ABOUT LAURA
More than an HR consultant
I started Human Collective because I wanted to do work that actually mattered — up close, with real people, on real challenges.
After more than 25 years in HR, including senior leadership roles in global organisations, I realised the conversations I enjoyed most weren't happening in boardrooms. They were happening with business owners trying to navigate growth, leaders figuring out their next move, and people facing decisions that felt bigger than they knew how to handle alone.
I wanted to bring the experience I'd gained at the highest levels into rooms where it could make a real difference.
So I started Human Collective.
Today, I work with businesses and individuals across New Zealand, helping people make sense of complex situations, find clarity, and move forward with confidence.
What I bring
I'm an HR consultant, a licensed private investigator, and a certified coach.
That combination is unusual, but it means I can support people from multiple angles — whether you're building a team, navigating a workplace challenge, making a major business decision, or figuring out what's next for yourself. I work with:
Businesses
Practical HR support, strategic guidance, or an experienced sounding board
Individuals
Navigating career transitions, leadership challenges, or important decisions
Professional partners
Independent workplace investigations or specialist people expertise
Based in Whangamatā, I work throughout Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel in person, and remotely with clients across New Zealand.
WHY WORK WITH LAURA
What makes me different
There aren't many people who bring all of this to the same table.
✓ 25+ years of senior HR experience across global organisations and New Zealand businesses
✓ Licensed Private Investigator — for when situations require independence, rigour and process
✓ ICF Certified Coach — structured, evidence-based support that creates real progress
✓ Accredited TMP Practitioner and Emotional Culture Deck Practitioner
✓ Board and community leadership experience across New Zealand organisations
Credentials & Accreditations
A breadth of accreditation that reflects the range of support I can offer.
Licensed Private Investigator
Independent, professional investigations that follow proper process and produce findings you can rely on.
ICF Certified Coach
Internationally recognised coaching accreditation focused on helping people create meaningful and sustainable change.
Team Management Profile Practitioner
Helping individuals and teams better understand how they work, communicate and perform together.
Emotional Culture Deck Practitioner
A practical framework for understanding the emotions that influence workplace culture, leadership and team performance.
25+ years senior HR experience
Experience gained across global organisations, senior leadership teams and businesses of all sizes.
Beyond the work
Community has always been important to me. Those roles reflect something that's shaped my entire career — people do better when they feel supported, connected, and understood.
Chapter Lead, Irish Business Network NZ
Manager, Under 13 girls' soccer team
Committee Member, Arts Collective
Previous roles
Deputy Chair, Project Jonah
Mentor, Graham Dingle Foundation
And yes, I'm very Irish. Which means you'll always get a straight answer. Delivered warmly, but straight.
ONE MORE THING
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me in front of a canvas. I grew up on the wild coastline of Donegal and now live by the ocean in Whangamatā, so it's no surprise that water, light and movement keep finding their way into my painting. It's probably not as far from HR as it sounds because both come down to noticing the detail and sensing what's been said without saying a word.
TESTIMONIALS
What clients often tell me
"You've helped me make sense of things I've been struggling with for so long."
"I feel like a weight has been lifted."
"We finally have a plan — and I actually feel good about it."
"She feels like part of our team, not a consultant."
"She never makes us feel judged."
Those are the outcomes I care about most — helping people find clarity, confidence, and a way forward.
Ready to have a conversation?
Whether you're a business, an individual, or a professional partner — I'd love to hear what you're working on.
Practical HR consulting, workplace investigations and coaching for businesses and individuals across New Zealand.
Based in Whangamatā, supporting clients across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and nationwide.
SERVICES
Fractional HR
Workplace Investigations
Performance Management
Restructuring
Employment Contracts
HR Strategy
Career Coaching
