At Direction Recruitment we are driven to providing our employers and job seekers with tailored, positive recruitment solutions throughout the Northland area.
We understand that every individual and each organisation is unique and we take the time to find the best outcome for you, your business and your future success!
It is this unique awareness which allows us to create individual programs for your recruitment needs, ones which will move with you as your organisation expands or changes.
We are dedicated to your success and strive to achieve that with every placement.
Paula Kalkhoven (Director)
I’ve spent 10 years working in Auckland’s busy corporate recruitment world, developing a strong ability to find the right people for the right roles. I specialize in both permanent and temporary placements, which gives me a wide perspective on the job market.
Over fifteen years ago, my family and I decided to move to the peaceful area of Maungatapere, near Whangarei. We now live on an avocado orchard, where we enjoy a close-knit community. This move allowed me to continue my passion for recruitment while also embracing a quieter lifestyle.
I joined Direction Recruitment in 2012 during a tough time after the global financial crisis. By 2015, I had taken ownership of the company, and since then, we’ve grown steadily. Today, over 70% of our clients and candidates return to us when they are needing help, showing the strong relationships we’ve built over the years.
I believe in taking the time to understand the needs of both clients and candidates. My team and I focus on making sure everyone feels comfortable and confident in their choices.
Outside of work, I love to travel with my family. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures not only broadens my horizons but also adds to my professional approach.
I’m passionate about connecting talented people with forward-thinking companies. With the motto "positive attitude + motivation = success," I’m ready to help you with your recruitment needs—or even share a travel tip! Let’s connect and explore new opportunities together.
Ilse Channer (Senior Recruiter | HR/People & Culture Manager | Executive Assistant)
I am a Senior Recruiter with comprehensive 360-recruitment expertise, adept at managing the full end-to-end process for both permanent, contract / fixed term and temporary placements. I excel in building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, offering credible business consultancy to clients. My passion lies in delivering exceptional candidate and client experiences, ensuring an effective, efficient, and high-quality recruitment process. I manage the entire recruitment cycle from initial engagement to onboarding, ensuring reduced lead times and increased retention rates.
With a strong background in Human Resources and People & Culture, I have successfully managed and advised on all facets of HR. My focus is on fostering positive work environments, attracting, and retaining top talent, and driving employee engagement and productivity. My expertise covers the full HR lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, training and development, performance management, employee relations, and offboarding.
I have also provided high-level executive assistance to CEOs, Directors, and Senior Management, supporting AGM, and Board meetings, along with special projects.
I bring strong organisational, relationship management, communication, and administration skills, coupled with a keen ability to maintain confidentiality. Proactive, flexible, committed, and forward-thinking, I’m always ready to connect the dots and spot opportunities.
"Thank you again for my amazing job and helping me settle here."
"Thank you for your assistance in trying to find employment for me. I will highly recommend your company to others seeking employment, and if I ever find myself in the position of being a jobseeker yet again, I will definitely ask for your assistance."
"Was friendly informative and helpful. Feedback was encouraging and enlightening. Paula and the team have been excellent to work with. The opportunities opened up to me were brilliant and their assistance with gaining full time employment with an excellent employer was second to none. Could not have done it without them."
"Thank you for making me so welcome and comfortable today when I ambled into your office. It was lovely to meet you. You certainly do go the ‘extra mile’ to put people at their ease. I have now crossed my fingers and toes and look forward to some amazing changes in my future. Thank you for helping me on the start of the journey with that warm handshake and welcoming smile."
"Just a quick line to thank you for your time with me. It was the first time I have been to an interview since I have lived here. So I wasn’t sure what to expect. But you made me feel at ease and I quite enjoyed it all."
"Thanks again for putting me up with my new job. It is working out so well for me and fits in perfectly. I'm so happy you encouraged me into coming in for an interview :) I hope all is well at Direction!"
"Thank you very much for the gifts. That was very thoughtful of you and much appreciated. I’m loving that pen! It has been great working with you. On behalf of the Covid Response Directorate, thank you for the support you have provided to the Northland response to the Covid pandemic. Your contributions and that of the recruits has been invaluable and we simply couldn’t have done it without your or their assistance. We really are indebted to you".
"Dear Stacie, It was lovely to meet you yesterday. I wanted to thank you for making me feel welcome at the office yesterday. Likewise to your Director, Paula, and the Recruitment Consultant. I found my experience in the office with real people real staff so pleasant, very productive and helpful. Thank you for what you do - we need more people with good service like yours here in Aotearoa. As I would say it, "be the change you want to see in the world"."
"Kia Ora Ilse, I can't thank you enough for your outstanding efforts and even more outstanding candidate match"
