Our Group - Your People Team
Karen Meredith | Wellington
I believe humans are not resources; they are people! My love of people drew me to HR almost 20 years ago.
One thing I know for sure after two decades in HR is this: brilliant people make brilliant companies (not the other way around). My passion is awakening people’s inner brilliance. This is why I started PeopleEX.
I am an HR and People & Culture professional and a certified Executive Coach - a true HR generalist with key strengths in human-centred organisational design and reshape, strategy development, change management, employee relations, and stakeholder engagement.
People tell me I’m nice too! I’m known for being a genuine people partner and a hands-on intuitive leader. I love what I do and bring energy, compassion, creativity and professionalism to every client (and I love a Friday after-work wine too). My favourite thing is to help clients connect and leverage their people's talents to deliver better workplace performance results and experiences for their people.
Qualifications:
Bachelor in Management and a Masters in Human Resource Management from the University of Technology Sydney, Business Sustainability Management from the University of Cambridge, Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, Emotional Culture Deck practitioner and an Accredited Coach through the International Coaching Community (ICC).
View LinkedIn profile here.
Contact me:
karen.meredith@peopleex.co
Jess Lawson | Auckland
I have been in people-focused roles across the private and public sectors for 15 years, working on people strategy development down to HR operations. My experience spans the entire HR spectrum, from talent acquisition and onboarding, talent management, development and retention, employee relations, culture and values, and remuneration principles and approach.
I love building partnerships with leaders and their teams. My passion is helping the people I work with have better conversations, connections and experiences at work. I truly believe in the power of a good conversation!
People are complex, and I bring problem-solving, human understanding and energy to all situations, enabling organisations to reach their strategic goals by maximising the talent of their people.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) University of Otago, Emotional Culture Deck practitioner and an Accredited Coach through the International Coaching Community (ICC).
View LinkedIn Profile here.
Contact me:
jess.lawson@peopleex.co
Sara Gerhart | Wellington
I am a people generalist with over 20 years of HR experience across New Zealand, Canada and Switzerland.
I have experience across the whole employee lifecycle and a particular interest in cultivating talent. Think strategic staffing, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, succession planning and talent management. I bring a commercial lens to bettering people experiences.
I combine my HR management experience in the corporate world with my qualifications to work with PeopleEX clients in all things People. From talent to policy development, engagement to restructuring, I have a breadth of experience across all HR areas. I love partnering and supporting our clients to scale and thrive.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Finance and Marketing concentration from Queen’s University Canada, Canadian Securities Course Certificate, Certified Digital HR Specialist designation, and Certified Human Resources Leader designation from the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations.
View LinkedIn profile here.
Contact me:
sara.gerhart@peopleex.co
Rachelle Cottle | Hamilton
I am a professional and passionate HR generalist with over 10 years of experience across various industries within NZ, including professional/corporate services, small business and government agencies, in both a consulting and in-house capacity.
I have experience across all aspects of HR, from recruitment, talent management and retention to employee engagement, employee relations and performance and remuneration reviews. I particularly enjoy facilitating training and coaching.
I’m equally passionate about building genuine, long-lasting relationships with people and gaining a sound understanding of the business to ensure optimal people experiences, outputs and overall business success. I am excited to bring my breadth of experience to support PeopleEXs’ clients with their workplace wellbeing and their people's needs.
Qualifications:
SHL Certified in Ability Testing, Interest Inventories, Occupational Personality Questionnaire and Motivation Questionnaire. HRINZ Foundation certified.
View LinkedIn profile here.
Contact me:
rachelle.cottle@peopleex.co
Delwyn Goldsack | Hamilton
I am an experienced generalist HR consultant with a background in professional services and the agricultural industry.
I have a passion for practical and commercial HR advice. I love helping workplaces cultivate great people, frameworks and processes that allow the organisation to fly. My experience is across most aspects of HR, from ER advice, policy work, coaching and performance frameworks, to talent management and recruitment at all levels. I love the variety of HR consulting work and the ability to contribute to an organisation's success.
I am a 'people person' and love to bring a positive attitude and pragmatic approach to my clients.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Human Resources and minor in Marketing, Massey University.
View LinkedIn profile here.
Contact me:
delwyn.goldsack@peopleex.co
Michelle Pongia | Auckland
With over two decades of experience, I am an experienced people partner who has led HR and People and Capability functions in both the private and public sectors of New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
My expertise covers strategic and operational human resources, encompassing the entire employee lifecycle. Working in collaboration with CEOs, business owners, senior leaders, human resources teams, professionals, and employees, I have demonstrated my ability to develop and align HR strategies, policies, tools, and systems with business goals and employee needs. This alignment has consistently enhanced business performance, employee engagement, and organisational culture.
My passion lies in partnering with businesses to create human-centred workplaces. As a kind, upbeat, and intuitive people partner, I am committed to achieving the intersection where business goals and employee value meet.
I enjoy building and nurturing trusted and positive working relationships with each client. I invest time in getting to know them and understanding their business, challenges, and opportunities, and provide ongoing HR expertise and support as required.
Qualifications:
Bachelor in Social Sciences: Business Psychology from Massey University, New Zealand, Diploma in Business Studies, Certificate in Organisational and Executive Coaching, Accredited DiSC Profiler, Certified EX Designer (pending).
View LinkedIn Profile here.
Contact me:
michelle.pongia@peopleex.co
Rebecca Campbell | Timaru
I have been dedicated to people-focused roles across the People & Culture spectrum for the past decade. Known for my positive, warm, and engaged demeanour, I foster a solutions-focused, values-led, and commercially minded approach to support the delivery of core people processes at all organisational levels. This has consistently resulted in improved outcomes for both people and operations.
I thrive on partnering with individuals at all levels of an organisation, using my expertise to build strong, collaborative relationships and resilient teams that excel in the face of challenges and opportunities. My deep knowledge of People & Culture and Change Management has been pivotal in driving successful transformations and fostering adaptable, future-ready workforces.
With a particular interest in operational strategy, I am passionate about earning People & Culture a valued seat at the senior leadership table. I focus on creating a safe and high-performing workplace culture where people are at the organisation’s heart.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Technology, majoring in BioTechnology from Massey University
Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument® (HBDI®) Certified
Contact me:
rebecca.campbell@peopleex.co
Lara Charles | Marketing & Communications | Wellington
For over two decades, I've worked with brands and words to help create positive change. I have experience developing high-quality content and formulating and implementing marketing and communications strategies using a range of online and offline tactics
I enjoy working with SMEs who have a mission to make the world a better place (such as PeopleEX). I help those organisations build a memorable brand and connect with the people they are here to serve.
I have strong marketing strategy, brand strategy, campaign, project management and media relations experience. As well as experience writing everything from email marketing campaigns, blog posts, website copy and strategy documents through to annual reports, press releases, ad copy and op-eds.
When I'm not writing, I can be found meandering through the bush with my kids and husband.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) Macquarie University in Sydney
View LinkedIn Profile here.
Contact me:
lara.charles@peopleex.co
We're proud to have worked with organisations across almost every industry, from real estate and government to construction and charities. Here are just a few.
Book a free HR management consultation
To discuss your HR needs, please get in touch. We’d love to talk to you about our approach and how it can help you.
We are based in Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton and travel across New Zealand to meet, connect and work with our clients.
