About Us

Essential HR Limited was formed with the purpose of Making Managing People simpler for small/medium organisations.

We are located in Christchurch and our main objective is to ease your burdens by delivering business solutions that are straight-forward to implement and specifically tailored to meet your needs. Our services are designed to provide personal support for management that suits your timing and business needs.

We value:


Our People

Mike Johnson MA(Econ)(Cantab), Dip ACC, ATM, – Consultant and Director

Mike is a senior HR practitioner (HRINZ Certificate Member) and has practised both as a Senior HR Manager in medium-sized organisations and as a South African Chartered Accountant. His 16 years professional international experience in South Africa and South East Asia and eleven years as a Senior HR manager in New Zealand means Mike is well placed to see things from a "big picture" perspective, participating in strategic planning processes, leading and contributing to development initiatives, systems improvements and change projects as well as running day to day operational HR activities.

Mike has over 15 years in senior management HR roles, managing other HR managers and advisors, and mostly with his own position at the Senior Management table. He has significant experience in the health, financial and business services industry sectors. Throughout this time he managed the full range of HR activities and so is exceptionally well placed to advise in a generalist role.

Our Fees