Flexible HR Support

HR Consultancy Packages

At People and Culture, we offer a partnership-driven approach to HR, working closely with our clients create meaningful improvements in HR practices that directly enhance business performance. We have tiered supporting clients.

On Demand

Pay as you go

Senior HR Support When You Need It

No minimum term

No monthly hours needed

Remote-First
Partner

Available at 6, 10 or 16+ hours*

Most businesses don’t need a full-time HR manager. But they do need reliable advice when people issues

Support navigating staff issues and difficult conversations

Guidance on performance and conduct matters

Advice on employment processes and documentation

Managing workload or team structure issues

Preparing for formal meetings or processes

Review of letters and documentation

A regular check-in with a Senior Leader

Typical support:

Being a trusted sounding board when situations arise

Advice before having a difficult conversation

Preparing HR letters or documentation

Guidance through performance or conduct processes

* 6-month minimum commitment.

On-Site
Partner

Available at 10 or 16+ hours*

You will have one dedicated Senior People & Culture consultant acting as your Fractional HR Manager - integrated into your leadership rhythm and on-site
regularly to support your team.

2–4 days per month on-site presence

Annual People & Culture Strategy with 6-monthly review

Monthly leadership meetings

Proactive workforce planning and risk management

Hands-on support with complex employment relations matters

Continuous phone and email access

Monthly “Work in Motion” reporting

Full access to all services within our services menu

* 6-month minimum commitment.

To Get Started

To begin our engagements, we like to start with an HR Audit

This involves; A comprehensive review of your current HR processes, policies, and documentation to identify gaps and recommend improvements. The aim is to ensure your internal HR paperwork is complete, accurate, and aligned with current best practices.

By choosing to work with People & Culture, you’re not just getting HR support - you’re investing in a strategic partnership that ensures your HR is managed effectively and aligns with your business growth.

How it Works in Practice

On-site & Remote Support

Depending on your package, your HR specialist will spend time both in your office and working remotely, depending on your needs. Some tasks (like policy reviews or documentation) can be completed off-site, while others (such as team meetings, onboarding, or sensitive employee issues) are best handled in person.

Flexible Scheduling

The number of hours per month can be broken down into weekly blocks or used in larger blocks for specific projects. This ensures that your HR needs are consistently met without exceeding the allocated time. If you anticipate a larger project, we will let you know in advance if the hours will need to be increased that month.

Proactive HR Management

Your HR specialist will not just react to issues as they arise but will also work proactively to identify and address any potential problems. This ensures that your business remains compliant, that employees are supported, and that your HR strategy aligns with your overall business goals.

Tailored to Your Business

Every company is different, so we adapt our approach to your specific needs. Whether it’s focusing more on recruitment, performance management cycles, or legal compliance, we adjust the services within the framework to deliver maximum value.

Leadership advice

Why Choose Retained HR Services?

Consistency

You’ll have a single point of contact who understands your business and your team, providing a seamless HR experience.

Expertise

Having a dedicated HR professional ensures that your HR practices are aligned with best practices and New Zealand employment law.

Peace of Mind

By managing all your HR activities, we allow you to focus on your core business operations, knowing that HR is taken care of.

Flexibility

With a combination of on-site and off-site support, we adapt to your business’s schedule and needs, ensuring that your HR is handled efficiently without disruption.

Services Menu

We offer a suite of services designed to enhance your internal HR processes and to support your team.

Employment relations advice and guidance

Recruitment and on-boarding

Compliance and policy creation

HR initiatives and workforce planning

Support with employment processes; disciplinaries
and managing poor performance

Training, learning and development programs

Organisational change, restructures and redundancies

Remuneration, salary benchmarking and benefits

Reward and recognition

Company values - defining values in order to createa
common purpose for all people to understandand work by

Performance review framework, design andimplementation

Ongoing engagement surveys and action plans

Implementation of an HRIS(Human Resources Information System)

Workshop Menu

Creating a Strengths-Based culture through Gallup
Clifton Strengths Management 101 Workshop

Leadership Training

Motivating and Engaging Teams

Giving Feedback

Conduct, Performance and Following the Correct
Processes Values Workshop

Effective Goal Setting and 1:1 Check-Ins

Recruitment 101 and Interviewing skills NZEmployment Law 101

HR advice

Rose Powell

,

GM People & Culture, Vitaco Health (NZ) Ltd

“Mel has been supporting our team at Vitaco for the past two years, primarily across employment relations matters, restructures, and complex people situations. Having her expertise alongside our P&C team has made a significant difference in how confidently we manage challenging cases.”

Phil Muir

,

Principal, Northcote Intermediate School

“People and Culture supported us through a staff performance situation and helped guide the school through a Performance Improvement Plan. Their advice was clear, practical, and ensured we followed a fair and structured process from start to finish.”

Nick Hill

,

Principal of Belmont Intermediate School

“Mel and Gemma are experts in their field. Their impact on me and our organisation has been significant. They are professional, personable, detail-oriented and are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend People and Culture.”

Graham Lange

,

Director at IHS

“People and Culture describes exactly what Mel and Gemma are about. The people first, culture, professional, efficient, and effective in the workplace. ”

Valma Wills

,

Creche Manager - Meadowood Creche

“Thank you for your guidance and prompt communication throughout the process. You gave us assurance that a fair and reasonable process was being enacted.”

Sam Williams

,

Director at KWC Surveying, Planning & Project Management

“Melanie took the time to come into the office for our initial consultation which helped to dial into what we needed and how best to help. Happy to recommend to others. ”

Justine McCrory

,

Director at Filters Direct

“Working with Gemma has been very easy and professional. Our business needed updated Employment Contracts and these were done with ease and attention to the details we required. ”

Mark Hurley

,

Managing Director - Mizen Automation

“I found People and Culture to be very professional and friendly. They delivered to a high standard and within a much shorter timeframe than I was expecting. Knowing I can use P&C for ongoing HR support is very reassuring as a small business owner.”

Jonathan Mihaljevich

,

General Manager at Franklin Rd Rocks

“Immense thanks to Gemma for your absolute expertise combined with gentle and caring temperament. You’re head and shoulders above anyone else we’ve worked with on similar matters.”

John Webster

,

Director at The Blackwood Project

“I found working with Mel gave me the instant relief a small business owner needs, that comes from knowing our HR issues were being handled by a professional. I highly recommend People & Culture to other businesses.”

Julie Rope

,

Director at Rope Neuro Rehabilitation Ltd

“Mel and Gemma have been the light at the end of a tunnel! They are prompt and took the time to understand my business and its needs. They have added immense value and can’t believe I managed without them for so long!”

Maria Madill

,

Operations Manager - Hahei Beach

“Our people and the business needed clarity, thanks for understanding us so quickly and nailing it. Thanks People & Culture, you have helped us put our people into our policies with instant and ongoing relief from any legislation pain points. ”

Vaughan Magnusson

,

Director at Hahei Beach

“It's a pleasure to deal with experienced professionals who know their stuff and provide sound and pragmatic advice.”

Vicky Taylor

,

CEO of moochi

“People and Culture are a great balance of professional and caring, pragmatic while also understanding best practise. They simplify problems and support us to move forward.”

Abel Butler

,

CEO at HealthPost

“Mel has set the bar at a new level for us in terms of outsourced support. People and Culture have made a hugely positive contribution to our business in a relatively short amount of time. You'll be in great hands!”

Scott Kennedy

,

Managing Director at Edition

“Mel and Gemma’s dedication to fostering vibrant workplaces is unmatched. Their passion for people shines through in everything they do!”

We look forward to discussing our packages further and embarking on this journey together.

Questions & Information

Schedule your free 30-minute session today to discuss your specific needs and how we can assist.

Send us a message

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FAQs

What is the average cost of an HR consultant?

In New Zealand, HR consultants commonly charge between NZ$100 and NZ$200 an hour, with senior or specialist work at the higher end. These days though, most businesses prefer a monthly package or retainer over paying by the hour, because it gives clearer scope and steadier support. The right cost depends on what you need, how often you need it, and whether you want ad hoc help or an ongoing partnership. That is why we shape our packages around your business rather than a fixed price list. The best way to get an accurate figure is a quick chat about what you are trying to achieve.

What does HR consulting include?

HR consulting covers the full range of people matters in your business, from the everyday to the complex. That can include employment relations advice, contracts and policies, compliance with New Zealand employment law, recruitment and onboarding, performance and disciplinary support, restructures, training and development, leadership coaching, and building the kind of culture where people want to stay. Some businesses come to us for one specific project. Others want a senior HR expert on hand every month. We tailor the mix to suit you, so you get exactly the support you need without paying for things you do not.

How do I know which package is right for my business?

It comes down to how much support you need and how often. If you have the occasional one off question or project, our lighter, pay as you go option works well. If you want consistent, proactive support without a large commitment, a monthly partnership is a great starting point. And if HR is a bigger part of your world, our fuller partnerships give you a senior expert deeply embedded in your team. Not sure where you fit? That is what the free consultation is for. We will help you find the right level.

Is there a minimum term or contract?

It depends on the package. Our on demand support has no minimum term, so you can use it as and when you need it. Our monthly partnerships are designed as an ongoing relationship, because HR works best when we understand your business over time. We keep things flexible and will always be upfront about what a package involves before you commit to anything.

Can I change or upgrade my package as my business grows?

Absolutely, and many of our clients do exactly that. It is common to start with a lighter package, see how we work, and then move into a fuller partnership as your team grows and your needs change. We will keep an eye on how things are tracking and let you know if a different level of support would serve you better.

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