Head Office
Geoff Densem
Managing Director
Geoff is the founder and Managing Director of Advanced Personnel Services Ltd and is based at the company's Head Office located in Christchurch.
Geoff's association with the personnel industry goes back to Jan 1986 when he started the industrial temp staff division for Key Personnel, before founding Advanced Personnel in late October 1987. Now over 2 & 1/2 decades on and he remains the navigator/strategist behind the company that employs more than 25 permanent staff and 300 temporary on-hire personnel weekly.
Geoff considers the company's investment in a web based interface as early as 2000 has helped to keep it at the forefront of its development maintaining strategic size, a major advantage in our New Zealand market; versatile enough where we can make a decision quickly and yet reputable and big enough to provide confidence and security to our candidates and clients. Recruitment in today's market is for us about aligning ourselves with our clients and candidates utilising leading edge communications more than ever before.
With so many options around it is about adapting to change and remaining at the cutting edge in terms of technology, efficiencies, respect and offering a service second to none.
In his spare time Geoff is involved with his family, football and Motorsport.
Ryan Densem
General Manager "Acting"
Ryan first joined the recruitment industry in 2001. For the first seven years of his career he lived and worked in some of New Zealand's greatest cities supporting, building and growing the Advanced Personnel nationwide branch network before settling in Auckland in 2008.
"I have had the pleasure of working with and being mentored by some exceptional people in the recruitment field; some of the most intelligent, highly motivated people I have ever met. At the other end of the scale I have come across a number of people who wait morbidly on the recruitment industry death row, having very little commitment to the industry. My wish is to combine my knowledge and experience gained from working with those at both ends of the scale and collaborate with our permanent staff to deliver the best partnerships to our clients and candidates alike".
Ryan has trained managers, recruiters and support staff, communicated with hundreds of clients surrounding strategic workforce plans, legal and policy related matters as well as interviewing countless candidates about their dreams, careers and employment opportunities moving forward.
In his spare time Ryan enjoys mounting biking, martial arts, supporting the Crusaders and spending time with family and friends.
Paula Densem
Director
I consider myself the Opportunist.
Opportunity is what drives me - I love working in the recruitment industry, each door you open is a door to opportunity
One of my favourite things is connecting with people at all levels
After raising a family of 3 boys I returned to working for Advanced Personnel fulltime, spending 7 years living in Auckland and working in our North Shore branch before returning to Christchurch in December 2017.
My role within Advanced Personnel, aside from Director duties, predominately revolves around liasing with our clients, Company credit control, processing new account applications and assistance to our HR Manager
Outside of work I enjoy hanging out with our young German Shepherd, Boss. I enjoy my sport particularly rugby union (being an avid Crusaders supporter) league and soccer. Spending time with family and friends is a given, and travelling is always on my partners and my Agenda whether it be overseas or in NZ
Joe Hemingway
Northern Regional Manager
Originally from Wakefield West Yorkshire (one extremely proud Yorkshireman!) Joe joined the Advanced Personnel family in October 2020 and is the Branch Manager for the Manukau Branch.
Having worked almost a decade in the recruitment industry across different sectors, Joe has focused on perfecting his service delivery to his clients. He is a keen advocate of open and honest communication between 'people' and endeavour to create a positive work environment for those around him. What he enjoys the most about recruitment is being able to meet a wide range of people, understand their challenges and having the opportunity to produce a solution.
When not at work Joe is usually doing something football related, be it playing football for his local team or shouting at the TV in the early hours watching his second love, Leeds United.
Lauren Macquet
National Operations & Sales Manager
Introducing Lauren Macquet - a seasoned professional with a 17-year journey in recruitment, complemented by a decade-long tenure in Operational and National Account Management roles.
Joining Advanced Personnel as the National Operations Manager marked a pivotal moment in Lauren's career trajectory. It provided her with an ideal platform to pursue her passion for nurturing and leading dynamic recruitment teams.
With an unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional outcomes for both clients and candidates, Lauren thrives on the challenges inherent in steering teams toward success. Her extensive expertise permeates every aspect of the recruitment process, ensuring a strategic and results-driven approach at every turn.
For Lauren, excellence isn't just an aspiration; it's a commitment woven into the fabric of her professional ethos. This dedication is vividly reflected in the thriving and ambitious teams she has cultivated throughout her distinguished career.
Clint Densem
IT Manager / International Resourcing Manager
I joined Advanced Personnel in July 2008 as a Trainee Computer Technician, after 2 years of living in London and traveling around Europe.
In September 2012 I was given the IT Managers role encompassing the overall view and strategy of the company's technology focus. In this role I am responsible for leading and covering a team that looks at all IT related activities including installing and maintaining computer hardware, software and networks while running and maintaining the help-desk, training and consultation, future planning and development of resources. I love the ability in the role to use ever changing technology to improve internal efficiencies and delivery of services to our clients and candidates.
In 2017 we started our overseas candidate resourcing team where today I still oversee that area and international recruitment. This involves a team that actively looks for and recruits overseas applicants and matches them to our consultants orders from clients before we bring them to New Zealand.
In 2013 I completed a NZIM Certificate in Management and at the end of 2021 successfully completed a Bachelors Degree in Business Majoring in Management from Open Polytechnic.
In my spare time I love to travel, car race and work on property investment and run an immigration consultancy.
Astha Bhardwaj
Accounts
"I am passionate about numbers in all forms" is the sentence that gets you a position in the accounting team in this company.
After leaving home 7,764 miles behind about 4 years ago, finishing Bachelors in Mathematics and a Masters in Accounting at 21, Astha has finally decided to settle down with APS as their Accounts Assistant- covering up everything between making payments to the suppliers and contractors to successfully putting in salaries to each temp's bank each week!
After years of working in hospitality and constant customer service positions, she has found her sweet spot with us fulfilling her REAL dream of being an 'introverted nerd'.
Prior to dilly-dallying across the office every day for 9 hours, you can find her curled up in a warm blanket working on her first novel or on Facetime with her doggos spread all across the globe.
Matt Harrington
Human Resources
Matt Harrington is the company's Human Resources lead. Prior to working at Advanced Personnel, Matt has assisted a variety of firms in the manufacturing, FMCG, sales, engineering and primary industry sectors. More particularly, he has spent over a decade with a global firm acting at both national and regional levels in both shared service and business partner roles.
Matt believes that in order to effectively wear an HR hat one must be optimistic, have a high future focus, promote practices in sync with the business structure and challenge folk to be the best they can be in terms of exceeding performance goals, upskilling and personal growth. He's also only too aware that from the outside HR people can look really very busy but nobody actually knows what they do!
His work revolves much around working with people to get the greatest organisational bang from their team, doing all that can be done to see individuals stay, play and provide plenty to create great group results.
Matt found his footsteps taking him through HR doors after working as a secondary school teacher in the first half of the '90s. Not many know that, along with his Masters in Human Resource Management/Organisational Behaviour, he's guilty of possessing an Arts degree majoring in Modern Poetry.
Away from work, he can from time to time be spotted around a game of club cricket (sometimes trying to hit the ball) or mucking about with his hard-working wife and fun-loving son on their patch of farmland south-west of the city.
Csabi Szalay
National Client Relationship Partner
Csabi has been with Advanced Personnel for over three years thanks to Immigration NZ and his wife who according to him has great taste picking such a handsome European Metrosexual man.
Before transitioning to his new role, Csabi built a large construction and engineering portfolio where he became the top Senior Consultant within APS. As a recruitment consultant he changed lots of people's life for the better, influenced companies to build their culture and very proudly points out to major Auckland buildings "I was involved in this one too!"
Csabi has a Master's in International Relations and Media, loves gastronomy and rock music. Csabi comes into work everyday with Heston, his French bulldog. Heston is the self-appointed 'Head of Barketing and Pawblic Relation Manager'. If you see them (Csabi looks like DÁrtagnan according to others although he likes to think he is the local Dave Grohl lookalike) around the country, give them a shout, they will look after you.
Sophie Brumwell
Team Leader
Sophie has over ten years' experience in Customer Service. Having run a contact centre for many years, she has the hustle factor down pat. She is client centric and is passionate about people.
Sophie gained exposure to the recruitment environment in Canada where she effectively managed a large construction portfolio.
Sophie is a bookworm at heart, and when she is not knee deep in literature, she is enjoying a glass of quality vino.
Caitlin Baker
Support & Reception
International Resourcing
Rashmi Mule
Team Leader
As an adept International Resourcing Manager, Rashmi is dedicated to driving global talent acquisition strategies that align with organizational objectives and foster growth. With a proven track record in navigating the complexities of international recruitment, she brings a wealth of experience in building high-performing, culturally diverse team.
With a strategic mindset and an in-depth understanding of international job markets, she has successfully crafted and executed talent acquisition strategies that resonate across borders. Her proficiency in identifying and engaging top-tier talent on a global scale is complemented by a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.
Over 15+ years in the field, Rashmi have spearheaded successful recruitment initiatives, attracting, and retaining top talent for critical roles across diverse industries and geographies. Her commitment to excellence has contributed to the growth and success of the organization. Rashmi embarked on a journey of global talent excellence with Advanced Personnel since 2017 as our International Resourcing Manager. She is enthusiastic about leveraging her skills, experience, and passion for strategic talent acquisition to contribute to the continued success of the organization.
Teri-Lee Vicars
Recruitment Consultant
Originally from South Africa, Teri immigrated to New Zealand in 2019 with her husband and son. Since then, a beautiful little girl has since joined the family.
Teri has been in the recruitment industry for just over 5 years servicing clients in a range of industries such as manufacturing, warehousing and office support. She joined Advanced Personnel in 2021 and has been learning the New Zealand market since.
The variation in daily tasks and the wide range of people that we communicate with on a daily basis is what Teri enjoys about her role, along with having a laugh with her team.
In her free time Teri loves heading to the parks and beaches with the kids, visiting her family and friends, and baking up sweet treats for the office.
Contact / Email Teri-Lee about:
Invercargill
Phoebe Mason
Team Leader
Phoebe is responsible for over-seeing the growth and development of Advanced personnel within the Southland region. Offering sound knowledge of the factory and processing fields, she has the capabilities to seek key information and clearly communicate the processes and procedures to both clients, and temporary staff.
Phoebe also has experience managing migrant workers and has a solid understanding of the work that takes place both at the fore-front and behind the scenes, to provide the great services Advanced Personnel as a company, have to offer.
Away from the office, Phoebe enjoys a wide range of sports, competing at regional, national, and even international levels! Any additional free time is spent at home with family and friends, and her beloved dog.
Nelson
Brindley van Haght
Team Leader
Known to many as Brin or B - Born & raised in Cape Town, South Africa. Dedicated Springbok rugby support & avid Wine taster of note!
With over 15 years client & staff relationship management experience - engaging with people is what I enjoy doing & brings out the best in me
Outside of work I focus on my family with everything I do is ensure better life for them. My legacy I will leave behind one day will be my kids & those who lives I have added value too.
I live by the following "Life is not about how many times you get knocked down, but rather how many times you get up & keep moving forward "
Mike King
Recruitment Consultant
I am Passionate, Professional, Powerful.
A career professional with over 20 years' experience managing Key Accounts in the Information Technology and Communications arena as well as significant Retail Management, I wanted a new challenge - I'm now a "Dream Maker" at APS
I'm an unsigned musician, a wanna be poet, fitness junky, and mountain bike weekend warrior.
I love my 3 children and beautiful wife.
I'm a Springbok supporter who always has a smile on my dial and a twinkle in my eye.
So awesome to be a part of this amazing team
Scott Shrimpton
Recruitment Consultant
A recent 2020 import to the beautiful Tasman region from the one - eyed Canterbury region, I followed the sun which has also led me to this career path. The challenge and opportunity to help people better their lives is the magic of this for me.
Having a background in Sales, retail management and training, I'm surprised I'm not much wiser than I am. My wonderful wife and 3 fantastic children will attest to that.
Out of work I'm a tragic 80's hair metal guitarist who thinks it's always 1987, gig regularly on weekends in a few bands, and a complete muscle car freak.
It wasn't me officer……….
Hawke's Bay
Gloria Isa'ako
Recruitment Consultant
I'm originally from Western Samoa. I moved to NZ in 2005 and Hastings in 2006.
I did my HR and Management studies in Auckland and moved back to the Sunny Bay in 2020.
I've always aimed to pursue a career in Recruitment because I love helping people get into work, and APS is a great opportunity to fulfill this.
I have 5 years of external and internal recruitment in Manufacturing, Food Production, Warehousing Logistics as well as Agriculture & Horticulture.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, playing tennis and spending time with families & friends!
Contact / Email Gloria about:
Hamilton
Melanie Sutton
Team Leader
Growing up in Tokoroa for my formative years, I ventured to the stunning Coromandel for a spell before settling in Hamilton for the past 23 years. My professional journey has been diverse, having transitioned from roles in the education sector and various government departments to managing operations for a National Civil Roading Company, and most recently, contributing to Adecco before joining the vibrant team at Advanced Personnel.
Raised in a family of truck drivers, I inherited a deep appreciation for the scent of diesel, bitumen, and asphalt - it's practically in my DNA! Personally, I cherish family time and the company of a good book, finding solace and joy in both. In October 2022, I tied the knot for the first and only time, embracing the joys of marriage alongside my husband, who brings with him three adult children and two grandchildren.
Off-duty, you'll often find me with a book in hand and a coffee by my side - after all, caffeine is my chosen elixir. I'm thrilled to be a part of this community and eagerly anticipate the connections and collaborations ahead. Let's embark on this journey together!
Ikenasio Vaise
Recruitment Consultant
Talofa Lava,
Being Samoan we are blessed with a God given gift of being naturally hospitable and friendly. Being a bit green in this recruiting space, I can use this blessing to connect with people. My big boldly head and friendly smile will ease your troubles whether you choose to laugh with me or at me, I'm cool either way.
Following my Christian beliefs, I see the work that I do as a means of Glorifying God through service to others. Favorite quote- "its not about winning the race, it's how many people you take with you to the finishing line." Rugby, running, and family are all very close to my heart.
Maruf Hossain
Recruitment Consultant
I am originally from Bangladesh and I am living in New Zealand for 8 years now.
I have worked in the Recruitment Industry for 1.5 years and most of my experience is in Recruitment and Business Development. I am good at building and maintaining good relationships and I am looking forward to building my career with Advanced Personnel.
I recently started as Recruitment Consultant with Advanced Personnel and the best thing I like in Recruitment Industry is meeting new people finding the best-matched jobs and seeing the smile.
My hobby is painting and traveling and appreciate the gifts that we have. I also like riding a motorcycle and enjoy spending time with my family.
Manukau
James Bowmar
Recruitment Consultant
Sai Aiga
Recruitment Consultant
I was born and raised in the beautiful island of Western Samoa.
I started in the recruitment industry 6 years ago and the one thing that keeps me going and very passionate about is helping people, not only candidates but clients as well.
I am happily married and have three beautiful kids and love spending time with my family. My family and I are heavily involved with church and love serving God's house.
Vanessa Seau
Recruitment Consultant
Talofa / Aloha,
Vanessa is new to the recruitment world but has strong experience in Customer Service & Management.
Has a Bachelor of Laws but has found passion in recruitment - what really excites Vanessa about recruitment is the factor to help people, sort out their challenges and finding good end results. Vanessa comes from a strong Samoan/Hawaiian background - always advocating for the Pacifica group and wanting bigger and better for the community.
When not working Vanessa is usually at home with her husband, going on a road trip with friends or travelling overseas.
North Shore
Camille Sissons
Recruitment Consultant
I spent my youth in competitive skiing and travelling with my sport as a coach.
After that I moved into the family business within the construction industry, followed by a number of years with a large commercial building management company.
I entered Advanced Personnel as a candidate Resourcer and quickly moved into a consultants role where I specialise in the manufacturing and logistics sector but I also have a diverse background in many different areas and can help with candidates across all sectors.
Lisa Sinclair
Reception / Admin Support
Born and raised in South Africa, Lisa relocated to New Zealand back in 2017. Lisa joined our team in February of 2023 as the Reception / Support person in our North Shore branch.
She has over 10 years customer service experience and absolutely loves meeting and working with people. Lisa is not afraid of taking on as many tasks as possible, she is always looking to improve her skills and knowledge, and to learn and grow within the company.
When she is not working Lisa loves spending time with her family and exploring. She is always up for a "Braai" with a cheeky cocktail or two.