ConnorPrincipal
About Pivotal People
A trusted team of specialists helping New Zealand businesses thrive.
About Us
Running a business is rewarding — but it’s not without its challenges. From hiring and managing people to navigating compliance, payroll, immigration, and digital transformation (where technology meets people and need), it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling too much with too little support.
At Pivotal People, we exist to change that. We provide New Zealand SMEs with fast, flexible access to expert support across the critical areas that keep a business moving — HR, Immigration, Health & Safety, Payroll, Bookkeeping & Accounting, Business Advisory, Training & Development, Graphic Design, Website Development, and Digital Transformation — all available under one agile subscription model that scales with your needs.
Your Virtual Dream Team
Based in Hamilton and supporting clients across Aotearoa, we’ve hand-picked a team of seasoned professionals who’ve led in both the corporate world and hands-on SME environments. Our people are practical problem-solvers who bring decades of experience, strategic insight, and genuine care to the table — without the overheads of permanent staffing.
We don’t believe small and medium businesses should have to compromise on quality just because they can’t afford full-time specialists. With Pivotal People, you get high-performance outcomes without high payroll costs — just the expertise you need, when you need it.
Whether you're looking for quick advice, ongoing partnership, or project-based support, we’re here to help you focus on what matters most: growing your business with confidence.
Call now for a free 15‑minute scoping chat
Meet our team
Our people combine decades of hands-on business experience with genuine care for the people behind every enterprise. Led by Principal Connor Brady, the Pivotal People team works alongside business owners to solve challenges, seize opportunities, and build lasting success.
Meet the specialists behind Pivotal People — click on a photo to learn more about who we are and what we do.
Connor Brady
Principal
Connor is the Managing Principal of Pivotal People and has over 20 years’ experience in HR and immigration. He understands small business realities — and loves to champion the little guy.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Connor was educated in England and spent seven years in Paris working in training and development before moving to New Zealand in 1999. He has held senior HR roles at WelTec, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Internal Affairs. Connor is also Chair of the Irish Business Network in Waikato and a mentor with Business Mentors New Zealand.
Fluent in French, a keen traveller, and an active part of the Irish community in Hamilton, Connor combines global experience with genuine local insight.
Catherine Neazor Brady
Licensed Immigration Adviser
Catherine leads our immigration team and is a Fully Licensed Immigration Adviser with over 20 years’ HR and immigration experience. After graduating from Victoria University, she worked in HR at the OECD in Paris before returning to senior HR roles in New Zealand and later specialising in immigration.
She loves working with small and medium-sized businesses and takes a holistic approach that looks beyond compliance to long-term business outcomes. Catherine is a member of NZAMI, NZAIP, and a Chartered Member of HRNZ.
A fluent French speaker and Secretary of the Alliance Française, Catherine brings warmth, precision, and international perspective to her work.
John Luxton
Business Advisory
With over 30 years in business leadership and ownership, John has guided companies through growth, transformation, and recovery. His experience spans engineering, manufacturing, distribution, and construction — across SMEs and major corporates alike.
He’s helped build businesses from the ground up, reignite growth, and navigate the personal and strategic challenges of succession.
Early-morning dog walks, a love of great fiction, and a deep commitment to supporting Kiwi business owners reflect John’s steady, thoughtful approach to leadership and life.
Tracey Stevenson
Health & Safety Consultant
Tracey leads our Health & Safety team and has over 20 years’ experience in the private sector. Holding a Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and a NEBOSH International General Certificate, she’s also a Registered Professional of HASANZ.
Tracey’s focus is practical safety that works in the real world — helping businesses stay compliant while keeping people genuinely safe.
Outside of work, she enjoys DIY projects, relaxing out on the water, and spending time in nature.
Deb MacCauley
HR Specialist
Deb brings more than 25 years’ experience in HR and general management, combining deep professional knowledge with firsthand business ownership experience. She’s previously owned a Hamilton hair salon and co-owned a construction business — giving her real empathy for SME owners.
Deb has held senior HR roles at a Hamilton engineering company and NZ National Fieldays. A member of HRNZ with a GradDip in HR Management, she’s known for practical, people-first guidance that balances compliance with culture.
Outside work, Deb enjoys family time, gardening, and exploring New Zealand’s food and wine scene.
Sheryl Richards
HR Specialist
Sheryl has over 25 years’ experience in Human Resources, Organisational Development, and Employment Relations. She’s worked across industries including education, manufacturing, FMCG, and tourism, with organisations such as the University of Canterbury, Wintec, Tegel Foods (HEINZ), and Ecolab.
She’s passionate about managing change, building capability, and resolving complex employment matters with empathy and skill.
Sheryl loves time with her children and grandchildren, skiing and surfing in beautiful places, and relaxing over good food and wine with friends.
Nikki Jones
Bookkeeping
Nikki heads our bookkeeping team and has a strong foundation in business operations and finance. After early roles in dental and engineering sectors, she co-ran a building company and later supported SMEs with bookkeeping, IRD compliance, and financial clarity.
She enjoys bringing order and accuracy to business finances so owners can focus on what they do best.
Away from spreadsheets, Nikki loves time with her husband and kids, designing her dream home on Pinterest, and re-watching Friends for the 276th time.
Eamonn Walsh
Graphic Design
Eamonn is a seasoned designer with more than 30 years’ creative experience. A graduate of Dublin’s National College of Art & Design, his career spans New York, Dublin, and New Zealand — including co-founding Verdict Communications and serving as Creative Director at MEA Mobile.
He’s worked with international clients such as Jameson Whiskey, Guinness, and Walmart, and leading NZ brands like DairyNZ, Waikato University, and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
When not designing, Eamonn enjoys mountain biking, skiing, roller skating with his daughter, and unwinding with a good book or beach walk.
Nick Poninghouse
Digital Transformation
Nick is a transformation-driven digital leader with more than 15 years’ experience delivering major change programmes across industries including telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction.
He’s held senior roles at Spark, Vodafone, SkyCity, Fletcher Building, JUCY, and Metlifecare, helping organisations modernise systems, improve efficiency, and bridge the gap between strategy and delivery.
Outside of work, Nick is passionate about music and classic film. He plays several instruments, keeps active, and enjoys carving out time for learning and the occasional jam session.
Let’s Talk Possibilities
If you're ready to stop firefighting and start building with the right support around you, get in touch with Pivotal People today. Discover how easy it can be to have the right experts by your side - on your terms.
Advice that helps
Practical HR, Immigration, Health & Safety, Payroll, Bookkeeping, and Business Advisory support for NZ SMEs. Based in Hamilton, Waikato, serving businesses nationwide.
Contact us
info@pivotalpeople.co.nz
0800 PIVOTAL (0800 748 6825)
526 Victoria Street, Hamilton
Office Hours: Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm
