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
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Bevan Lindsey Head of Technology & Consulting
Bevan Lindsey | Head of Technology and Consulting
Bevan joined IT Partners in June 2018 as our Virtual CIO. 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 9741708
Kristy Cook Head of People & Culture
Kristy Cook | Head of People & Culture
After beginning her career as a PA and executive assistant in a wide range of industries Kristy joined IT Partners in August 2008 as our Systems and Marketing Coordinator. Kristy’s role has grown and changed since then and she now manages the people and culture area of the business, including health and safety. Kristy is part of the Senior Leadership Team and assists in special projects so is involved in most aspects of the business.
07 957 2655
Maree Barker Finance Manager
Maree Barker | Finance Manager
Maree holds the title for the longest standing IT Partners employee, having worked with Andrew since 2002. Maree has an extensive background in practice management and Executive PA positions prior to joining IT Partners. As the finance manager, Maree manages and performs all aspects of the company’s finances, while also managing the administration team to ensure the smooth running of all office systems. Maree is also part of the Senior Leadership Team.
07 957 2652
Nick Dinan Head of Sales and Marketing
Nick Dinan | Head of Sales and Marketing
We welcomed Nick to the IT Partners Team in May 2019 as our Head of Sales and Marketing. Nick has over 20 years of sales and management experience in the technology industry, most recently with Canon New Zealand. This experience is strongly supported by his Graduate Diploma in Business. Nick is passionate about sales and business growth, providing thought leadership and guidance to the Sales and Marketing team. In his spare time, Nick enjoys a wide range of sports, overseas adventures, and dining out. He now spends most of his weekends watching his three children participate in their various sporting codes.
07 970 0215
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 0216
Tim BixleyHead of Engineering
Tim Bixley | Head of Engineering
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. Tim is the engineer team Lead. As part of this role he manages the engineers’ training and development and is part of the Senior Leadership Team.
07 957 2653
SALES & 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 joins the IT Partners Sales Team as an Account and Business Development Manager. Over the past seven years, Chris has gained extensive experience from his roles as a 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 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 NuzumAccount Manager
Siobhan Nuzum | 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 our sales team in business development. Siobhan’s extensive experience and industry knowledge is supported by her Bachelor of Electronic Commerce from Waikato University. Outside of the office Siobhan is 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 GardSales Administrator
Baylie Gard | Sales Administrator
Baylie joined the IT Partners team in 2020, in the newly created role of Sales Administrator. 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 Coordinator
Kelcy Ballantyne | Marketing Coordinator
Joining the team as our new Marketing Coordinator is Kelcy. After spending the last three years studying towards a Bachelor of Management studies (Hons), majoring in Marketing and Strategic Management, she is ready to put her knowledge into action. 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
Art GrochalaBusiness Analyst
Art Grochala | Business Analyst
We welcomed Art to the IT Partners Professional Services Team in April 2019 as a Business Analyst. Art has over 12 years of experience in many industries including health, education and the dairy sector. This is supported by his master’s degree from the University of Warsaw and years of professional training. He is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and has developed a deep understanding of digital transformation business drivers and knowledge of Microsoft 365. Art works on optimising business performance through process improvement and champions the implementation of Modern Workplace and Microsoft 365 solutions. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, home improvement projects and discovering the latest IT gadgets.
07 970 0214
Sam Woolerton Analyst
Sam Woolerton | Analyst
After a month as an Intern and completing a BMS majoring in accounting and economics, Sam stepped up to the role as IT Partners Analyst. This role involves Sam supporting our Managing Director, Andrew Johnson, with data analysis through collecting, analyzing and reporting data to meet business needs. Sam also has a strong passion for strategy so he’s looking forward to getting an insight into IT Partner’s strategic approach to business. In his spare time, Sam enjoys social sports, especially football.
07 974 1709
OPERATIONS
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
Cassi Jeffries Office Support
Cassi Jeffries | Office Support
Cassi joined the IT Partners team in November 2017 in an Office Support role. In her previous position, Cassi was a Legal Secretary but is most passionate about administration. A true people person, Cassi is right at home in our reception and her Certificate in Business Administration and Computing sees her excel in this role! Outside of the office Cassi loves spending time with her husband and their little girl; together they enjoy getting outdoor for regular walks and of course brunching with their family.
07 957 2650
Kaitlin GrensideFinance Assistant
Kaitlin Grenside | Finance Assistant
Kaitlin joined the IT Partners team in April 2015 as our Receptionist, and in February 2017 was promoted to the position of Finance Assistant. Kaitlin is responsible for supporting the Financial Manager, 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 Assistant
Beki Diamond | Finance Assistant
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 Finance Manager as a Finance Assistant. 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
Dannielle CookPeople & Culture Team Member
Dannielle Cook | People & Culture Team Member
Dannielle joined the IT Partners team in 2016 as an intern for Andrew Johnson and Kristy Cook. In October 2017 Dannielle completed her BMS(Hons), majoring in human resources and strategic management, and became a People & Culture Team Member. This role involves Dannielle supporting our People & Culture Manager with human resource processes, employee engagement and the overall happiness of the team. Outside of the office, Dannielle enjoys spending her time at the beach.
07 839 8585
Tayla MarrinerPersonal Trainer & Wellness Coordinator
Tayla Marriner | Personal Trainer & Wellness Coordinator
Joining the Team in July 2018, Tayla plays an active role in looking after our Team’s health and wellbeing. Tayla is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Sport Science and Human Performance and has previously coached sports teams. When she’s not putting our team through their paces, Tayla is an adventure seeking, adrenaline junky who loves doing anything that will make her heart race. Tayla also enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
07 974 1701
Janey HannaIntern
Janey Hanna | Intern
Janey’s initiative and eagerness to learn has seen her thrive as an intern at IT Partners. Janey is currently in her third year at the University of Waikato studying towards a Bachelor of Management Studies (Hons), majoring in Marketing and Strategic Management. Prior to joining our team in November 2018, Janey had further internship experience where she was responsible for coordinating a range of projects. Her can-do attitude extends far beyond the work environment, enjoying all the challenges that the outdoors present. Mountain climbing, surfing, swimming, and rowing are just some of the many activities that Janey loves doing in her spare time.
07 974 1706
Casey Hamlin Intern
Casey Hamlin | Intern
Joining our intern program, is Casey Hamlin, a Finance and Economics major from the University of Waikato. Casey is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of a Management Studies Honours Degree and enjoys competing in academic competitions such as the CFA Research Challenge. Outside of her studies, Casey loves learning new things, going to the gym, playing social sports, walking her dog and travelling. Casey’s desire to continuously learn and apply her university knowledge in a practical setting will see her excel in the IT Partners team.
07 974 1706
Sarah JacksonPersonal Trainer Intern
Sarah Jackson | Personal Trainer Intern
In October 2019 Sarah joined the IT Partners Team as a Personal Trainer Intern. Sarah has a wealth of expertise in this field having completed her Certificate in Personal Training and is currently working towards her Level 5 Certificate in Exercise. 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 1701SENIOR 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
Daniel EbbettSenior Systems Engineer
Daniel Ebbett | Senior Systems Engineer
Daniel brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to his role as a Senior Systems Engineer at IT Partners. A graduate of the University of Waikato, Daniel combined a Bachelor of Electronic Commerce with a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Systems before working at the Waikato District Health Board as a senior enterprise engineer. Most recently, Daniel spent four years with Insurance Australia Group in Sydney where he was responsible for looking after the company’s core infrastructure in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Outside of work, Daniel can be found in the outdoors and depending on the season he’ll either be hiking, snowboarding or mountain biking.
07 974 9317
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 McKenzieSenior Systems Engineer
Owen McKenzie | 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
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 NoordtJunior Engineer
Willem van Noordt | Junior 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 has enabled Willem to gain plenty of practical experience through project work. Willem has furthered his expertise by becoming CNNA Routing and Switching Certified and is now excited to put his knowledge to the test. In his free time, Willem enjoys PC gaming or delving into a good book.
07 970 0212