About Us

Hazle Team at Work

Our Story

Hazle was founded in 2012 by Sarah Mitchell and James Harrison, two logistics specialists who saw a significant gap in the New Zealand market. After working for large multinational corporations, they recognized that many local businesses were struggling with operational inefficiencies but lacked access to world-class optimization expertise.

Starting with just three clients in Nelson, our firm quickly gained recognition for delivering measurable results. By implementing targeted improvements to inventory management and supply chain processes, we helped our initial clients reduce operational costs by an average of 23% within the first year.

As word spread about our data-driven approach and practical solutions, demand for our services grew exponentially. In 2015, we expanded our team to include specialists in digital transformation and sustainable logistics, allowing us to offer comprehensive solutions for businesses across New Zealand.

Today, Hazle has grown to a team of 15 dedicated consultants serving over 50 active clients nationwide. We've maintained our core philosophy of "efficiency first" while continuously adapting our methodologies to incorporate emerging technologies and best practices. Our headquarters remain in Nelson, where we're proud to contribute to the local business community while serving clients throughout New Zealand and beyond.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

To transform business operations through practical, data-driven solutions that create lasting efficiency and sustainable growth. We believe that operational excellence is within reach for every organization, regardless of size or industry.

Our Vision

To be New Zealand's leading operational efficiency consultancy, recognized for delivering measurable improvements that strengthen businesses and contribute to a more sustainable economy.

Our Core Values

Data-Driven Decisions

We base our recommendations on thorough analysis and concrete evidence, not assumptions or trends. Every solution we propose is backed by data.

Practical Implementation

We believe in solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper. Our recommendations are always practical, actionable, and tailored to your operational reality.

Continuous Improvement

We embrace a philosophy of ongoing refinement and adaptation. Operational excellence is a journey, not a destination.

Sustainable Efficiency

We design solutions that are environmentally responsible and support long-term business sustainability, not just short-term gains.

Meet Our Team

The experts behind Hazle's success

Sarah Mitchell - Founder & CEO

Sarah Mitchell

Founder & CEO

With over 20 years of experience in supply chain management for multinational corporations, Sarah leads our strategic vision and client relationships. Her expertise in operational transformation has been featured in numerous industry publications.

James Harrison - Co-Founder & Head of Operations

James Harrison

Co-Founder & Head of Operations

James specializes in process optimization and warehouse efficiency. His background in industrial engineering and Six Sigma methodology helps our clients identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks.

Olivia Chen - Supply Chain Analytics Director

Olivia Chen

Supply Chain Analytics Director

Olivia leads our data analytics team, transforming complex operational data into actionable insights. Her background in data science and machine learning drives our predictive modeling capabilities.

Michael Taumaunu - Sustainability & Innovation Lead

Michael Taumaunu

Sustainability & Innovation Lead

Michael specializes in integrating sustainable practices into operational workflows. His expertise helps clients reduce environmental impact while simultaneously improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Our Achievements

Impact We've Made

  • $15.7 Million in operational cost savings for clients in 2022 alone
  • 27% Average Reduction in inventory holding costs across manufacturing clients
  • 35% Improvement in order fulfillment speed for wholesale distribution clients
  • 18% Reduction in transportation costs through route optimization
  • 12,500 Tonnes of CO2 emissions eliminated through sustainable logistics practices

Recognition & Awards

  • 2022: New Zealand Business Excellence Award for Supply Chain Innovation
  • 2021: Top 10 Consulting Firms in New Zealand (Business Review Magazine)
  • 2019: Nelson Chamber of Commerce Business Growth Award

What Our Clients Say

David Thompson

David Thompson

CEO, Wellington Manufacturing Group

"Hazle transformed our entire supply chain operation. Their team identified inefficiencies we'd been blind to for years and implemented solutions that reduced our operational costs by 31%. What impressed me most was their practical approach—every recommendation came with a clear implementation roadmap. Three years later, we're still reaping the benefits of their work."

Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson

Operations Director, Kiwi Fresh Distributors

"Working with Hazle was eye-opening. Their data-driven approach helped us reduce inventory holding costs by 42% while simultaneously improving our order fulfillment speed. The ROI on their consulting services was realized within just four months. I particularly appreciated how they took the time to train our team, ensuring we could maintain the improvements long-term."

Robert Ngata

Robert Ngata

Logistics Manager, South Island Exports

"The team at Hazle helped us completely reimagine our export logistics operations. Their sustainable logistics program not only reduced our carbon footprint by 28% but also cut transportation costs by 22%. What sets them apart is their commitment to understanding our business inside and out before proposing solutions. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to any company looking to optimize their operations."

Ready to Streamline Your Operations?

Let's discuss how we can optimize your business processes and reduce operational costs.