Our Team

Sean Collins

Chief Executive Officer

Sean has been working in immigration since 2007 and has helped hundreds of families with their migration to New Zealand. A licensed immigration advisor, Sean specialises in helping Entrepreneur Work Visa and Investor Visa migrants arrive and thrive in New Zealand. As a migrant himself, Sean understands the immigration process in a very personal way. He has lived and worked in the UK, the United States, South Africa, China, Vietnam and New Zealand; operating businesses in a variety of markets. With proven business acumen, a business degree and years of commercial experience, Sean is here to help you make the best enterprise choices. Based in Auckland, Sean is frequently found at NZ Migration’s Ho Chi Minh City and Johannesburg offices. License No. 200902100

Lionel Neave

Investment Consultant

Lionel Neave is a specialist investment consultant, assisting clients migrating to Australia and New Zealand. He is the go to person for Entrepreneurs looking to discuss the purchase of a business or our investor clients exploring different investment options. Prior to joining NZ Migration, Lionel was an investment and private banker working primarily for three large institutions, UBS, Merrill Lynch and HSBC. He held a wide variety of roles and travelled extensively. He was also involved in a variety of private equity projects in Indochina and Indonesia. When NZ Migration approached Lionel offering him the opportunity to work with our high net worth clients, out of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam he leapt at the chance and his been instrumental in setting up two different funds which meet Immigration New Zealand’s criteria. Lionel’s experience is in multi asset, pan geographic investment portfolios that optimise yield and diversification. Lionel speaks English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and conversational Bahasa and Vietnamese.

Steven Smith

Country Manager - South Africa

Steven is NZ Migration’s Country Manager for South Africa and a Provisionally Licensed Immigration Advisor. He joined NZ Migration after working as sales manager in South Africa for the past 10 years. Starting out as a business development manager, Steven’s hard work and dedication have been a real asset to the SA team. Steven has first-hand experience in dealing with the unique problems that face South Africans. This local knowledge means Steven and the team can support you through your move to NZ like no one else. License No. 201800040

Tuan Nguyen

Business Development Manager

A graduate in Foreign Studies from Hanoi University, Tuan has ten years experience working for the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam. There he assisted foreign investors and supported Vietnamese companies establishing trade relationships with foreign partners. Tuan developed his negotiation skills by working and cooperating with both local and international partners and clients. In 2017, Tuan gained his MBA in International Business in New Zealand and now brings that experience to NZ Migration where he helps develop business connections between Vietnam and New Zealand. Tuan works with our Vietnamese entrepreneurs helping them develop business plans, research the New Zealand market, and guides them through establishing and developing their business once they arrive in New Zealand.

Danny Wang

Licensed Immigration Advisor

Danny was born in China, and came to New Zealand as an international student in 2002. He applied for NZ residency in 2008 after obtaining his BA in Education Studies. While working as an Immigration Advisor, Danny completed a Masters degree in Communication part time, and simultaneously gained experience in the hospitality sector by running his own café! The experience Danny has gained through work and education is proving invaluable in his current role. He enjoys what he does and wants to see all our clients settle successfully in New Zealand. License No. 201000297

Vanessa Syse

Licensed Immigration Advisor

Vanessa is originally from South Africa and has been a New Zealand Citizen for the last 20 years, after migrating to New Zealand in 2001 with her family. After travelling extensively and having lived on three continents, she can certainly relate to the migration process and she embraces cultural diversity. Vanessa has a background in banking, sales and NZ real estate, and began working for NZ Migration in June 2015. Vanessa calls on her extensive array of skills and experience to make the difference for her clients. License No. 201900090

Lam Minh Hai

Client Relationship Manager

Hai Lam, an immigration advisor assistant, gained experience and knowledge from assisting top level management for big corporations in Vietnam, including C.T Group, Incomfish Group and Spectra. Hai Lam hails from a service industry background and has combined this with substantial experience in sales & marketing, PR and CRM across the real estate, HR & training sectors. Hai lived in the UK for a year, where he gained his business degree from Cambridge University. He’s also spent time living in France, Belgium, Holland, Australia, and New Zealand and it’s this experience that has given him personal insight into the migration process. Hai is very outgoing and his analytic skills make him an excellent listener and problem-solver.

Zhane Wolmarans

Immigration Advisor Assistant

Zhane was born and raised in Gauteng, South Africa where she is also based right now. She joined NZ Migration as an Immigration Advisor Assistant in 2016 after completing her last year in high school. Zhane was motivated to join the team by her interest in working and living abroad and building a better future for people and their families. Finding solutions for the many challenges faced by families and being able to play a part in a new and happier life are what Zhane values the most about her role.

Abbey-gail Morgan

Immigration Advisor Assistant

Abbey is accomplished, knowledgeable and versatile. She achieved her International Travel Management Diploma Credentials, as well as a Higher Certificate in Administration. Abbey leverages strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills to effectively resolve problems and provide superior client service. She possesses the ability to take the initiative and manage time effectively. Her diverse set of skills also covers excellent planning and organizing.

Hoa Pham

VN Property Consultant

Hoa is Business Development Manager, working with Vietnamese business clientele. Hoa has a passion to help others and it’s the main reason she got on board with us. Hoa has obtained a bachelor’s in international business and has a wide range of customer service experience. For the past 5 years Hoa has been helping companies and businesses to fulfil their real estate ambitions such as expansion, establishment, acquisition, relocation and she has built up quite strong relationships with her clients over this time. Hoa likes yoga and is keen on cardio exercises. She lives by the quote: “You have more fun and enjoy more financial success when you stop trying to get what you want and start helping other people get what they want”.

Pieter Steenkamp

Business Development Manager

Pieter was born and raised in South Africa. He has a strong background in sales and corporate relationship management, and this has given him the ability to assist in any customer needs. Pieter also has over 8 years of international client facing and project management experience. An exceptional team player and awarded a former professional rugby player with London Irish contract in 1998. Pieter is a huge sports fan who loves rugby, golf and Formula 1. Pieter is truly passionate and grateful to be a part of the NZ Migration team as it is a wonderful opportunity to fulfill his professional ambitions whilst helping his clients obtain the life they desire.

Ritu Chauhan

Licensed Immigration Adviser (201300523)

Ritu holds vast amount of experience while working in immigration industry since 2005 and assisted many clients to settle in. She became a licensed immigration adviser in the year 2013 and is still contributing to give a positive experience to her client's life. She is extremely passionate about her work and finds immense satisfaction in achieving results for her clients. She thoroughly follows the quote: Each day is an adventure and experience, just live it every moment.

Kathleen Chiba

Business Development Manager

My name is Kathleen Chiba. I see myself as a problem-solver who doesn’t shy away from a new challenge. In my free time, I enjoy spending it with family, and friends and doing things that make me happy. I enjoy working with people. I have a passion for helping people find their best path to New Zealand and making sure their family is comfortable.

Jacques Uys

Business Development Manager

Jacques has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, corporate and SME business development, client retention, client relations and believes life is all about building connections. His dedication to service excellence has brought him great success but mostly the fact that through this same school of life, his approach to everything has become about purpose. NZ Migration gives him this purpose by helping others on their journey to explore new chapters abroad. People with a dream fuels his passion to collaborate with them on that journey to see it materialise.

Simolia Singh

Business Development Assistant

Simolia is a highly self-motivated individual driven by a profound passion for facilitating others in attaining new heights of success. Drawing upon her extensive experience within the events and entertainment industry, she has had the distinct privilege of collaborating with numerous esteemed local artists, contributing significantly to the realization of their dreams. Within the realm of Migration and Investment, she plays a pivotal role by guiding our clients through their initial steps in the migration process. Simolia's amiable and vivacious personality lends her the unique ability to effortlessly connect with individuals, creating an environment of comfort and trust. Her unwavering dedication to assisting others in their journey towards achieving their aspirations exemplifies her commitment to excellence in service.

Hannes van der Merwe

Head of Recruitment

Hannes is a native of South Africa, brings a wealth of experience and a friendly, committed demeanor to his professional endeavors. With over two decades of expertise in consultancy, project management, and new business development, he is a seasoned professional with a passion for client interaction. His life's purpose revolves around working collaboratively with people, always striving to surpass their expectations. Hannes has found his ideal platform to achieve this goal through the exciting realm of New Zealand migration.

Sharlene Lindsay

Immigration Advisor Assistant

Feroz Hatiz

Recruitment Accounts Manager

Feroz has more than six years of experience in Human Resources in the Financial Services sector. He mainly focused on recruitment, skills development, and training. He is passionate about helping people reach their goals, and that is why he thrives in the field of human resources. Feroz possesses the ultimate "can-do" attitude while taking on all tasks with positive energy and a smile. His upbeat and engaging personality enables him to interact effectively with clients and staff.

Roxanne Kellerman

Talent Acquisition Consultant

Roxanne has over 6 years of recruitment experience across various industries. She is an organized, driven individual with a positive attitude, enthusiasm for meeting new challenges head-on, and a passion for people. Her degree in Psychology (soon to be followed by a BCom Honors and Master’s degree) places her in the perfect position to assist clients with life-changing decisions.

Vanessa Wilkinson

Talent Acquisition Consultant

Vanessa sees herself as a people person and has a great passion for people, always maintaining a professional attitude and assisting where possible. Attention to detail, good communication skills as well as commitment are skills that make Vanessa so dedicated in her position as the Talent Acquisition Consultant.

Aime Hudson

Executive Assistant

Aime is a service-minded professional from multi-cultural background. She has work experience in Sales and Customer Service industry. She worked at international companies in USA, Thailand, and Singapore. She is hard working, goal-oriented and passionate about her job.

Jenna Surgeon

Talent Acquisition Consultant

Jenna has over 3 years experience in recruitment and an extensive administrative background. She prides herself on being self motivated, dedicated to any task at hand and enjoys working with people. In her personal life Jenna is committed to animal welfare and helping the needy.

Brandon Govender

Talent Acquisition Consultant

Brandon is an experienced International Recruiter with a decade of expertise in international markets. Throughout his career, he has recruited for major brands and demonstrated his ability to maintain a culture of togetherness and meet clients' needs on time. Brandon has managed teams, coordinated recruitment drives, and ensured compliance with regulations. His skills in administration, data management, reporting, and training, along with his strong communication and leadership abilities, make him a valuable asset in the recruitment field,