History
The short version - Manage was founded in 2011 by our Managing Director Martin Wouters, a former accountant who was frustrated at the disparity, and lack of transparency in the ACC system.
The final straw came when Martin discovered that most New Zealand businesses over-pay in ACC levies, and even worse - they have no idea. Realising a real need to get this information in front of businesses owners and to create change, he decided to do something about it.
And so it began - Manage was established, and many years were spent nurturing relationships, gaining trust, and helping people to manage their risk and create savings. Manage quickly became an advocate, and the go-to ‘ACC people’ for businesses all around the country.
As time has passed we have carefully brought together people at the top of their game to ensure our clients receive the best quality service. Not only are these people full to the brim of invaluable knowledge, they also share the same genuine desire to help New Zealand businesses.
We are: You can think of us as the Jack Russell of the compliance world. We’re small (though growing rapidly) and we’re mighty. We’re loyal and tenacious, but we’re also not afraid to create our own path, or challenge the rules so to speak.
We have the enthusiasm of a start up company, and the professional experience of an old established law firm.
We are not box tickers, nor the computer-says-no types. We are proactive solution-finding types. We want you to walk away from us in a better position than when you came to us.
Values - set by the team for the team
Effective – We make change, real solution-creating change. We don’t expect to gain our clients’ trust through wearing an expensive suit, we do so through getting results.
Real – We say what we mean and we mean what we say. We’re interested in people and their businesses, but we’re more than happy to chat about their dog’s vet appointment too.
People first - we advocate for people, always.
Passionate - Passionate about government compliance. Yes, you read that right, that’s us.
Courageous - We carve our own path and stand up for what is right.
Evolve – We are agile and constantly seeking ways to grow and adapt. We’re moving forward and ahead so we can help our clients to move forward and ahead.
Now you know a little about us, we’d love to know more about you…
Featured - check us out
We are proud to be featured member in RTANZ’s Road Transport News. Special thanks to John Bond.
Talk to us
info@managecompany.co.nz 0800 RISK NZ
Our Team
We believe it’s good to know who you’re talking to, so here we are. This is us.
Founder / Managing Director
Martin Wouters
What motivates me and gets me excited is seeing employers well presented in the compliance space. That is they pay what they legally should and their risk is managed as best as it can. Sadly, too many pay far too much and have far too much risk.
Too often what happens in practice is far removed from legislation. The team and I really don’t mind rolling up our sleeves and being the oil for the squeaky wheel. In fact, once you meet us you will quickly realise, we rather enjoy doing it!
This is what Manage Group is all about - being prepared to hold ACC, WorksafeNZ, and others accountable and driving practical and workable solutions for our clients and stakeholders.
It is with a real sense of pride that we now have 5 divisions, 5 amazing managers and a wider group of people who all share the same passions.
On a personal level I am addicted to the ocean and mountains. Volunteer surf lifeguard in Mt Maunganui, row surfboats for giggles, race yachts, dive, surf, etc. When I get bored with the water I can be found in the mountains running trails or just getting lost.
Martin can be contacted at martin@managecompany.co.nz or 021 322 286.
Projects
Debbie Welsh
Debbie manages a number of projects including the ACC Benchmarking scheme, the Claims Reseller Programme, and does all our marketing. In case she gets bored with that Debbie also does a great deal in the administration space.
Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge to the business as evidenced by her law degree, admittance to the Bar, and a Graduate Diploma in creative advertising.
She enjoys doing anything that involves the outdoors and in the sun, including kayaking, camping, and hiking. Debbie has a passion for health and fitness - regularly goes the gym, practice yoga, and boxing.
Debbie can be contacted at debbie@managecompany.co.nz, or 0800 RISK NZ (0800 747 569)
Manager, ManageACC
Sue Walton
Sue comes from ACC where her last role was as Relationship Manager looking after both employers and intermediaries… like us. Previous to ACC Sue had a business working from home looking after children. This allowed her to raise her own children, earn some income and be a full time foster parent for CYF.
From her wealth of experience and expertise she understands how important your business is to you. Also helping run her husbands business from home, Sue has an in depth understanding of how difficult it can be for businesses in New Zealand to run a profitable business while still leaving time for yourself.
Sue is based in Wellington with her husband, adult children, grandson, multiple rescue cats and a rescue dog.
She enjoys a nice wine, good food, going to the gym to work off the wine and food, a great book, spending time in the garden and being with friends and family.
In future, Sue would like to move to a lifestyle block, grow her own food and live off the grid.
Sue be contacted at sue@managecompany.co.nz, or 027 2104 918.
Manager, Manageosh
John Gould
John or Johnny as we effectively call him is our Health & Safety Chief.
With a background in trades, labour supply, automotive, and other key industries, coupled with a solid operational background, Johnny heads our ManageOSH division.
Health & Safety tends to get overcomplicated and Johnny brings a refreshing approach that often results in simplifying systems. As Johnny puts it, it’s a bit like doing an English essay at school… you write lots about anything and everything hoping to impress the teacher and get a good mark. In reality you probably don’t quite know what you are writing about in the first place and as a result end up with a bad mark. The teacher then tends to put on the essay – please stay on topic. Health & Safety is like that. We don’t quite know what compliance is so we tend to do lots hoping we cover it all be default. Sadly, all we end up doing is creating lots of extra work for ourselves and overcommitting the business to things we possibly don’t even need to do. More is definitely not better!
Outside of work, Johnny is an avid yachtie, races motocross bikes, and loves to disappear with family in the campervan enjoying the joys of NZ.
John can be contacted at john@managecompany.co.nz or 027 965 0245
manageosh
Steve Logan
With over 20 years senior Operations Management experience, Steve Logan has developed and delivered best practice safety programmes and processes which have achieved significant culture change and safety outcomes.
Steve’s practical credentials, which derive from many years at the coal face managing sites of up to 200 employees, are a unique blend of operational experience and health & safety specific skills.
His qualifications include: HASANZ registered professional, Graduate membership of NZ Institute of Safety Management; Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety; Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), and a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.
He is also a qualified and experienced Lean Six Sigma 'green belt' with hands-on experience of leading successful Lean and continuous improvement programmes.