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
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
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.
Dale Hobson
Business & HR support / H&S Advisory
Although new in her role of National HSEQ Manager, Dale has been around the Advanced Personnel block for over 10 years now. Starting as a (very) young receptionist in the North Shore branch she has tried her hand at it all, now settling on Health, Safety, Environment and Quality management and development within the company.
Dale has been lucky enough to be provided training and education within her chosen industry by APS, including a Diploma in Business Studies, Level 3 Health & Safety and great, ongoing mentorship by Robin, the Group H&S Senior Advisor. It is this education and her cumulative experience that gives her the ability to guide the wider team in any curly situations, or with any questions they may have regarding Health & Safety. And if she doesn't know it, you'd best believe she will find it out!
Outside of work, Dale is a professional relaxer - be that with a book, a bite to eat or a beer in hand. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going on adventures and being time outside in the sunshine (when we are lucky enough to have it!). Life is about maximising the enjoyment for Dale both at home and at work, so you've got to always be ready for a laugh!
Caitlin Baker
Support & Reception
International Resourcing
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 "
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:
Jeremy Koh
Candidate Recruitment Resourcer
I am a half Chinese and half Malaysian who was born and raised in New Zealand.
In 2020 I completed a degree in Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and a minor in Human Resource Management at University of Canterbury.
After graduation, I spent a couple of years working in the Sales industry where I gained a lot of work experience, but my long-term goal is to build a successful career in the HR/Recruitment and Marketing field.
I just recently started working as a Candidate Recruitment Resourcer at Advanced Personnel, what motivates me to do my job is to meet and help people all over the world who are in need of finding an opportunity to develop their careers.
My hobbies outside of work is gyming and exercising, I like to draw and paint when I have spare time, my favourite sport is basketball which I enjoy watching and playing.
Rashmi Mule
Candidate Recruitment Resourcer
Sarah Calderone
Candidate Recruitment Resourcer
After living in Melbourne for 7 years I moved back home to Christchurch with my husband and 2 children.
With a background in hospitality it was time to move away from shift work with the ambition to work for a company that made a difference.
I have been working for Advanced Personnel since 2015 starting as a receptionist moving into administration, payroll and now in the Head Office team as a Resourcer.
Having only been in the team for a short time I can see the difference we are making in giving overseas candidates an opportunity to escape hardship and support their families.
In my spare time I love travelling, going to rock concerts, supporting the Crusaders and hanging out with my family and friends.
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.
Christchurch
Ed Heald
National Business Development Manager
I have over 35 years' experience in the Engineering industry. I trained as a Plastics Engineer dealing with product manufacture, processing and tooling before moving into tool and product design.
I then moved into sales, management roles, servicing, and liaising with existing customers on a regular basis and developing new business. This also encompassed technical advice with respect to materials and design and the preparation of formal quotations.
I joined Advanced Personnel in October 1996 as an Industrial Consultant in the Engineering and Manufacturing Sector. My understanding of the industry brings excellent service to both clients and candidates.
Have now moved into Management roles but still keep regular contact with both clients and candidates.
Stanton Gangan
Team Leader
Stanton has joined Advanced Personnel - Manukau, specialising in Industrial Temp Solutions.
Originally from Durban, Stanton and his family have made their home in Auckland. In his spare time Stanton plays an Indian percussion drum called the "Tabla" (pronounced "THA-BLA) and has a passion for classic cars.
Although Stanton's background is in marketing, he has "hit the ground running" in the industrial temp space and is proving to be a force to be reckoned with!
'I really enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and I feel that my ability to communicate on the same level with others enables me build lasting relationships with my clients and candidates'.
Mark Wilkins
Recruitment Consultant
After deciding to down tools as a carpenter and move into the labour hire business, I joined Advanced Personnel as a Recruitment Consultant in April 2012.
As a carpenter I prided myself on quality of work and I ensure the candidates I find for my clients predominately in the construction industry have quality, reliability and old fashion work ethics.
Contact / Email Mark about:
Will Gross
Recruitment Coordinator
I am originally from Gillingham, a small town in the south of England. Although, having moved to New Zealand at such a young age, I really consider myself a kiwi.
My working background is very much so 'people person' oriented. I've worked for New Zealand Police as an Emergency Dispatcher and Communicator, ACC as a Recovery Co-ordinator, and most recently the Department of Corrections as a Probation Officer, so its fair to say I have a few work stories.
Working in the recruitment industry excites me as it enables me to connect with people daily, with the common goal of finding people work; a positive outcome for all involved!
In my spare time you'll find me either kicking a football, swinging a golf club, or holding a fishing rod.
Nelson
Amy Bryant
Recruitment Consultant
Originally from Palmerston North, Amy moved to the Hawkes Bay for 6 years. While living in the Hawkes Bay she studied HR and Finance and started working in the HR and recruitment field.
After a few years she then moved into the financial advice industry.
Amy Moved to sunny Nelson at the beginning of 2022 with her husband and two miniature schnauzers. Amy loves helping people and has always worked in customer focused industries.
In her spare time, she loves being at the beach, trail bike riding, kayaking and exploring the South Island.
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……….
Kim McArthur
Recruitment Coordinator
I moved back home to Nelson from the deep south with my two children in 2019. It's great to be back, I decided to get back into my HR career and completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources through SIT. Once back in Nelson I started work in a generalist HR role and through that realised my passion for recruitment which has lead to APS.
Spare time - taxi driver for my children, getting over to the batch in Golden Bay as often as I can!
Harriet Wood
NZ Payroll Manager / Project Specialist
Hiking with Huskies and gaming on weekends, Coffee and music while spending time with friends, Movies, and caching and lots of travelling, these are a few of her favourite things.-
When Harriet isn't out searching for waterfalls and exploring the local wilderness, she's practicing her hand-eye coordination on her trusty PS5 - It's all about balance!
Harriet first joined the Nelson team as their branch administrator and key account. With a strong public service sector background and knowledge of law and legislation, she soon found a passion behind the scenes, working with national payroll, systems and supporting her wider team.
In her past life she worked as a travel consultant, worked in the mines in Australia, has been a coordinator for a large Australian Telecommunications company and worked in contracts and facilities administration.
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
Jeni Perkinson
Team Leader
I found my passion for recruitment many years ago, people have been at the core of any and all that I do,
Diversity is the spice of life, spending several years as a specialist employment consultant I have worked in an ever changing environment and loved every minute, meeting, supporting, guiding and training people to help them find the career that truly excites them is what gets me out of bed in the morning.
10+ years in sales and design and 10 + years in construction and trades, I pride myself on building enduring relationships, doing the hard yards and I'm not afraid of rolling up my sleeves… From high heels to steel capped boots, it's all in a days work as a recruitment consultant.
Pride myself on finding the right fit, work hard to understand the needs of both the candidate and the client.
I love the outdoors, love exploring our beautiful country and the world, active relaxer, if there is a sunset and cider… I am so there. lover of music and all things chocolate.
Awanui Shirley
Recruitment Consultant
Since the age of 17, I have worked in the construction and trades industry in both AUS and NZ.
In these roles, I learned business is about forging enduring relationships and that work, at times, can only be secured through a handshake and the strength of your word.
There's a saying in the trades "measure twice, cut once", and it's a quote that I still live by to this day both at work and in my personal life.
In my spare time, I'm always chasing the perfect wave as a surfer and love finding new surf spots.
Contact / Email Awanui about:
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.
Renee Smith
Support & Reception
Originally from two small towns in the bay of plenty and the sunny Hawkes bay now living in the mighty Waikato.
I enjoy a game of league , netball, touch but most of all love to spend time with my family and explore this beautiful country we call Aotearoa.
I'm a happy go lucky person who loves to meet new people.
From a young age I have always had a passion for helping people and making a difference. I have gained 11 years' experience in customer service from hospitality to telecommunications to finance to digital service now into a recruitment industry.
I look forward to smashing it out the park with my APS whanau here in Hamilton
Manukau
Casey Grimshaw
Recruitment Consultant
Casey first entered the recruitment field in 2019, focusing on the warehousing, distribution and food production industries however has a strong background building relationships and managing expectations across construction and hospitality - Wedding & Events Planner to Construction Operations Manager and back again!
In her spare time you will find her attempting to relax with a wine in hand, often being pulled back to reality by her toddler and clingy White German Shepherd.
Her favourite quote is what she lives by in both her work and personal life - 'don't talk about it, be about it'.
Chante Toko
Recruitment Consultant
Chante has recently returned home to New Zealand after spending 5 years in Brisbane working in the recruitment industry.
Chante's biggest driver is her whanau, first it was her children but now it's certainly her grandchildren.
Her other passion is helping people achieve and ensuring that the Auckland community can support their whanau.
When not at work you will find Chante helping the Māori community with counselling, mentoring, and spending time with her whanau.
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
Denise Richardson
Senior Recruitment Consultant
I'm Denise Richardson everyone calls me either D2, De-Nice, Denich
My role here is a Senior Consultant and I look after our construction sector
I've been active in recruitment for 8yrs but 13yrs in construction
Gracie my Staffy/Boxer is also part of the team here at APS
Originally from the U.K but have live 28yrs in NZ so class myself as a Kiwi
I have 2 amazing boys who are chasing their dreams.
In my spare time you will find me out on a boat Fishing, or on a jetski carving up the water.
Or if weather is bad, in a nice cafe.
Contact / Email Denise about:
Edmund Ferreira
Recruitment Consultant
Edmund (Ed) transitioned into the recruitment industry after getting a feel for it during his time store-managing multiple locations in a QSR business. He has an extensive list of experience working in hospitality, retail, merchandising, manufacturing, and farming industries, and more. He understands what it takes to be a good candidate in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors, and provides an excellent level of service post-placement. If you have a niche role to fill, or you have a very particular set of skills, let Edmund know, he will find the best placement for you.
Ed loves spending his free time with his partner and daughter, looking into any upskilling he could snap up, and trying to get his pushups in. He is a native South-African, although has been in New Zealand for 15 years and completed his schooling here.
Contact / Email Edmund about:
Louise Sanderson
Recruitment Consultant
Hi there, I am a Recruitment Consultant professional. My background is Human Resources and management.
I have a genuine passion for people and helping them into work. I love to see people developing personally and professional through work.
Rohit Nair
Recruitment Consultant
Meet Rohit, a recruitment consultant who moved from India to Auckland in 2018. Rohit joined Advanced Personnel in February 2023 and has quickly become an integral part of the team. With an engineering background and expertise in temp recruitment, Rohit has a unique perspective on the recruitment process. He understands the technical skills required for engineering roles and the importance of finding the right fit for temporary positions.
When Rohit isn't working, he loves to stay active by playing sports like cricket, basketball, and football. He also enjoys spending time outdoors, camping and hiking in the great outdoors. His love for sports and the outdoors has taught him the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication, which he brings to his work as a recruitment consultant.
With his technical expertise, business acumen, and passion for sports and the outdoors, Rohit is a well-rounded recruitment consultant who can help both clients and candidates achieve their goals. Whether you're looking for a temporary job or seeking top talent for your organization, Rohit is the perfect partner to help you succeed.
Contact / Email Rohit about:
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.