Office address: 303 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu 3800 
Website: www.no8hr.co.nz 
Year established: 2005 
Company type: human resources services 
Employees: 5 
Expertise: HR consultancy, recruitment, H&S advice, agriculture, agribusiness, leadership development, organisational strategy, payroll management, performance improvement, workplace culture, conflict resolution, employee engagement 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Nick Coster (GM), Toni Trusler (project specialist), Lee Astridge (performance and strategy specialist), Philippa Stephens (contract and payroll specialist), and Megan Frandi (HR consultant) 
Financing status: N/A 

No8HR is a Waikato-based HR consultancy that specialises in recruitment, compliance, and leadership support, catering to New Zealand’s primary industries. The company offers expert recruitment services, including access to a robust candidate database, replacement guarantees, and flexible support options via online, telephone, or face-to-face. With over 20 years of industry experience, the firm assists businesses in navigating compliance while fostering growth and operational success. 

History of No8HR 

No8HR was founded in 2005 by Lee Astridge to provide tailored recruitment and HR solutions for New Zealand’s primary industries and farming businesses. The company began with a mission to enhance business operations and people performance by offering expert advice on recruitment, leadership, and compliance. Over the years, it expanded its reach by collaborating with clients across the country who prioritise effective people strategies.  

With a team of skilled consultants, No8HR has consistently helped businesses streamline processes and achieve measurable performance improvements. The firm changed leadership in 2023 when Nick Coster became general manager to drive efforts in strengthening client relationships and broaden the firm's presence. Today, the company delivers specialised programs that promote behavioural change and empower organisations to adapt to evolving leadership and workforce needs. 

Products and Services of No8HR 

No8HR offers a wide range of services designed to support business success and workforce optimisation: 

• recruitment: full-service search and select, candidate database access, and replacement guarantees 
• human resources: contracts, employment policies, health and safety, surveys, 360-degree tools, exit interviews, and change management 
• training programs: customised courses such as GEAR-UP for Governance, Empowering Teams, and Eight Steps to Increasing Productivity 
• business advice: strategic planning, governance advisory, leadership transitions, and succession planning 
• payroll services: accurate payments, entitlement management, and professional payroll advice 

No8HR provides comprehensive recruitment and HR solutions designed to streamline hiring and enhance team performance. The company ensures efficient and professional results for businesses through flexible support tailored to clients’ needs. 

Culture at No8HR 

No8HR focuses on delivering reliable HR compliance while working closely with businesses to help them succeed. The team values client passion as a driving force for success. Staff are committed to helping bring this enthusiasm to life and share it effectively with others. 

The company honours significant days like International Rural Women’s Day and International Women’s Day, celebrating women’s contributions within their team and the wider community. The firm also raises awareness about mental health, encouraging well-being during challenging periods such as the lead-up to Christmas. No8HR’s acknowledgements highlight their commitment to upholding positivity and recognising meaningful efforts. 

About General Manager Nick Coster and Key People 

Nick Coster is the company’s GM and brings extensive expertise in the rural sector, along with sustainable farming experience as the owner of CTL Farming. His prior roles include project consultancy at Armer Farms and commercial partnership at BNZ, preceded by a teaching role at Shawnigan Lake School. He holds a Bachelor of AgriCommerce from Massey University. 

No8HR’s team comprises experienced professionals specialising in various aspects of HR, strategy, and operational support, bringing tailored solutions to their clients: 

• Toni Trusler as a project specialist oversees HR-related projects and supports businesses with strategic initiatives and organisational improvements 
• Lee Astridge serves as a performance and strategy specialist, focusing on enhancing business operations and implementing effective performance frameworks 
• Philippa Stephens acts as a contract and payroll specialist, managing payroll systems and ensuring compliance with employment regulations 
• Megan Frandi, as an HR consultant, advises on workforce management and supports recruitment and employee engagement strategies 

The Future at No8HR 

No8HR recently highlighted industry successes, leadership insights, and senior job opportunities in their August newsletter. The publication celebrated key achievements in the sector while offering practical advice for effective management. It also featured exciting career opportunities, encouraging readers to explore the next step in their professional journey. 

The company also hosted its ‘Eight Steps to Increasing Your Team’s Productivity’ program, equipping managers with practical skills to improve team performance. The program is designed for the agri-sector to focus on effective people management and actionable strategies. No8HR equipped participants with action plans to apply their new knowledge, demonstrating the firm’s focus on building future leaders and supporting organisational growth.