Meet the Team

Who's behind the Koal name

With over 25 years' collective expertise in health, safety & wellbeing training across various industries, we are well-equipped to meet your unique business needs. Whether you're looking for off-the-shelf solutions or custom-designed training, we offer flexible options that can be specifically crafted for your organisation. Our collaborative, friendly, and professional approach ensures that your training programs are both effective and engaging for your team members.

Our commitment doesn’t end with the completion of a course; we offer ongoing support and resources to help your team seamlessly integrate what they’ve learned into their everyday roles.

Rachel

Partner

Hi, I’m Rachel

My career in Health & Safety began in my family’s quantity surveying business, where I gained hands-on experience in project management. My father, while running this business, inspired me to ensure practical solutions were organised for the people undertaking the work. As my work and exposure evolved, I realised that working closely with contractors and the health and safety aspects of their work was something I was passionate about.

While working in the Project Management space, I undertook my Project Management papers with strands in Quantity Surveying. My ongoing interactions with contractors meant I have witnessed firsthand the importance of creating safe working environments, not just as a regulatory requirement but as a cornerstone of ethical and responsible project management. This interest led me to complete a diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Management (Level 6).

And now, 8 years later, Nicky and I have started Koal, where we can combine our knowledge in project management with a strong focus on working our clients to deliver their projects with a pragmatic approach.

Beyond my professional life, I love spending time outdoors. Whether it's hiking with my Labrador Maisy, paddle boarding on the lake, or out in the middle of nowhere in my tent, I am always up for an adventure!

Nicky

Partner

Kia ora, I am Nicky and these are my two beautiful daughters.

I started my career, way back when, in London where I worked for a large international global property company, DTZ. It was there that I learnt the ropes of the health, safety and wellbeing world.

After spending 12 years in London (I was only going for a 6 month OE!!) we moved to Perth, Australia where these gorgeous humans were born and I furthered my career working for Hawaiian Property. My time at Hawaiian allowed me to appreciate the importance of really looking after your team members.

Three years later saw another move but this time to Auckland. Lucky for me I got to head up the HS&W team at 2degrees where I gained invaluable experience in the wellbeing space. This led to 2degrees becoming the first business in NZ to achieve the international WELL Building certification - a definite career highlight. Another cool thing that we did was a programme to support the customer care team to manage difficult calls; we won the HeadFits award for that.

I have a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in psychology and organisational psychology. I also hold a diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and currently at AUT completing a graduate diploma in Psychotherapy.

In my spare time, you will find me at the side line of a hockey or rugby field, chilling with my partner, in the kitchen cooking or on the water at Ātiamuri.