborations allow Grow HR to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to clients’ diverse needs. 

Products and Services of Grow HR

Grow HR delivers comprehensive services designed to enhance HR and employment relations management:

• employment relations: support for compliance, dispute resolution, and employment agreements
   
• performance management: setting goals, conducting reviews, and providing feedback to enhance productivity
   
• HR policies and practices: creation and implementation of robust, compliant policies
   
• practical and strategic HR management: strategic planning, workforce analysis, and role evaluations
   
• talent engagement: assistance with onboarding, interviews, and coaching
   
• HR project delivery: execution of strategic HR projects, including audits and compliance checks 
   

Grow HR provides essential support to employers, managers, and HR teams by offering expertise that complements or substitutes in-house capabilities. Their specialised consultancy ensures bespoke solutions for diverse workforce requirements. 

Culture at Grow HW

Grow HR values wellbeing and connection, engaging in activities like Mental Health Awareness Week and celebrating major holidays together. Their collaborative environment encourages team involvement in office and community events. These efforts extend to supporting local causes and charities through various initiatives, such as: :

• donations to Hawke's Bay Toy Drive: contributed a trolley filled with toys for children in need
   
• support for Napier Family Centre: prepared 80 Christmas gift boxes and bags for local families
   
• contributions to Birthright Hawke’s Bay: provided financial support for their community services
   
• participation in community events: attended a Sherlock Holmes Escape Room session in Hastings
   
• sponsorship of The Christmas Shoppe: funded a tree to help raise money for the Child Cancer Foundation 
   

Grow HR’s team is composed of skilled professionals who deliver prompt and reliable advice tailored to client needs. They foster a supportive work environment while building strong partnerships. Regular celebrations and events strengthen connections among staff, clients, and the wider community. 

About Grow HR Directors Mandy Catwright and Dave Robb and Key People

Mandy Cartwright is a director and HR consultant, advising businesses on tailored HR solutions. She previously held HR roles at organisations including Cafcass, National Lottery Commission, Medical Assurance Society, and Universal College of Learning. Cartwright’s academic background includes studies at Manchester Open Learning (MOL) and Park Lane College. 

Dave Robb, also a director and a co-founder of Grow HR, specialises in employment relations, offering practical advice and solutions for diverse business challenges. His previous roles include GM and employee relations manager at Heinz Watties, and managing consultant at the Employers and Manufacturers Association. Robb’s extensive experience stems from his professional journey and expertise in employment relations and business consulting. 

The Grow HR team is made up of experienced professionals who excel in their respective roles: 

• Greg Millard as an associate director and licensed private investigator, conducts workplace investigations and offers strategic employment relations advice
   
• Lance Peterson serves as an HR consultant, mediator, and licensed private investigator, focusing on conflict resolution and employee relations strategies
   
• Sonya Earley as an HR consultant delivers tailored HR policies and workforce planning solutions for diverse organisations
   
• Yvette James acts as HR/ER contractor and licensed private investigator, providing compliance support and employment investigations
   
• James Beck is Grow HR’s people and culture advisor, specialising in employee engagement, leadership development, and coaching
   
• Sarah Jenkinson an administration coordinator, manages operational tasks and ensuring seamless office and client support operations

The Future at Grow HR

Grow HR supports Mental Health Awareness Week to promote wellbeing and foster stronger workplace connections through valuable resources and community engagement. Their initiatives encourage businesses to prioritise inclusivity and collaboration. The firm aims to empower organisations to create healthier environments and uplift wellbeing in workplaces and communities. 

The company recently promoted Greg Millard to associate director, recognising his contributions since joining as an employment relations specialist and licensed private investigator in 2021. This strategy reflects Grow HR’s focus on building strong teams and delivering commercially focused HR and employment relations support. By strengthening its leadership, the firm aims to enhance its ability to provide effective solutions and drive long-term growth for clients.