Introduction
New Zealand Starch is a trusted manufacturer of specialty starches and sweeteners for food and industrial applications, continuously evolving its operations to meet the needs of customers across New Zealand and around the world.
For Irene Volschenk, who oversees HR, Health & Safety and Compliance at New Zealand Starch, supporting around 80 employees means balancing people management, workplace safety and compliance obligations while helping keep the business running smoothly.
The Situation
From leave entitlements, KiwiSaver obligations and employment contracts to payroll queries and workplace policies, Irene needed to ensure the business remained compliant while supporting its workforce.
As New Zealand Starch evolved, Irene also found herself navigating more complex situations. Recruiting employees, including those relocating from overseas, required guidance on employment agreements, relocation arrangements and onboarding requirements. The business also underwent organisational restructuring, while employee misconduct matters, disciplinary processes, workplace disputes and trial period terminations required careful handling.
With workplace issues often carrying legal and operational implications, Irene wanted confidence that decisions were being made fairly, consistently and in line with employment legislation.
The Solution
That's where Peninsula New Zealand stepped in.
After partnering with Peninsula, Irene gained access to a team of HR, employment relations and workplace health & safety specialists available whenever support was needed.
Whether she required a second opinion, guidance through a sensitive employee matter or assistance interpreting employment obligations, Peninsula provided practical advice tailored to the business's circumstances.
When more complex situations arose, Peninsula worked alongside Irene to help manage employment relations processes, support organisational change and navigate challenging employee matters. Peninsula's Face2Face team also played an important role by assisting with disciplinary meetings, mediation and difficult workplace conversations, helping ensure matters were handled professionally and fairly.
Additional support from Peninsula's claims specialists and workplace health & safety experts provided reassurance that New Zealand Starch had access to the right expertise whenever it was needed, allowing Irene to focus on supporting the business rather than managing complex workplace matters alone.
"The advisory team is excellent and has been fantastic to work with. Their practical guidance and expert advice have given us the confidence to navigate challenging workplace situations when we needed support most."
What Happened Next
Whether managing organisational change, reviewing workplace documentation or addressing complex employee matters, Irene can rely on Peninsula for practical advice and specialist guidance round the clock.
With support from Peninsula's advisory, Face2Face, claims and health & safety teams, New Zealand Starch has been able to navigate workplace matters with confidence, allowing Irene to focus more time on supporting the people and operations that drive the business forward.
"Thank you to the entire Peninsula team for your continued assistance and commitment to helping businesses navigate HR and employment matters successfully."
