Meet the Team
Behind every great hire is a team that truly understands the job. Meet the team behind HD Recruitment
Cole Taylor
General Manager
Paul Mackie
Business Manager / Director
Craig Edwards
Director
Cole Taylor
With over 14 years of hands-on recruitment experience, Cole brings a straight-up, people-first approach to his role as General Manager at HD Recruitment. Having started his own journey as a labourer, he knows what it’s like to be on the tools and that’s what makes him such a strong advocate for the workers we place.
Cole leads recruitment across sectors like civil construction, roading, earthworks, events, freight and logistics, and warehousing. Whether it’s supporting clients who need reliable crews or mentoring candidates into long-term roles, he’s involved every step of the way. He takes pride in running true 360 recruitment, from matching the right people to the right jobs, to making sure they’re supported onsite and set up to grow.
He’s worked with Iwi across Aotearoa on past projects and still brings that same focus on community, connection, and meaningful employment into everything he does at HD.
Based in Auckland but recruiting New Zealand-wide, Cole’s known for treating workers like part of the team, not just temps. He’s big on upskilling, backing people to step into bigger roles, and promoting from within wherever possible.
If you’re looking for someone who genuinely backs his crew and knows how to deliver the right people for the job, Cole’s your guy.
Paul Mackie
Paul’s the kind of guy who knows how to get things done and make people feel welcome while doing it. With over two years working hands-on in the events industry, he’s led labour crews, managed freight and logistics, and built strong relationships across the sector. Skills that now carry over seamlessly to his role at HD Recruitment.
As Business Manager and Director, Paul wears a lot of hats. One day he’s interviewing candidates and getting them set up on site, the next he’s behind the scenes making sure payroll, accounts, and invoicing all run smoothly. He’s someone who genuinely enjoys meeting new people and helping them find solid, enjoyable work. Whether that’s a labouring role in civil construction, a warehouse gig, or a multi-day event job.
Paul has been supporting HD Flooring on the side, but with HD Recruitment growing faster than expected, he’s now transitioning into the business full time. He’s proud of what the team has achieved since launching in 2024, and excited about what’s next, including the potential to grow beyond New Zealand.
When he’s not juggling the moving parts of recruitment and logistics, you’ll likely find Paul enjoying some downtime with his partner and two kids. Camping, heading to the park, or disappearing into the bush for a few days with no laptop in sight.
Craig Edwards
Craig Edwards is a well-known figure across New Zealand’s events, construction, and logistics sectors, and he’s the founding director behind HD Recruitment. With a background in managing large-scale projects and leading high-performing crews on the ground, Craig knows first-hand what it takes to build reliable teams that show up, work hard, and get the job done right.
While Craig isn’t involved in the day-to-day running of the business, he plays a key role in guiding HD Recruitment’s direction and making sure the team continues to deliver quality labour hire services across civil construction, warehousing, logistics, and events.
He’s also the driving force behind several other businesses, including HD Flooring, Safe Guard Barriers, and Edwards Industries. All built on the same foundation: real-world experience, trust, and respect for the people doing the work.
Craig’s passion lies in helping businesses and workers succeed together. He believes in straightforward communication, doing things properly, and backing people who give their best. Whether it’s a crew on a building site, a last-minute pack-in for an event, or a logistics job that needs manpower fast. Craig understands what’s needed because he’s been there himself.
Outside of business, Craig enjoys hunting, motorbikes, golf, and making the most of family time with his wife and young son. You won’t see him on-site, but his influence runs deep, helping shape a company that’s proud to stand behind its people.
