Get to Know Us
Over the past 20 years of owning and managing Rural Directions, we’ve gained a strong understanding of New Zealand’s primary industries and their people needs. During this time, we’ve seen a significant shift in the importance of having the right people in the right roles. Were consistently delivering results our clients trust, through tailored recruitment and HR solutions backed by a committed and experienced team.
Brent & Gretchen
Our journey
New Zealand’s primary sector supply chain is quickly evolving into a modern, technology-driven industry, with broadening demands for recruitment and HR. At Rural Directions, we recognise that tools like artificial intelligence are increasingly shaping how recruitment and HR processes are managed, streamlining tasks and uncovering key insights. Yet, technology cannot replace the human touch. Our focus remains on building relationships, understanding motivations, and applying experience-driven judgment to connect people with the right opportunities. Inspired by this evolution, we have expanded our focus, reaching ever further beyond the farm gate.
Founded in 2005, Rural Directions is a professional services company helping primary sector supply chain businesses make the connection between people, performance, productivity and profitability. We are committed to all levels of the sector and work throughout the country. We understand people, compliance and business risk and we are determined to provide you with an exceptional service where we listen, earn trust and work to exceed your expectations. We are respectful, professional and ensure confidentiality in all interactions – we understand the privilege of being engaged to work with you.
The team at Rural Directions includes three who have been delivering recruitment and HR services to the primary sector for over 20 years along with some fresh faces with specialist skills. This combined experience ensures we have the recruitment & HR expertise to assist you with entry level roles through to executive appointments across the primary sector supply chain.
Brand evolution
Recently, we evolved our branding to better represent our people, our place, and how we help careers and businesses grow. Our new branding represents a fresh Rural Directions with a clean, modern typeface and a deeper story of our service and our roots told through the curved symbolic RD emblem. Within this we see a path leading to a crossroad, symbolising the career paths and opportunities we facilitate. As a proud Hawkes’ Bay, New Zealand business, a koru shape within this emblem symbolises our anchor to the land and its history. The soft orange curves take inspiration from the undulating earth our industry is rooted in, and the upward ’tilt’ of the emblem – like a tilted map – draws the eye upward, forward, onward towards a new direction. We look forward to joining you on yours.
Our values
At Rural Directions, our values are grounded in integrity, trust, and a deep connection to New Zealand’s primary sector. With over two decades of experience and more than 80 years of collective expertise within our team, we pride ourselves on understanding the people, businesses, and communities that drive the primary sector supply chain. We’re committed to building long-term relationships, matching the right people to the right roles, and supporting both employers and job seekers to thrive.
Our approach is centred on genuine care, clear communication, and personalised support, ensuring every client and job seeker feels valued, well-prepared and informed throughout the recruitment journey. Combined with professionalism, industry insight, and a passion for helping others succeed, we guide careers and businesses in the right direction, from the farm gate to the boardroom.
Supporting our community
East Coast Rural Support Trust
Hawke’s Bay Facilitators
Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter
Gold Sponsors
