Office address: 4 Graham Street, Pukekohe 2120, Auckland 
Website: www.peoplepassion.co.nz 
Year established: 2001 
Company type: human resources services 
Employees: 15+ 
Expertise: human resources, recruitment, coaching, talent management, employee relations, organisational development, performance management, workforce planning, HR compliance, training and development, change management, leadership development, conflict resolution 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Lara Hellier (director); Anna McClean, Paige Croft, and Lucy Bridger (people partners); Kelli Fischer (operations partner); Ashleigh Anderson (marketing partner); Georgia Carr (adviser); Carolyn Roberts (recruitment partner) 
Financing status: N/A 

People Passion, a human resources and recruitment consultancy based in Auckland, provides comprehensive HR support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout New Zealand. It offers personalised solutions through services like HR consulting, recruitment, and training, either on-site, by phone, or online. Offices are in Auckland and Taranaki, with clients spanning various industries across the country. 

History of People Passion 

People Passion was founded over 20 years ago to simplify HR processes for SMEs across New Zealand. The company created tailored reviews and resources to support businesses in managing their teams effectively. In 2020, the firm expanded their services in New Plymouth, Taranaki, broadening its on-call HR and recruitment services to a wide range of industries.  

This growth is driven by strong client results, which continue to generate positive referrals. People Passion’s team is known for diverse skills and backgrounds, seeing this variety as a core strength in client partnerships. By combining expertise with a people-focused approach, People Passion aims to make a genuine difference in workplaces nationwide. 

Products and Services of People Passion 

People Passion delivers a range of HR, recruitment, and learning solutions tailored to New Zealand’s unique business environment: 

• HR partner services: HR consulting and support, employment relations advice, performance management 
• recruitment partner services: end-to-end recruitment, candidate sourcing, screening, interview coordination 
• learning and development: workshops, leadership development programs, customised training solutions 
• free resources: downloadable checklists, tipsheets for HR practices 
• candidate hub: job application support, interview guidance for candidates 

People Passion provides clear, jargon-free HR support tailored to meet each client’s people strategy needs. As an on-call HR partner, they offer guidance through growth, realignment, downsizing, or team transitions. This approach makes sure SMEs receive straightforward, reliable assistance for all aspects of workforce management. 

Culture at People Passion 

People Passion upholds a supportive, engaged workplace that prioritises open communication, teamwork, and a healthy work-life balance. The team believes in creating a high-performing culture where collaboration and accountability go hand in hand with fun and purpose. Dedicated to personal growth and meaningful client relationships, they offer various employee benefits: 

• flexible options: tailored work arrangements for eligible employees 
• growth opportunities: focus on personal and professional development, recognising achievements 
• collaborative environment: emphasis on teamwork and a welcoming workplace  
• modern tools: integrated Microsoft 365 tools, including Teams for seamless communication 

The firm operates as an accessible HR partner, guiding businesses through shifts like expansion, realignment, or downsizing. This is done with empathy and clear, practical solutions. People Passion’s approach prioritises adding value to each client’s people strategy, focusing on clarity and compassionate support for every stage of change.  

People Passion’s core values drive their work: 

• make a difference: creating solutions that bring long-term improvements for clients and teams 
• connection: building trust through open collaboration within client and company networks 
• innovation: adopting new methods and technology to meet evolving HR needs 
• care: prioritising both client and employee care with understanding and dedication 

People Passion is committed to achieving positive results by fostering strong, effective workplaces. The company takes the time to understand each client’s unique culture and tailor their HR solutions accordingly. They match closely with clients’ values, guaranteeing solutions that genuinely support team success and workplace harmony. 

About People Passion Director Lara Hellier and Key People 

Lara Hellier serves as the firm’s director and owner, bringing her expertise as an NLP practitioner and trainer to the team. Previously, Hellier held teaching roles at Manukau Institute of Technology and management positions at Robert Mong, Griffins Foods, and Taranaki Country Lodge Quality Hotel. She holds a diploma in hotel management from City and Guilds. 

The People Passion team includes experienced professionals dedicated to client-focused HR and recruitment solutions across the country: 

• Anna McClean serves as people partner, supporting SMEs with HR consulting and strategic workforce planning 
• Paige Croft as a people partner specialises in performance management and employee relations for a variety of industries 
• Lucy Bridger acts as people partner, helping businesses navigate compliance and develop effective workplace policies 
• Kelli Fischer is an operations partner, overseeing internal processes to improve service delivery and client engagement 
• Ashleigh Anderson as a marketing partner drives brand visibility and manages client communication initiatives 
• Georgia Carr as people advisor provides guidance on candidate relations and recruitment processes 
• Carolyn Roberts, as recruitment partner, focuses on tailored staffing solutions to meet clients’ specific hiring needs 

The Future at People Passion 

People Passion continues to offer essential HR guidance, particularly for businesses navigating challenges such as redundancies and organisational changes. Their People Partners deliver practical advice in line with New Zealand’s Employment Relations Act, ensuring fair and compliant processes. The company remains committed to supporting clients and promoting positive workplace environments by focusing on strong client relationships and innovative HR solutions. 

In recent initiatives, the firm’s team has participated in various community events, including the Cape Egmont Half Marathon, which raised funds for cancer support. They also took part in Gumboot Friday, which supports mental health services for young Kiwis. People Passion shows its commitment to community and well-being through these efforts, with plans to expand its engagement in the coming years.