Your HR Partner
Genuine People provides expert Fractional HR support for Small & Medium businesses. Let us handle your HR challenges with our tailored services and tools.
We can partner with you quickly, solving your people problems and keeping your business on track. At the same time we will save you thousands of dollars in recruitment fees for a HR professional, full or part time salary, and you can add more hours of support as you need them, reduce the hours or even cancel completely with just 30 days notice.
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Our Story
Genuine People is an HR consulting firm specializing in fractional HR support, employment dispute advice and Executive Coaching. We provide practical solutions tailored to your unique business needs.
Steve Richardson, our founder and CEO, has over 30 years experience in leading businesses and is an expert in Human resources processes and advice. Steve worked in Director level HR roles for 20 years with companies in NZ and overseas. He founded Genuine People in 2015. Since then we have provided advice to many NZ businesses including Genesis Energy, Foodstuffs, PGG Wrightson, and many others. Most recently we have been involved in supporting more small businesses and start ups.
We have extensive expertise in Employment dispute advice for Employers and Employees.
What Clients Say
Kelly Grace
Head of People & Capability
Sept 2025
It is with genuine appreciation that I provide this reference for Steve Richardson, who joined our team on a Fractional HR contract to provide flexible support across the full spectrum of HR activities. From the outset, he demonstrated a rare combination of humility, adaptability, and capability.
The scope of the role required someone who could roll up their sleeves and turn their hand to whatever was needed, whether it was administrative tasks, business-as-usual HR processes, or contributing to broader project initiatives. Steve did exactly that, and more. With no ego and a refreshingly grounded approach, he took direction well and consistently delivered high-quality work across a wide range of responsibilities.
We would not hesitate to welcome Steve back should the need arise, and I would highly recommend Steve to any organisation looking for a capable, low-ego, and highly effective HR professional.
Helen Miller
Founder & MD
The Dog Den Limited
Dec 2025
Steve is very knowledgeable and can provide a number of solutions for any situation. He understands our business and what makes us tick. And I believe he can do this with any business he is involved with.
Steve provides HR support for our business for up to 40 staff. This covers all the contract & letter templates, advice on performance discussions, coaching for supervisors, team restructuring, payroll (hourly and salaried staff), misconduct investigations & process, employment disputes, and general advice & guidance.
Confidential
Senior Manager
Dec 2025
As a legal professional myself, I realise the value of having a subject matter expert represent you wherever possible. When I became aware of the fact that I was soon to be embroiled in a employment dispute, I relied on a recommendation of a colleague and appointed Steve Richardson (Genuine People Consulting) to represent my interests. Throughout the process Steve provided sound advice and guidance. As a result of this guidance I was able to "come out at the other end" knowing that the best possible result had been achieved. With Steve in my corner, I was able to think clearly knowing that my interests were being safeguarded. I am grateful to my colleague for recommending Steve, and it is without hesitation that I do the same.
