eight73 HR Consulting – Partnering for people and growth
Empowering local businesses through partnership
When it comes to helping local businesses thrive, Nicki Raffills of eight73 Consulting believes that people are at the heart of every success story.
As one of the North King Country Development Trust’s (NKCDT) valued partners, Nicki works alongside the Trust to support grant recipients in developing their business skills, particularly in the crucial area of Human Resources.
Based in the heart of Ōtorohanga, just behind The Fat Kiwi Café, eight73 Consulting provides practical, down-to-earth HR advice to local employers, in plain language that’s easy to understand and apply.
“We partner with local businesses to help them get the best out of their people, so they can get the best out of their business,” says Nicki. “That’s what drives me, helping people grow, because when a business thrives, the whole community thrives.”
A business with local roots
Nicki’s story is one of local connection and leadership. After working for eight73 Consulting alongside previous owner, Kylie Mouat, she stepped up to take over the business in April 2023 when Kylie moved on to further her own business journey.
Having lived and worked in the community for ten years, Nicki already knew her clients, and their challenges, well. She’s also deeply involved in the community, serving as a Board Member of ELEVATE Ōtorohanga, and as the current chairperson of Waitomo Waipa Women’s Refuge, an organisation she is passionate about supporting.
Her approach to HR is people-first: straightforward, practical, and kind.
“Everything we do is about real conversations,” Nicki explains. “It’s about having those discussions early - before things get out of hand, and understanding your obligations as an employer.”
Helping businesses build confidence
Through her work with NKCDT grant recipients, Nicki helps business owners develop confidence in their roles as employers.
Many small business owners begin with a great idea or skill but aren’t always familiar with the responsibilities that come with employing staff. Nicki helps bridge that gap, explaining concepts like employment contracts, policies, and workplace expectations in an accessible, supportive way.
“It’s about shifting your thinking,” she says. “You’re not an employee anymore, you’re the business owner. That means setting expectations, communicating clearly, and ensuring your team understands their rights and responsibilities.”
She also coaches business owners through the tough moments - offering perspective, encouragement, and practical steps to move forward.
“I help people see things from the outside in, rather than the inside out,” she adds. “Sometimes that’s all it takes to find a better way through a difficult situation.”
Confidentiality is key in small communities like Ōtorohanga, and Nicki takes that trust seriously. Every conversation stays within four walls - creating a safe, respectful space for employers to ask questions and seek support.
Partnering for community impact
Nicki is passionate about the role NKCDT plays in supporting local businesses, particularly in a town with no major banks and limited funding options.
“That’s why I’m such a big supporter of the Trust,” she says. “They’re local, they’re about community, and they genuinely care about helping businesses grow.”
She often encourages clients visiting her HR consultancy to apply for NKCDT support, especially when discussing ways to grow their business or their people. Nicki also promotes the Trust and its grant recipients through her client newsletter, helping them reach new audiences and networks.
“If a business sent to me from NKCDT succeeds, then our community succeeds,” she says.
“It’s that simple.”
Working with and benefitting with NKCDT
Nicki doesn’t just collaborate with the Trust - she’s also benefited personally from its professional development initiatives.
Over the past four years, she’s attended the NKCDT Directors’ Workshops, which are subsidised by about 75% to make them accessible to local people who want to grow their governance and leadership skills.
Her workshop journey includes:
2022 – Governance Essentials
2023 – Strategy Essentials
2024 – Financial Essentials
2025 – Risk Essentials
“The workshops have been incredibly valuable,” Nicki says. “I’ve learned so much — not just about governance and financial management, but also about connecting with other local people who are passionate about making a difference.”
She particularly enjoys the diversity of participants — from business owners and board members to community leaders — and the opportunity to share experiences.
In fact, one recent connection turned into a meaningful collaboration:
“At one of the workshops, I got chatting with another attendee about community work. Not long after, they joined the Waitomo Waipa Women’s Refuge board, where I’m also a member. That’s the kind of connection NKCDT helps create.”
People matter most
At eight73 Consulting, Nicki and her team make it their mission to make a difference to every organisation they support. They offer affordable, flexible HR consulting services that suit small to medium businesses — allowing owners to access expert advice only when they need it.
Services include:
HR and employment advice
Recruitment and onboarding support
Employment agreement and policy development
Staff management coaching
Workplace culture and wellbeing support
Nicki’s approach is guided by three core values: having courageous conversations, adding value, and owning it.
“Take responsibility. Be accountable. People matter — that’s what really sets us apart,” says Nicki.
A true community partnership
The partnership between eight73 Consulting and NKCDT is a great example of how local collaboration drives regional growth. By combining business mentoring, HR guidance, training opportunities, and funding support, together they’re helping local businesses build capability, confidence, and sustainable success — one conversation at a time.
Contact eight73 Consulting:
Visit us at: Apt 11 / 10 Te Kanawa St, Otorohanga
Our entrance is on Turongo St.
Phone: 07 873 7104 or 027 291 4397
Email: nicki@eight73consulting.co.nz
Email: admin@nkcdt.co.nz
North King Country Development Trust supports local people and businesses through funding, mentoring, and capability-building programmes that strengthen our region’s economic wellbeing.
Our catchment area for business funding
Arohena | Aria | Awakino | Benneydale | Hangatiki | Kiokio | Kinohaku | Kopaki | Mahoenui | Maihiihi | Mangakino | Mangaorongo | Mangaotaki | Mangatutu | Mapiu | Marokopa | Mokau | Mokauiti | Ngaroma | Oparure | Otewa | Otorohanga | PioPio | Piripiri | Panetapu | Pureora | Rangitoto | Taharoa | Te Kuiti | Te Mapara | Tongaporutu | Waimahora | Waimiha | Waipa Valley | Waitomo | Whakamaru | Wharepuhanga