Office address: 13 Ruakiwi Road, Hamilton City, Hamilton, 3240 
Website: www.hrconnect.co.nz 
Year established: 2003 
Company type: human resources services 
Employees: 10 
Expertise: HR consulting, leadership coaching, outplacement programs, career transition, recruitment and selection, health and safety, HR policies and procedures, change management, HR system audits 
Parent company: N/A  
Key people: Sandra Diekerhof (managing director), Emma Fenwick (general manager), Lou Morey (head of HR delivery), Sarah Metcalfe and Claire Pilton (senior HR specialists), Andrea McIntosh (senior recruitment specialist), Judy Clement (coach) 
Financing status: N/A 

HR Connect, a Hamilton-based HR consultancy with locations in Tauranga and Auckland, has supported New Zealand businesses for over 20 years with expert HR solutions. Their dynamic team of over 15 professionals specialises in recruitment, employee performance, and strategic HR projects. The firm is known across Waikato and Bay of Plenty and delivers hands-on support to help businesses navigate challenges and achieve measurable outcomes. 
 

History of HR Connect 

HR Connect was established in 2003 to help New Zealand businesses build stronger teams, enhance staff performance, and address HR compliance challenges. From the start, the company’s focus has been on providing practical and real-world HR expertise through a personable and agile approach. Their team is composed of tertiary-qualified professionals and brings a mix of business acumen, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of human behaviour.  

The firm has grown to include specialists in recruitment, workplace safety, and employment law to ensure comprehensive support for diverse business needs. By forming genuine partnerships with their clients, they aim to foster growth by optimising the potential of their workforce. This approach has firmly established HR Connect as a go-to HR partner for businesses across Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
 

Products and Services of HR Connect 

HR Connect provides a variety of HR services designed to meet diverse business needs: 

• recruitment services: finding the best candidates to align with business goals through a meticulous and tailored hiring process
   
• on-site HR support: embedding HR specialists within businesses to manage operations and provide strategic guidance
   
• culture and engagement: improving workplace dynamics to boost employee satisfaction and organisational effectiveness
   
• HR consultancy and projects: delivering expert guidance and managing specialised HR initiatives for unique business challenges
   
• safety and wellbeing: ensuring a safe and healthy workplace by addressing evolving compliance and employee health requirements
   
• enableHR: offering HR management software for compliance, performance tracking, recruitment, and workplace safety management

HR Connect’s comprehensive services aim to support businesses and individuals in achieving mutual success through thoughtful and tailored HR solutions. Their commitment to candidate care ensures that every placement is a step toward professional fulfilment and organisational growth.
 

Culture at HR Connect 

HR Connect believes every business deserves the best HR support to maximise its most valuable resource—its people. They provide solutions designed to address unique challenges and deliver meaningful results. By aligning the right specialist with each client, they deliver effective outcomes driven by core values: 

• collaboration: building true partnerships to work seamlessly with clients and their teams
   
• insight: addressing core issues by understanding unique business needs and challenges
   
• innovation: offering fresh perspectives and creative strategies to deliver customised solutions
   
• integrity: maintaining ethical practices while prioritising client needs and outcomes
   
• respect: fostering genuine respect for clients, employees, and teams in every interaction
   

The firm’s specialists work directly within businesses and build strong partnerships by understanding their teams, goals, and market challenges. HR Connect focuses on identifying issues quickly and creating actionable, effective solutions. Their hands-on approach drives practical solutions and enables businesses to tackle challenges effectively and achieve growth through their people.
 

About HR Connect Managing Director Sandra Diekerhof and Key People 

Sandra Diekerhof serves as the managing director and an HR consultant at HR Connect. With extensive experience across recruitment, HR, and leadership roles, she has worked with companies like Crackerjacks NZ, Korn Ferry, and Fonterra. She holds a BA in education and psychology from the University of Waikato and postgraduate qualifications from Massey University. 

HR Connect’s key team is led by experienced professionals who bring diverse expertise to their roles: 

• Emma Fenwick acts as a general manager, overseeing operational strategy and ensuring seamless delivery of client services
   
• Lou Morey serves as a head of HR delivery, specialising in crafting and implementing tailored HR strategies for businesses
   
• Sarah Metcalfe, senior HR specialist and registered private investigator, supports workplace investigations and compliance with employment laws
   
• Claire Pilton as senior HR specialist focuses on HR Connect’s employee performance management and workplace relations
   
• Andrea McIntosh serves as a senior recruitment specialist, guiding businesses in identifying and onboarding the right talent
   
• Judy Clement is a coach and facilitator, empowering teams and leaders through targeted workshops and professional development sessions

The Future at HR Connect 

In their recent article, HR Connect highlighted the challenges businesses face during a stabilising economy. They discussed the importance of refining HR strategies, such as workforce planning and talent acquisition, to navigate downsizing, restructuring, and a competitive job market. Their dedicated HR and recruitment support helps businesses thrive and create sustainable success for clients and their teams. 

In October 2024, Sandra Diekerhof and Emma Fenwick attended the SmartRecruiters 'Hiring Success APAC' conference in Melbourne. The event featured expert speakers sharing insights into hiring strategies and workforce trends. This opportunity allowed HR Connect to gain fresh perspectives and apply innovative ideas to further benefit their clients.