Who we are
IT Partners are more than just your IT support team; we’re your partner in business. We specialise in thinking differently and taking a whole business view. That’s why we manage your IT systems and leverage the technology and telecommunications in the way that best supports your business needs, goals, and growth. Like IT, business is a system of interrelated, moving, changing parts that ultimately – must deliver value. We live this every day, and help you live it too.
IT Partners make a great business partner because:
We are proactive
The IT industry moves fast and we strive to give our clients a commercial advantage. This means we work on staying ahead of the technology curve, and seek ways to bring you along with us. It also means we set up and manage your existing IT with the future in mind.
We add value
We are not interested in technology for technology’s sake. Our focus is on giving you only the systems and solutions that improve your business performance and profitability – and we’ll teach you how to get the most out of them. We show you how your IT services and support can be more than just an overhead – by delivering efficiencies and productivity.
We are responsive
When problems do occur we’ll be on your doorstep, or working remotely, to fix the problem fast, and communicate where we are at with the job. It is our job to minimise IT frustration and disruptions to your business. We also want to know what’s going well, what we can improve, and anything else you might need, we work with you so that we can take action to remove roadblocks and disruption to your business.
Our Team
IT Partners are an experienced team of professionals providing IT support for medium-to-large sized businesses throughout New Zealand, with a focus on the Waikato Region. We make it our priority to understand our client’s business first and foremost, and then fit technology, solutions and services around their needs to deliver outcomes that ‘just work’.
We combine our collective knowledge and expertise to ensure the job is done right the first time, to help your business perform efficiently, productively, and profitably now and into the future.
Meet the Team
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Andrew JohnsonChief Executive Officer
Andrew Johnson | Chief Executive Officer
In early 2000, Andrew recognised that technology was going to change the way business was conducted, with people requiring guidance and support in this expert field. With this came IT Partners as Andrew made the decision to start his own IT consulting business. Over the last 20 years, IT Partners has grown rapidly and as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andrew has lead overall operations and decision making. Andrew provides thought leadership to our clients, ensuring that their technology and systems is improving the way their business operates. Outside of IT Partners, Andrew is involved with a number of boards, enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, and prioritises keeping active and healthy!
07 957 2651
Bevan Lindsey Chief Information Officer
Bevan Lindsey | Chief Information Officer
Bevan joined IT Partners in June 2018 as our Head of Professional Services and Virtual CIO, before transitioning to the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) in November 2020. Bevan’s track record of leading and implementing business change, plus 20 years’ of experience across different industries, is an asset to the consulting services that we offer. A worthy passion of Bevan’s is digital transformation in the workplace and the challenge of managing and executing positive change. Outside of the office Bevan enjoys working on sound engineering for live concerts and events plus, recording and performing music himself.
07 974 1708
Nigel HazelwoodChief Financial Officer
Nigel Hazelwood | Chief Financial Officer
Nigel joined the IT Partners Team in February 2020 as our Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In addition to a Bachelor of Management Studies and Chartered Accountant Qualification, Nigel has gained over 30 years of experience in financial and management accounting. This includes audit, consolidation accounting, financial reporting, and mergers and acquisitions. This experience is spread over a breadth of industries including food, manufacturing and distribution. Prior to joining IT Partners, Nigel was the CFO of Simcro Limited for an 11-year period. Nigel’s background in a range of different sized companies with varying ownership models sees him as a highly valued addition to our SLT. Outside of work Nigel enjoys dining out, spending time with family, and travelling.
07 970 0216SALES & MARKETING
Jason WalkerSenior Account & Business Development Manager
Jason Walker | Senior Account & Business Development Manager
Jason brings 10 years’ of sales experience to the IT Partners team, many of which have been in IT companies in the UK. Most recently, he led a global sales team of 13 people, selling innovative Waikato technology around the world. A University of Waikato alum, Jason graduated with a BMS (Hons) and was also awarded a Prime Minister’s business scholarship for INSEAD Business School’s “Leading the Effective Salesforce” course (2013). Outside of the office, Jason plays squash (badly), enjoys running and is a massive basketball fan. He’s also the owner of four beef cattle, 15 Peking ducks and two cats.
07 957 2659
Chris MusgraveAccount & Business Development Manager
Chris Musgrave | Account and Business Development Manager
Chris is one of our Account and Business Development Managers. Throughout Chris’ career he has gained extensive experience from his roles as a Territory Sales Manager and a Commercial Key Account Manager. A University of Waikato alum, Chris graduated with a MMS majoring in marketing. Out of the office, you’ll usually find Chris playing football, golf, touch rugby or heading to the beach to spend quality time with family and friends.
07 974 1705
Gareth NuzumAccount & Business Development Manager
Gareth Nuzum | Account and Business Development Manager
Gareth joined IT Partners in December 2016 as our new account and Business Development Manager. Gareth’s prior business development experience was with Cherrytree before he joined the Police Force. After five and a half years as a constable for NZ Police, Gareth has chosen to get back into business development. During his free time Gareth keeps active by playing hockey, sailing, snowboarding, travelling and attending music festivals.
07 839 8586
Siobhan NuzumOperations | Account Manager
Siobhan Nuzum | Operations | Account Manager
Siobhan joined the IT Partners team in 2014, working closely with Andrew as an Account Manager. In addition to managing a select set of clients, Siobhan supports both our Sales Team and the wider business in operations; optimising sales processes and operational efficiencies. Siobhan’s extensive experience and industry knowledge is supported by her Bachelor of Electronic Commerce from Waikato University. Outside of the office Siobhan enjoys travelling, reading, and attending music events. She also loves to stay fit through activities such as hiking and boxing, you probably don’t want to race her up the Hakarimata’s!
07 974 9315
Baylie GardAccount Manager
Baylie Gard | Account Manager
Baylie joined the IT Partners team in 2020, in the newly created role of Sales Administrator before quickly transitioning into an Account Management position. Baylie’s eye for detail and highly relevant experience sees her as a great fit for the IT Partners Team. In addition to front office administration, Baylie has spent the last four years working for a corporate travel agent in the areas of consulting, account management and sales administration. Making the most of every day, Baylie can found at the gym by 5.15am! She also loves to spend time in the outdoors or travelling with her partner, dog and wider family.
07 974 1706
Kelcy BallantyneMarketing Strategist
Kelcy Ballantyne | Marketing Strategist
Kelcy joined the team in January 2019 as our Marketing Coordinator before transitioning into the position of Marketing Strategist. Kelcy’s experience is supported by a Bachelor of Management studies (Hons), majoring in Marketing and Strategic Management. While at University, Kelcy interned with two IT Consulting firms working both in Marketing and Business Analysis. When she is not supporting our Sales Team or writing the next blog, Kelcy can be found representing the Waikato Region in Women’s Basketball. Avid for the outdoors, she also enjoys hiking and cycling.
07 974 1702PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Amanda TorstonsonProject Delivery Lead
Amanda Torstonson | Project Delivery Lead
Amanda joined the team in September 2020 as our Project Delivery Lead. Amanda has over 15 years of project experience, in varying roles across a range of industries. In addition to her extensive experience, Amanda completed a BSc at the University of Waikato, in addition to PRINCE2 and Agile Project Management Qualifications. Outside of the office Amanda enjoys spending time with friends and family, having a good laugh. She also loves to fill her weekends with cooking, meal prepping, and relaxing with crafts or netflix.
07 974 1708
Rebekah ScottProject Support
Rebekah Scott | Project Support
In March 2020 Rebekah joined the IT Partners Intern Programme and in October completed her BMS(Hons), majoring in Strategic Management and Digital Business. After graduating, Rebekah became a member of our Professional Services Team in a Project Support role. In this position, Rebekah is involved in process optimisation, data maintenance, reviewing project tasks, and refining business rules. On the weekends Rebekah enjoys swimming at the beach, spending time with friends, and exploring many of New Zealand’s beautiful bush tracks.
07 974 1706ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP
Kim Lander Service Manager
Kim Lander | Service Manager
We welcomed Kim to the IT Partners team in October 2020 as our Service Manager. In this role Kim is responsible for leading the effective delivery of our services and client experience. Kim has over 24 years of industry know-how, working in and leading teams in a range of areas such as Professional Services, Service Delivery, Business Operations, Service Desk, and Project Coordination. In addition to Kim’s extensive experience, she has completed ITIL v3 and Lean Six Sigma qualifications. Outside of the office Kim enjoys spending time with family and friends, often found on the side-lines supporting her children’s sports teams. Kim also loves to stay active herself, training for and participating in long distance running or walking events.
07 970 0218
Tim BixleyChief Technology Officer
Tim Bixley | Chief Technology Officer
Tim joined IT Partners as a Senior Systems Engineer in June 2013 having worked for Fonterra for 12 years in a range of areas including automation infrastructure, application management and large desktop migrations. Tim’s specialties include VMware, monitoring systems and SAN storage. In late 2020 Tim transitioned into the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and is now responsible for leading technological thought leadership delivery for our clients, while overseeing all system design and changes in systems architecture.
07 957 2653
SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERS
Carl BuckleySenior Systems Engineer
Carl Buckley | Senior Systems Engineer
Carl has been one of our Senior Systems Engineers since joining IT Partners in June 2008 and focuses on supporting and creating solutions for a select number of complex clients. Carl has a career history working for large organisations. Prior to joining IT Partners Carl was involved with migrations and upgrades on thermal and hydro power stations for an SOE power generation company.
07 957 2656
Dan McCarthy Senior Systems Engineer
Dan McCarthy | Senior Systems Engineer
Dan joined IT Partners as a senior systems engineer in July 2013. Dan previously worked for the Cloud as a Senior Systems Engineer where he worked primarily on IAAS and SAAS platforms. Dan’s industry experience includes R&D for Cisco for five years, supporting and building video conferencing appliances and networks. Dan also worked for the University of Waikato for four years in the Windows Systems and Development team, handling exchange and active directory primarily.
07 974 9316
Gerard McLarenSenior Systems Engineer
Gerard McLaren | Senior Systems Engineer
With over 16 years of industry experience, Gerard joined our team as a Senior Systems Engineer in April 2019. Gerard has a diploma in PC engineering which is supported by certifications in MPP: Cloud Administration, CSPO and CSM. Most recently Gerard was working with the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) delivering on strategic initiatives by streamlining IT Infrastructure. Prior to this, he spent 4 years working as an IT Consultant in Dubai. Outside of work he loves spending time with his daughter and looks forward to hiking some of New Zealand’s incredible trails with his wife.
07 970 0213
James TaylorSystems Engineer Team Lead & Senior Systems Engineer
James Taylor | Systems Engineer Team Lead & Senior Systems Engineer
With a decade worth of experience in the IT industry, James Taylor knows a thing or two about networks, systems, and programming. A graduate of the University of Waikato – James has a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) next to his name – he has previously worked as a support analyst for Hamilton firm, Convex and as both a Service Desk Technician and Systems Administrator for the Waikato Regional Council. In his role as Senior Systems Engineer for IT Partners, James is responsible for front line support for our clients, all of whom will reap the benefits of his years of experience. Outside of the office, James enjoys homebrewing, reading, family time and cooking.
07 974 9310
Kyle Carter Senior Systems Engineer & Complex Escalations Guru
Kyle Carter | Senior Systems Engineer & Complex Escalations Guru
Kyle is one of IT Partners original Senior Engineers having been at the company since March 2007. Kyle’s vast experience and knowledge means he manages some of our most complex client environments and provides valuable input as part of the Senior Leadership Team. Kyle’s role as systems architect sees him researching and developing products and complex IT solutions to ensure we are providing the right solutions for the right reasons, for ourselves and our clients.
07 957 2658
Lance Wright Head of First Line Support & Senior Systems Engineer
Lance Wright | Head of First Line Support & Senior Systems Engineer
As soon as Lance started working for IT Partners in late 2008 it was clear he wasn’t going to stay a technician for long. Lance is now head of First Line Support and a Senior Systems Engineer having quickly gained the knowledge and experience needed to provide our clients with the best support and solutions possible. Lance has a Bachelor of Electronic Commerce – majoring in information systems management and is a Microsoft certified systems administrator (MCSA) and Cisco certified network associate (CCNA).
07 974 9311
Nick Staines-Hawthorne Senior Systems Engineer
Nick Staines-Hawthorne | Senior Systems Engineer
Nick graduated from Spherion Education in 2003 with a Diploma in Information Technology majoring in software development. After gaining industry experience through an internet services provider Nick travelled overseas on his OE. Upon returning to New Zealand, Nick has continued to increase his knowledge in his previous systems administrator and systems engineer roles. Nick’s experience includes server migrations, virtualisation and infrastructure upgrades as well as SANs, servers and switches. Nick became part of the IT Partners team in January 2014 and is now a Senior Systems Engineer.
07 974 9318
Owen McKenzieAutomation / Senior Systems Engineer
Owen McKenzie | Automation / Senior Systems Engineer
Owen joined the IT Partners team in November 2018, and has since advanced to a Senior Systems Engineer. After pursuing a degree in Information Technology through Wintec, Owen went on to gain 9 years of experience working with systems, networks and programming. From one-man operations through to helping enterprises with 1000+ users, you might say he’s a jack of all trades when it comes to IT. Owen can often be found playing squash or rugby on the weekend, spending time with his Dachshund dog, and has recently found a new passion for running.
07 970 0211
Rinie LazetSenior Systems Engineer
Rinie Lazet | Senior Systems Engineer
With 16 years’ experience in the IT industry under his belt, Rinie is not short on experience in the field of engineering. Rinie’s employment history also includes working in both the health and corporate sectors. Excelling in customer relations by applying a customer-focussed approach to his work, Rinie helps guide the technical support team to operate smoothly and effectively. Rinie has a MCSA Server certification (2012) and a MCITP Server certification (2008). Outside of work, he likes spending quality time with his family and keeping up to date with the latest movies and gadgets.
07 974 9314
SYSTEMS ENGINEERS
Chris JonesSystems Engineer
Chris Jones | Systems Engineer
Joining IT Partners in 2017 – Chris brings 20 plus years of IT experience to his role as a Systems Engineer. Majority of Chris’ IT experience was gained from his years spent as an Electronics Engineer in the UK Royal Air force. Chris’ qualifications include MCSE, Mikrotik, ShoreTel, Ruckus, and Ubiquity. Following his overseas venture, Chris put his IT Skills to use spending 7 years as a Senior Engineer / Technical Team Leader where he was customer focused and results driven. Outside of the office, Chris enjoys classic cars, blo-karting and playing bridge.
07 974 1704
Chris RogersSystems Engineer
Chris Rogers | Systems Engineer
With over 8 years of engineering experience, Chris joined the IT Partners Team as a Systems Engineer in September 2020. After a short stint as a Field Service Engineer, Chris went on to spend 7 years with Datacom as a Systems Engineer. In addition to his practical experience, Chris also completed a Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology at Waikato Institute of Technology. When he’s not supporting our First Line Team or working on client projects, Chris enjoys spending time with family, building Lego models, and PC gaming, while dabbling in woodwork.
07 957 2654
Dan RollinsSystems Engineer
Dan Rollins | Systems Engineer
Joining IT Partners in late 2020, we were thrilled to welcome Dan as a Systems Engineer. In this role Dan enjoys working closely with our clients, optimising both solutions and processes along the way. Dan has been in the industry for 16 years, with systems engineering and operations management experience in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Further to this, Dan is a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP, MCDST, Azure), has a BTEC National Diploma for ICT Practitioners, and is ITIL v4 certified. Dan loves to keep fit and active, spending his time outside of work mountain biking, snowboarding, and practising Brazilian JiuJitsu!
07 849 3225
Richard WaySystems Engineer
Richard Way | Systems Engineer
At IT Partners we support our clients and Richard is in the front line to do exactly that. With a Bachelor of Computer Systems from the Waiariki Institute of Technology, Richard is a Systems Engineer here at IT Partners working as part of the First Line Support Team. He has eight years of IT experience, the past three of which have been spent working for Fujitsu NZ. During this time he supported customers across the Waikato as a field engineer. Richard has also put his IT skills to use for Reece plumbing in Melbourne and Belkin Australia in Sydney. Outside of the office, Richard enjoys restoring old vehicles and machinery, flying remote control aircrafts and hanging out on the farm with his dog.
07 974 1700
Wikus FerreiraSystems Engineer
Wikus Ferreira | Systems Engineer
Mid-2018, Wikus travelled all the way from South Africa to join the IT Partners team as a Systems Engineer. With a Diploma in IT Technical, Wikus knows a thing or two about networking, servers, desktop support and virtualization. Out of the office, Wikus loves spending time with his family, lazing around watching movies, and of course the rugby. He has a passion for photography and looks forward to discovering the beautiful scenery that New Zealand has to offer.
07 839 8587
FIRST LINE SUPPORT ENGINEERS
Brandon CrearFirst Line Engineer
Brandon Crear | First Line Engineer
Brandon joined the IT Partners team in 2020 as a First Line Engineer. After spending the last 7 years in the IT industry Brandon has developed a range of both highly relevant and transferable skills. The last five of these years were spent in the specialist area of VoIP. In his spare time Brandon likes to play PC games, watch great movies or TV series, and spend time with his wife. Together they often enjoy having a BBQ with friends and family.
07 970 0219
Jason CrearFirst Line Engineer
Jason Crear | First Line Engineer
Jason joined the IT Partners team in 2016 after four-and-a-half-years as an IT Support Technician at engineering company, Amec Foster Wheeler. A qualified MCITP Server Administrator and BlackBerry Certified System Administrator, Jason previously worked at ATIO IT Services for four years as a System Administrator Associate. Outside of the office, Jason enjoys a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, watching and playing sports. He also enjoys spending time with his family.
07 839 8584
Mike Davis First Line Engineer
Mike Davis | First Line Engineer
Mike joined the IT Partners Team in 2018 as a First Line Engineer. A qualified MCP, a diploma in 3D Graphics and a Graduate diploma in advanced 3D effects, Mike brings his great eye for detail to the Team. Outside of the office, Mike enjoys four-wheel driving, painting figurines and of course, watching movies.
07 974 1707
Mitchell KearFirst Line Engineer
Mitchell Kear | First Line Engineer
As a First Line Engineer, in October 2019 Mitchell joined the IT Partners team from Telco Technology Services. His experience in the telecommunication industry, working both onsite and remotely, is accompanied by a Bachelor of Information Technology. Avid for VW Golf MK2’s, Mitchell currently spends his spare time restoring this vehicle. He loves to drive it whenever he gets the chance, such as heading to the beach in summer for a surf. Like the typical IT expert, Mitchell also enjoys restoring electronic devices and playing the occasional video game.
07 970 0210
Nathan PillaiFirst Line Engineer
Nathan Pillai | First Line Engineer
Nathan joined the IT Partners team in November 2016 as an IT Support Technician. He has previously worked for New Era IT in Christchurch where he was the key onsite IT support for Cashmere High School, supporting 2000+ devices. Prior to his time at Cashmere High School, Nathan worked as a technology specialist at The Warehouse. Nathan has a Graduate Diploma in Information and Communication Technology and a Bachelor of Business Management. Outside of the office, Nathan enjoys playing cricket, swimming, finding out about new technology and spending time with family, particularly his young niece.
07 974 9312
Willem van NoordtFirst Line Engineer
Willem van Noordt | First Line Engineer
Graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Applied Information Technology from Wintec, Willem joined our team as a Junior Engineer. The applied nature of this degree enabled Willem to gain plenty of practical experience through project work. Willem has furthered his skill set by becoming CNNA Routing and Switching Certified. After experiencing success as a Junior Engineer, in October 2020 Willem transitioned into a First Line Engineering position. In his free time, Willem enjoys PC gaming or delving into a good book.
07 970 0212OPERATIONS
Dannielle CookPeople & Culture Team Lead and Strategist
Dannielle Cook | People & Culture Team Lead and Strategist
Dannielle joined the IT Partners team in 2016 as an intern for Andrew Johnson. In October 2017 Dannielle completed her BMS(Hons), majoring in human resources and strategic management, and became a People & Culture Team Member. In 2020 she transitioned into our People & Culture Team Lead and Strategist, a role that see’s Dannielle work closely with our Executive Team to drive our People and Culture strategy. While overseeing human resource processes, employee engagement, and the overall happiness of the team. Outside of the office, Dannielle enjoys taking her dog Tucker on adventures and spending time with family and friends.
07 839 8585
Kaitlin GrensideFinance
Kaitlin Grenside | Finance
Kaitlin joined the IT Partners team in April 2015 as our Receptionist, and in February 2017 was promoted to a member of our Finance team. Kaitlin is responsible for supporting our CFO, looking after all our clients and the staff at IT Partners. Before IT Partners, Kaitlin worked in a range of professional service firms including Torpedo7 and Loop Technologies. Outside of work, Kaitlin studies part-time towards a Bachelor of Business at Massey University and enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends, travelling, learning new things and enjoying weekends at the beach with her dog, George.
07 839 8582
Beki DiamondFinance
Beki Diamond | Finance
Beki joined the IT Partners team in September 2017 as a temp Receptionist/Administrator. In November 2017, Beki shifted from the front desk to the Finance Pod where she now supports our CFO in Finance. Before IT Partners, Beki spent two years working in the UK in payroll and purchasing roles. Prior to that, Beki completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies and worked as a travel agent. Outside of work, Beki enjoys Aerial Arts, traveling and cooking for friends and family.
07 974 1703
Sarah JacksonPersonal Trainer & Wellbeing Coordinator
Sarah Jackson | Personal Trainer & Wellbeing Coordinator
In October 2019 Sarah joined the IT Partners Team as a Personal Trainer Intern and quickly took on the full time role of Personal Trainer & Wellbeing Coordinator. Sarah has a wealth of expertise in this field having completed her Level 5 Certificate in Exercise and is currently working towards her a Diploma in Health Sciences. In addition to training individuals she enjoys running outdoor boot camps and group classes. When she’s not busy testing us in the gym, she also loves to exercise, eat great food, catch up with friends and family and spend time in the outdoors.
07 974 1701
Nicolene CrearOffice Coordinator
Nicolene Crear | Office Coordinator
Nicolene joined the team as our Office Coordinator in February 2019. Most recently Nicolene has had experience in insurance and administration, working for The Earthquake Commission as a member of the Kaikoura Event Team. This experience in the field makes Nicolene a very valuable member of our team. Outside of work, Nicolene loves giving back to the community as a volunteer member of the Red Cross Disaster Welfare Support Team. A serious bookworm, she also enjoys reading and spending time in the outdoors with family and friends.
07 957 2657
Felicity HunterAdministrator
Felicity Hunter | Receptionist / Administrator
Felicity joined the company in 2018 as a part-time Receptionist / Administrator.
With the skills and knowledge gained from her National certificate in Business Studies, in addition to her many years of experience in the field, Felicity ensures the smooth sailing of our day to day running’s. In her spare time, Felicity loves reading, bush walking and travelling. You can always guarantee that Felicity is planning her next exciting adventure.
With the skills and knowledge gained from her National certificate in Business Studies, in addition to her many years of experience in the field, Felicity ensures the smooth sailing of our day to day running’s. In her spare time, Felicity loves reading, bush walking and travelling. You can always guarantee that Felicity is planning her next exciting adventure.
07 957 2650