Bridget Romanes|Principal

Founding Mobile was Bridget’s response to the need for a comprehensive suite of services to underpin the global mobility HR function.  Bridget loves being with clients’ businesses and the people they bring to New Zealand. Although born in Auckland, much of Bridget’s life has been overseas. She worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India, travelling extensively in Asia, Europe and North America.  Bridget started her first business as an expat, and then worked on Auckland's local government restructure after repatriating to New Zealand.

“While I enjoyed the stimulation and variety of a global career, I'm also aware of the challenges. And I’ve experienced first-hand how a well-managed relocation boosts employee wellbeing and job performance.”

Raewyn Guilford |Associate Principal

Raewyn works on Mobile’s business development, HR partnerships and as many resettlement assignments as she can fit in! With a background in senior corporate roles, managing large teams in the service industry, Raewyn has insight into the issues facing busy HR experts, and the benefits that outsourcing relocation services provides.  And having lived most of her life in Auckland, Raewyn knows the city inside out.  As mother to two sons with diverse sporting and other interests, her extensive networks are an asset to newcomers.

“I get great satisfaction from successfully relocating people to New Zealand.   Knowing there’s someone with extensive local knowledge to help find the right schools and homes is so important when moving countries”

Helen Carter |Resettlement Advisor, Auckland

Helen is Mobile’s short term assignment specialist.  Her knowledge of the apartment market and strong organisational skills get people settled into homes quickly and efficiently. Helen grew up on a farm in the South Island and has lived in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. With 3 pre-schoolers, she moved to post 9-/11 New York and had personal experience of the value of a relocation support.  Helen’s career background in corporate travel is invaluable for helping resettlement clients manage the logistics of an international relocation.

“Auckland is a vibrant, fun city with so much to offer.  I have loved discovering it myself and look forward to sharing this knowledge with you and making your move here an enjoyable one.”

Louise Paterson |Resettlement Advisor, Auckland

Louise grew up in Wellington, and has lived and worked in London, Sydney, and New York where she held sales and marketing positions in the sports, events, personal care, government and wine sectors. After eight years in New York City, Louise relocated in 2013 to Auckland with her husband and two pre-schoolers.  She recalls vividly the container arriving on the streets of Manhattan, and then subsequently at her home in Auckland. But more importantly the many steps before, in-between and after, that she has the wisdom to learn from and share.

“International living is exciting, but Auckland is a gem. I continue to be enthused by the energy of the city and its environs, and enjoy sharing the little and big things that make settling in productive, easy and fun.”

Jane Grigg|Resettlement Advisor, Auckland

Jane grew up in Hamilton, trained as a Pharmacist in Upper Hutt and then worked in Wellington for 20 years. She moved to Auckland with 3 school aged children 13 years ago. Jane loves Auckland, especially the long summers and the closeness to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches.  In her spare time Jane is a very keen golfer and loves trying out the city’s vibrant restaurant scene. Initially, Jane found moving to Auckland daunting and incredibly stressful but she was lucky to have assistance to settle in.

“My sister, an Auckland local, showed me around the city and helped me identify schools and areas to live. This advice was invaluable and this is the approach I now take with my Mobile clients.”

Melissa Rankin|Resettlement Advisor, Auckland

Born and educated in NZ Melissa and her partner headed off on an overseas adventure that saw them spending more than 20 years working in HR, Finance and Operations management roles in London & Singapore. Her family have moved from London to NZ to Singapore and back again and they have yet to lose their sanity! Melissa understands what it means for families to be able to travel and relocate for work, partake in these exciting new adventures while ensuring that home, schooling and work stay on track. Since returning to NZ 5 years ago they have found it wonderful settling back into a Kiwi way of life and putting down roots with family and friends in Auckland

“ I truly understand what it is like to move your life from one country / culture to another and my aim is to make that as seamless and  stress free for clients as I can, so that they can settle into their new lives feeling well adjusted and confident. “

Melissa Fletcher|Resettlement Advisor, Auckland

Melissa grew up in the Eastern suburbs of Auckland, and has lived and worked here in NZ, and throughout the UK and Europe for multinational Advertising agencies and companies. She completely understands what is entailed when moving countries and getting one's family across the world having moved back to Auckland with her British husband and a preschooler in tow in 2001. Living back in the Eastern bays Melissa now enjoys the beach lifestyle on offer; including daily doggie walks along the beautiful boardwalks. When not assisting our clients settle into life in NZ, Melissa volunteers at a school helping the children to grow their own vegetables and learning to cook them.

“Having been an expat myself, I understand how people feel.  I am passionate about helping people establish their lives in our beautiful city.”

Frances Crombie|Resettlement Advisor, Wellington

Frances lived and worked in London for many years, returning home to Wellington after the arrival of her first child. A lawyer by training, Frances is now an Art Advisor and enjoys connecting people with the fabulous cultural aspects of the city. With three busy children at different schools in Wellington, Frances has excellent local knowledge of education in the city as well as a range of activities and restaurants the region has to offer.

“Wellington is a wonderful city, situated between the hills and harbour with a vibrant village community feel. I really enjoy helping people with the transition to making Wellington their home.”

Sandra Williamson|Resettlement Advisor, Wellington

Sandra grew up in Wellington and has spent most of her life living and enjoying life in our capital city. With a background in corporate sales and account management in the telecommunications industry, Sandra’s most recent role was managing a web based mobile payment business. With working in the city and bringing up her children here, Sandra has an in-depth understanding and knowledge of Wellington and it’s surrounds. Her family have recently spent short stints living in Singapore and Myanmar relocating with little or no assistance so can understand the importance of having a local who can guide you through the process of making your relocation to a new city a pleasurable one.

“Wellington has a very cool vibe with a wide range of theatre, cafes and restaurants. It’s a wonderful compact city to bring up a family.”

Rebecca Gaudin|Resettlement Advisor, Wellington

Rebecca grew up in the Wairarapa, just over the Remutaka Hills from Wellington, and is passionate about the capital city - loving its culture and vibe. Rebecca and her husband have enjoyed raising their two daughters in Wellington and, through the girls sport and schooling, she has gained a great appreciation for what Wellington has to offer and the character and attributes of each of its suburbs. Rebecca still loves spending time in the Wairarapa - managing a short term holiday home she has in Martinborough as well as looking after a local ceramic artist’s website, sales and social media content.

“Wellington is a vibrant compact city with everything at your finger tips - beaches, walking and cycling trials, a city centre with wonderful shopping, cafes and restaurants. I am looking forward to welcoming and introducing you to wonderful Wellington.”

Rachelle Henson|Resettlement Advisor, Christchurch

With a BA in Psychology from Canterbury University, Rachelle has worked in recruitment and the tourism industry in hotels in New Zealand and overseas. As a mother of three boys still at school (intermediate and high school) she has good contacts and knowledge of the local education sector. Currently Rachelle runs her own business assisting people with house projects so is well tapped into the property scene in Christchurch. She has a passion for people and enjoy connecting people with people, and with products and services.

“Having lived through the Christchurch earthquakes, it’s exciting to see the city re-building and the inflows of new people. I enjoy helping newcomers make the most of life here!”

Dee Miller|Resettlement Advisor, Christchurch

Dee has moved around extensively within New Zealand and Australia, even having had her four children all born in different cities! She now calls Christchurch home and has lived there for a total of 17 years being actively involved in all aspects of Christchurch life including training and working in the sport and recreation industry and assisting with the resettlement of refugees. Having had first-hand experience of using relocation services on two occasions, she believes the tailored advice is invaluable for providing a great start to a family resettling.

“Christchurch is an exciting place to live offering many opportunities and can accommodate a variety of lifestyles”

Emma Bradley|Resettlement Advisor, Christchurch

Emma is a South Islander, originating in Queenstown and attending university in Dunedin.  In between, a career in sales and marketing, saw her living and working overseas in Australia and the UK.  Now happily resident in Christchurch, Emma and her husband have brought up three children in the city and she knows the place inside out.  In her spare time Emma enjoys hiking, skiing and participating in her book and craft clubs.

"Whether it is schooling, outdoor activities of great food and restaurants, Christchurch has something to suit everyone's needs.  I'm excited to help you settle into life here."

Tracy Kelly|Resettlement Advisor, Queenstown

Tracy grew up in Iowa moving to Portland, Oregon after University starting her career in Advertising. Her firm transferred her to their Amsterdam office where she she met her Kiwi husband. After four years she found herself living on a farm outside of beautiful Martinborough, New Zealand. They then moved to Arrowtown and have been there for 14 years now raising their three daughters and running their own businesses. Tracy has been active in the community, local schools, sports and arts, so brings all her experiences and knowledge to the Queenstown Mobile team.

“There is a reason people want to live in the Queenstown area after one visit, it is breathtaking, every day. No place is perfect but the mountains, trails and lakes make up for it’s imperfections."

Mandy Kennedy-Perkins | Resettlement Advisor, Dunedin

Mandy was born in Sydney and her family moved to Dunedin when she was 8.  A return to Australia in her twenties to work in advertising gave Mandy the lived experience of relocation as an adult.  With her husband Mandy owned and operated one of Dunedin's iconic cafes for over 20 years.  Since selling that business, Mandy has worked for the sustainable fashion brand Untouched World and run a popular airbnb on the outskirts of the city. As a proud Dunedin local, Mandy has also held many art exhibitions and is very familiar with Dunedin and its people .She is truly passionate about the quality of life and raising children in the city.

"One of my true pleasures is meeting and helping people to discover the richness, beauty and ease of living in a place as unique as Dunedin."

Cathy Thurston|Resettlement Advisor, New Plymouth/Palmerston North

Cathy comes from a rural background spent her later school years and much of her adult life in the city of New Plymouth, with four years in nearby Palmerston North. She has also enjoyed many living and travelling experiences offshore and accomplishments in human resources, the health sector, local government and private business. More recently Cathy has worked in the event and tourism areas and understands the importance of assisting people with the relocation process to ensure that they settle in and enjoy making New Zealand home.

“I get immense satisfaction from enabling newcomers to experience what makes the regional cities of New Plymouth and Palmerston North so liveable."

Kathryn Walker|Resettlement Advisor, Rotorua

Kathryn was born in the south of New Zealand but spent most of her early life in the central North Island in Rotorua and at Mt Ruapehu. With a career in hospitality she moved to Australia and was lucky enough to run a fine dining, two hat restaurant there. Now Mum to two preschoolers, Kathryn works part time at popular Rotorua eatery, Terrace Kitchen. In her spare time she enjoys the beach/gardening and anything outdoors.

“Rotorua is home for me and I would love to help other people achieve that feeling - to be settled and happy in an environment with so much potential and growth for the future.”

Trineka Reddish|Resettlement Advisor, Hamilton

Trineka grew up in Hamilton where she studied, trained and worked her way into the management of sales, marketing and training of dental students and practitioners. This amazing and challenging opportunity, which took her all over the world, eventually offered her time to settle and work in Sydney Australia. Later, after becoming a mother of two, her focus changed and she became Co-President at a large Playcenter that both children attended. She is now eagerly putting her determination, life experience and passion towards this next journey.

“I love meeting new people and introducing them to Hamilton, showing them a side to the city which is vibrant, surprising and exciting. I strive to provide my clients with the knowledge that I wish I had when arriving in Sydney to live.”

Ursula Deare|Resettlement Advisor, Tauranga

Before returning to her home city Tauranga, Ursula spent 18 years living in New York with a business focussing on high-end Personal Organising and Event Planning for a range of clients. Now back in NZ, living just a block from the beach and with loved ones also nearby, Ursula continues to keep busy juggling a number of rewarding roles which include working in Customer Care, Media & House Staging for a boutique real estate firm, planning events, parenting and gardening and she couldn’t be happier.

“I understand how priceless it is having relocation experts on the ground for our international customers/clients/recruitments and I am delighted to assist them with all the friendliness and care I can to make them feel at home.”

Rebecca Robertson|Resettlement Advisor, Napier

Originally from the picturesque West Coast of the South Island, Rebecca now calls Hawkes Bay home after living in Rotorua, Auckland, Christchurch, and an international relocation with her young family to Portland, Oregon. Rebecca knows firsthand how overwhelming moving can be and is dedicated to making the transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. She’s here to share her insights and support, ensuring your move is a positive experience.

"With an understanding of relocation challenges, I’m passionate about using my local knowledge to make your move to Hawkes Bay seamless and stress-free."

Vanessa Carmichael|Resettlement Advisor, Nelson

Moving to Nelson 20 years ago, Vanessa has watched the town grow and loves that she now calls it ‘home’. Her two children were both born in Nelson and attend local schools. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the travel industry - working in hotels then travel advisory roles, and has owned her own travel brokerage business for the last 8 years. With a background of customer service, Vanessa will assist with a smooth transition into the Nelson and Tasman lifestyle.

“With the National Park and a ski field within close proximity, the most beautiful beaches and walking trails, I look forward to welcoming you to enjoy this place as much as I do.Whether you are a family, couple or a single, there is something here for everyone.”

Ange Welch-Peters|Operations Guru

After a successful career in numerous positions with Air New Zealand Ange took a career break to raise her 2 children and support her husband in his various international roles. Having lived in Sydney, Buenos Aires and Wellington, Ange and her family now call St Heliers, Auckland, home.  Ange has re-entered the workforce passionate about supporting Mobile Clients during, what she knows, is a stressful time.

“Managing an international move can be overwhelming - a feeling I know well!  I am excited to be able to help our Mobile Advisors provide their clients with an easier, smoother, less stressful relocation to New Zealand”

Kirsty Lock | Finance Guru

After a corporate career in Accounting and Marketing roles in NZ Kirsty took a break from her career to raise her two young boys and support her husband working in Manila, Philippines for 8 years. Despite then returning to NZ to resettle, it turned out to be temporary and she is now back supporting her husband in Durban, South Africa with teenagers in tow. Kirsty is passionate about supporting Mobile clients as she has firsthand experience of the benefits of resettlement support and knows that whether moving to a new country or back ‘home’, are experiences where good support can, and does, make a huge difference.

”International moves can be a very stressful experience but managed well can lead to such rewarding growth experiences. I am so happy to support the amazing Mobile team to provide support to enable Mobile clients moving to New Zealand to make the most of the opportunity to explore and enjoy our amazing country”