MEET THE TEAM

Meet the TEAM behind The Recruitment Network!

Also known as matchmakers, recruitment pros and problem-solvers for our network!

We’re all about connecting the right people with the right roles and that starts with our team - when we're not enjoying our pizza Fridays, out on the road meeting clients or in the office celebrating our wins, our team works tirelessly to make our network stronger, every day.

We’re passionate about finding the perfect fit for both businesses and job seekers, ensuring every placement is a success. With a mix of dedication, expertise, and a bit of fun along the way, we make recruitment an experience that works for everyone!

Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau

Harsh Solanki
Candidate Resourcer

Harsh joined The Recruitment Network in 2026 as a Candidate Resourcer based in our Auckland office. Bringing a strong background in recruitment and customer service, Harsh is passionate about connecting great people with great opportunities and helping candidates take the next step in their careers.

Known for a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and a strong eye for detail, Harsh thrives in fast-paced environments where building relationships and delivering exceptional service are key. Harsh enjoys working closely with candidates and clients alike, ensuring every interaction is professional, efficient, and people focused.

 M: 021 616 829

E: harsh@trn.org.nz

Tarawhati Williams
Regional Growth Manager

M: 021 204 4385

E: tarawhiti@trn.org.nz

Brijesh Bhatt
Facilitator

Brij has been with TRN for more than four years, Brij enjoys connecting great people with the right opportunities and helping clients build reliable, high-performing teams. His industry experience allows him to understand both client expectations and candidate strengths, making the recruitment process smooth and effective.

Industry expertise:

  • Senior Chef
  • Accountant

 

"The best part of my job is connecting people. Whether it's helping someone find their next opportunity or providing a client with the right person at the right time, knowing I've made a positive impact on both sides is what makes this role so rewarding."

M: 021 225 4269

E: brijesh@trn.org.nz

Nisarg Shah
Facilitator

Nisarg brings a wealth of experience in hospitality, and has developed a keen eye for talent through his work in recruitment.

Industry expertise:

  • Beverage Manager
  • Cocktail Bar Manager
  • Head Bartender
  • Permanent/Temporary Recruitment Consultant
  • Hospitality Manager

 

"Every day in hospitality and recruitment brings both chaos and connection, I thrive on understanding what people and businesses truly need, not just filling roles. After over a decade in New Zealand, I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability; it’s what keeps things real and rewarding."

M: 021 552 639

E: nisarg@trn.org.nz

Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Lynette Harper
Facilitator

For the past 4 years, Lynette has been part of TRN, where her passion for recruitment shines, she thrives on matching candidates with roles that empower their whānau.

Industry experience:

  • Bartender
  • Team Lead – Food & Beverage
  • Events – Bar Supervisor
  • End to end Industrial Recruiter

 

"Impacting people’s lives by doing the job love is not considered work."

M:  021 575 245

E: lynette@trn.org.nz

Gavin Rowand
Facilitator

Gavin is a modern trained chef, and has been with us just over 4 years now, coming from the beautiful Bay of Plenty. 

Industry Expertise:

  • Sous chef
  • Kitchen hand
  • Kitchen Manager

 

"I love being able to meet new people in the industry I love"

M: 021 021 11120

E: gavin@trn.org.nz

Christchurch / Ōtautahi

Jared Luff
General Manager

Jared brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience across hospitality, facility management, healthcare, and the hotel industry. With TRN for 2 years, his strategic insights and deep industry knowledge make him an invaluable asset in delivering exceptional recruitment solutions.

Industry Expertise:

  • Restaurant Manager
  • Operations Manager at Multiple Hotels and Industrial Cleaning Companies
  • Regional Manager for Nationwide Hospitality and Soft Service Industries
  • General Operations Manager with Healthcare NZ

 

"Memorable moments at TRN were mobilising large teams of staff to assist the school lunch programme at short notice, with well over 100 staff mobilised to assist in the production and distribution of lunches to Students across New Zealand. How amazing to be a part of something so incredible."

M: 021 1940 364

E: jared@trn.org.nz

Tamsin Clarke
Facilitator

Tamsin is our favourite person in the office, and also the one who wrote all the staff blurbs for the website. Joining us earlier this year she has already already made herself happily at home.

Industry Expertise:

  • Bartender and Waitress
  • Cafe Manager & Head Baristsa
  • Event Manager and Wedding Planner

 

"I love working with our big events team, providing over 300 staff to One NZ Stadium for The All Blacks was truly an awesome experience"

M: 021 973 942

E: tamsin@trn.org.nz

Andrew Feilding
Facilitator

Andrew is a people-first hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience, originally from the UK and now settled in New Zealand. With TRN since earlier this year, he thrives on creating memorable experiences and turning challenges into positive outcomes—because for him, hospitality is all about connection.

Industry expertise:

  • Food and Beverage Manager
  • Events Manager 
  • Mixologist
  • Barista
  • Porter

 

"one of the things I enjoy most about working at TRN is getting to know my clients and understanding what makes their business tick. It's not just about filling shifts, it's about finding the right people who fit the team and helping our clients succeed. Knowing I've made a positive difference for both clients and candidates is the best part of the job."

 

M: 021 616 821

E: andrew.f@trn.org.nz

Jono Stegerhoek
Relationship Manager

Jono brings over 10 years of recruitment, hospitality, and account management experience across New Zealand and Australia. Having previously spent eight years with TRN before returning as Relationship Manager, he combines industry knowledge with a genuine passion for building lasting partnerships and delivering workforce solutions that make a real difference.

Industry expertise:

  • Relationship Manager
  • Recruitment Consultant
  • Business Development
  • Hospitality Manager

 

"One of the things I enjoy most about working at TRN is building long-term relationships with our clients and understanding the challenges they face. Every business is different, and it's incredibly rewarding to connect great people with great opportunities while helping our clients achieve their goals. Being part of a team that can step in and make a real difference, often at short notice, is what makes the role so enjoyable."

M:   021 241 7933

E:   jono@trn.org.nz

Hāre Lee-Deller
Facilitator

Hāre brings experience from both hospitality and healthcare to his role as a Facilitator. Beginning his career as a barista in a busy café, he developed strong customer‑service skills that continue to influence his work today. More recently, Hāre worked as a Facilitator in the Health sector, supporting nationwide service delivery. At TRN, he plays an active role in staffing coordination.

M: 021925383

E: hare@trn.org.nz

Outsourced Recruitment Team

Rachael Jones
Outsourced Recruitment Manager

Originally from London, Rachael has spent 9 years in recruitment, driven by a genuine passion for helping people hit their career goals. She loves keeping things organized, building strong connections, and boosting team morale with her with sense of humour!

M: 021 468 807

E: rachael@trn.org.nz

Cassidy McIntosh
Account Manager

With just over 3 years’ experience in recruitment, Cassidy is passionate about connecting the right people with the right roles. She brings energy, humour, and just enough sass to keep the office on its toes. Outside of work, she’s all about good times with friends and staying active at the gym!

M: 021 982 867

E: cassidy@trn.org.nz

Aman Kaur
Account Manager

Aman brings strong recruitment experience, supported by a background in leadership and people management. She has a proven ability to source, engage, and place high-quality candidates, while building strong relationships with both clients and candidates.

Aman is known for her approachable and friendly demeanour. She is passionate about helping people grow and believes that success comes from building meaningful relationships, staying resilient, and continuously learning.

 

M: 021 641 535

E: aman@trn.org.nz

Support Services

Sarah Brownlee
Accounts & Payroll Team Leader

Born in New Zealand and raised in Christchurch, Sarah spent more than 15 years in the supermarket industry. She started as a checkout operator and worked her way up to supervisor and staff trainer, before moving into an office-based admin role. Sarah now works in our payroll team, where her experience, attention to detail, and practical approach really shine.

M: 021 552 672

E:   sarah.b@trn.org.nz
   

Paula Baigorria Hernando
Payroll Lead & Projects Coordinator

Originally from Argentina, Paula moved to New Zealand in search of new opportunities and personal growth, and now proudly calls Christchurch home. With a background in international logistics and hospitality, she brings a practical, organised, and people-focused approach to her role.

As Payroll Lead & Projects Coordinator, Paula plays a key role in ensuring payroll processes run smoothly while supporting a range of business improvement projects across The Recruitment Network. Her strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and commitment to delivering excellent service make her a valued member of the team.

Outside of work, Paula enjoys staying active whether it's at the gym, practicing yoga, climbing, or exploring New Zealand's outdoors and is always looking for new challenges.

M: 021 714 997

E: paula@trn.org.nz

 

Exec Team

Michael Pugh
Board Director

Michael has the ability to forge and foster relationships not only to the business but as a whole. He has successfully owned and managed businesses since the mid 90’s and has an extensive network to provide quality staffing solutions.

M:   021 304 802

E:   michael@trn.org.nz

Rob Alexander
Commerical Director

Rob brings more than 20 years of hospitality leadership experience across New Zealand and Australia. Having led hotels, restaurants and multi-site operations, he understands the challenges clients face because he's lived them. Being with TRN for over 10 years now, his passion is helping businesses build high-performing teams while creating outstanding opportunities for people working in hospitality.

Industry Expertise:

  • Multi-site Operations Manager
  • Hotel Management
  • Restaurant & Bar Management
  • Business Owner

 

"What I enjoy most about working at TRN is partnering with great businesses, solving real staffing challenges, and doing it alongside a team that's passionate about making a difference every day."

M:   021 195 6089 

E:    rob@trn.org.nz

Liz Stegerhoek Pugh
Board Director

Liz has a company that genuinely listens, understands and seeks to match the right individual to the right team. Her infectious energy and enthusiasm rubs off on everyone she works alongside. Liz is heavily results-focused and imbeds that into the TRN team.

E:   liz@trn.org.nz