Office address: 8 Niccol Avenue, Narrow Neck, Auckland 0624 
Website: www.positivepeople.co.nz 
Year established: 1994 
Company type: human resources services 
Employees: 16 
Expertise: human resources, engagement, HR policy development, communication, performance management, recruitment, training and development, organisational design, leadership coaching, compliance, employee relations 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Alan Pettersen (managing director); Toni Jacka (GM); Chanel Finnigan, Casey Armstrong, and Kelly Goodacre (consultants); Linda – Ann Scholtz (analyst); Heidi Büchler (administrator) 
Financing status: N/A 

Positive People is an Auckland-based HR consultancy with over 30 years of experience supporting organisations across various industries and sizes. The firm provides tailored workforce solutions and addresses all HR needs through proactive strategies that enhance organisational success and employee engagement. Their experienced consultants and enduring client partnerships help businesses and non-profits optimise operations and achieve long-term goals.
 

History of Positive People 

Positive People was established in 1994 by Alan Pettersen to provide practical HR support to NZ businesses and cater to various industries and organisational sizes. The company was created to help organisations enhance their operations through personalised HR strategies, building lasting partnerships along the way. By deeply understanding each client’s current position and future goals, they developed pragmatic solutions that achieved measurable outcomes.  

The firm earned a reputation for offering hands-on HR assistance within a strategic framework that drives tangible results. Positive People also showed industry leadership during the 2022 HRD Service Provider Awards by highlighting the growing demand for comprehensive and innovative HR solutions. Emphasising technology’s role in simplifying HR processes, the company continues to provide flexible outsourced HR services tailored to individual business needs.
 

Products and Services of Positive People 

Positive People offers a variety of HR services designed to support businesses in improving operations and achieving their workforce goals: 

• outsourced HR services: customised solutions for organisations at any stage of development
   
• employment compliance: ensuring adherence to all employment laws and regulations
   
• employment relations and performance: effective management of employee relations and strategies to enhance productivity
   
• leadership training and development: programs to build and refine leadership skills
   
• organisation design and development: creating efficient structures and improving organisational processes
   
• HR recruitment: helping businesses identify and hire the right talent

Positive People’s HR services help businesses stay effective and meet their changing needs. Their regular newsletter updates clients on new laws and important HR topics.
 

Culture at Positive People 

Positive People focuses on building strong teams by creating clear HR plans with practical steps. Their approach helps businesses achieve top results and outstanding workplace success. Clients consistently value the firm for their responsive, professional, and accurate services, enabling businesses to meet their objectives. Other client feedback includes: 

• invaluable support: clients describe Positive People as an essential partner for over 15 years
   
• efficient and effective: reliable remote HR services tailored for medium-sized businesses
   
• excellent guidance: expertise in refining performance planning processes for better results
   
• down-to-earth consultants: approachable and mindful of staff time during sessions
   
• thoughtful and practical advice: solutions tailored to various experience levels in the workplace
   
• clear and confident insights: actionable information that boosts confidence in tackling upcoming challenges

The company prioritises team members feeling challenged, rewarded, and balanced, supported by a flexible work model that fosters autonomy and exceptional service delivery. Their deeply embedded core values guide collaboration, robust conversations, and decision-making to ensure outstanding client outcomes. The "Positive People Trinity"—the client, the team, and the business—remains a central focus and drives their success.
 

About Positive People Managing Director Alan Pettersen and Key People 

Alan Pettersen, a founder and director at Positive People, is also a consultant and a Chartered HRINZ Member who frequently presents at industry events. He previously held key roles, including HR manager at Davenport Naval Dockyard and divisional HR director at Nampak Sacks. He earned a BSc in psychology and sociology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, showcasing a strong academic foundation. 

Positive People is supported by a skilled team of professionals dedicated to providing exceptional HR services and innovative solutions to their clients: 

• Toni Jacka as a general manager and consultant oversees operational management and delivers tailored HR strategies for business growth
   
• Chanel Finnigan is a consultant, specialising in employment relations and developing practical solutions to improve workplace culture and compliance
   
• Casey Armstrong serves as a consultant, focusing on recruitment processes and employee engagement initiatives to enhance organisational performance
   
• Kelly Goodacre is also a consultant, providing leadership training and development programs to foster strong team dynamics
   
• Linda-Ann Scholtz, as an analyst, studies HR data to inform decisions and ensure efficient organisational practices
   
• Heidi Büchler serves as an administrator and bookkeeper, managing financial records and supporting administrative functions to maintain smooth operations

The Future at Positive People 

Positive People is committed to delivering innovative solutions and expert HR guidance to address organisational challenges. At the 2023 HRD Service Provider Awards, they highlighted the importance of displaying unique expertise to thrive in a competitive market. The company continues to support organisations in achieving excellence by fostering trust and providing tailored solutions. 

The company recently released an article addressing the challenge of boosting productivity and performance during organisational changes. They stressed the importance of re-engaging teams and improving workflows through practical tools like automation. Looking ahead, Positive People plans to empower leaders with essential skills and promote open communication to drive organisational success.