Office address: 53 Princess Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410 
Website: www.pnpersonnel.co.nz 
Year established: 1986 
Company type: staffing and recruiting 
Employees: 10 
Expertise: permanent and temporary solutions, computer and psychometric assessments, executive search, talent management, consulting, HR, application management, background checking services, outplacement services, talent sourcing, employment branding, recruitment 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Claire Hewson (managing director), Deb Chambers (director), Naomi Castles and Robyn Bills (specialists), Jo Norman, Matt Smout, and Cushla Brasell (managers) 
Financing status: N/A 

PN Personnel is based in Palmerston North and provides expert recruitment services across New Zealand, focusing on the Manawatu region. It has more than 30 years in the industry, offering permanent and temporary recruitment and leveraging a consultative approach and deep networks. With 140 years of combined experience, their team filled over 400 roles in 2023, supporting businesses across Whanganui, Levin, Dannevirke, and the lower North Island. 

History of PN Personnel 

PN Personnel, also known as Palmers North Personnel, was founded in 1986 to support New Zealand businesses with recruitment expertise. Directors Claire Hewson and Deb Chambers took ownership in 2001, using their HR and business expertise to expand services and build a strong local team. The firm introduced tools like psychometric assessments, career consultations, and computer testing to match job seekers with roles effectively.  

The company joined the Recruitment, Consulting, and Staffing Association (RCSA) of Australia and New Zealand, following strict standards and industry best practices. Over the years, PN Personnel has grown its team to include skilled recruitment specialists dedicated to providing high-quality recruitment in Palmerston North. The firm’s extensive network and established presence make PN Personnel a respected name in the region’s recruitment industry. 

Products and Services of PN Personnel 

PN Personnel provides a wide range of recruitment and HR solutions tailored to the needs of New Zealand employers and job seekers, including: 

• permanent recruitment: matching candidates with long-term roles that suit their skills 
• temporary recruitment and contractual staffing: flexible staffing solutions for short- and mid-term needs 
• executive recruitment: sourcing experienced leaders for senior roles 
• HR solutions: supporting employers with recruitment strategies and workforce planning 
• outplacement services: helping transitioning employees find new opportunities 
• psychometric assessments: identifying candidate strengths and workplace compatibility 
• computer literacy tests: evaluating software skills and technical capabilities 

PN Personnel serves multiple industries, from accounting and finance to trades and warehousing. Their recruitment strategies streamline hiring processes across various sectors, bringing efficiency to both clients and candidates. 

Culture at PN Personnel 

PN Personnel has built a passionate, intelligent team of recruitment specialists with a credible reputation in Palmerston North and the wider Manawatu region. The company offers good working conditions, encouraging professional development and a supportive team environment for all staff. 

The firm actively supports numerous local not-for-profits, seeing charity work as a valuable way to connect with the community. By partnering with various organisations, the team contributes to meaningful causes and fosters positive relationships. Their involvement spans multiple initiatives, including support for families, education, and health-focused events: 

• family and community support: Butterfly Compassion Community, Barnardos, NZ Red Cross 
• career and confidence-building: Dress for Success, MentorEd, Supporting Kind Hearts 
• health and wellbeing events: Pink Ribbon Cupcakes, Cancer Society Daffodil Day 
• seasonal giving: Meals on Wheels, Pack the Bus 

PN Personnel’s experienced team is dedicated to connecting employers with job seekers, leveraging extensive industry knowledge and local networks. They understand the unique challenges in recruitment and work closely with clients to identify specific hiring needs. By building tailored strategies, they provide personalised support throughout the entire recruitment process. 

About PN Personnel Managing Director and Key People 

Claire Hewson, the managing director and owner, leads PN Personnel’s recruitment team in the Manawatu region. Previously, she was a team leader in permanent recruitment at Lampen and a recruitment specialist at Palmerston. Hewson holds a BBS from Massey University and attended Tawa College. 

The key figures at PN Personnel, who drive the company’s recruitment success and strategic direction, include: 

• Deb Chambers serves as a director, overseeing strategic initiatives and guiding the firm’s growth in the Manawatu region 
• Naomi Castles, as communications and social media specialist, manages PN Personnel’s online presence and branding 
• Robyn Bills acts as recruitment specialist, identifying candidate skills and matching them with suitable roles in the local job market 
• Jo Norman is a business manager, coordinating operations and ensuring smooth organisational workflows 
• Matt Smout as client manager maintains strong client relationships and ensures recruitment solutions meet specific client needs 
• Cushla Brasell, serving as recruitment manager, leads recruitment projects and supports the team’s delivery of high-quality placements 

The Future at PN Personnel

PN Personnel’s Net Promoter Score of 55 reflects a strong reputation for effective recruitment, with satisfaction levels exceeding the national agency average. By prioritising clear communication, market expertise, and fast response times, the firm continues to achieve high ratings in client satisfaction. The company’s goal is to keep enhancing recruitment quality and outcomes across Manawatu and New Zealand. 

With upcoming economic improvements, the company urges businesses to plan 2025 recruitment early, as the market traditionally sees heightened activity. Their recruitment strategies, which include free advertising on SEEK, help clients attract high-quality candidates and efficiently grow their teams. As PN Personnel prepares for the year ahead, their focus remains on connecting employers and talent to support both business growth and individual career progression.