Managing Director and CEO Regan Higgins founded Franklin Smith to provide bespoke recruitment and employment solutions to both employers and candidates, and to bring great companies together with great people.
With offices in Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson, and Gold Coast our growing team of recruitment consultants are at the forefront of their specialist fields. Transparency, accountability, and reliability are at the core of all we do.
Our people
We’re people focused. We hire the best people, to help you do the same.
09 281 2862
admin@franklinsmith.co.nz
Auckland
Level 16, 51 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland, 1010
Nelson
4 Vanguard Street, Nelson, 7010
Christchurch
20 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Gold Coast
Unit 2/31 Taree Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
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My recruitment career commenced when I began working for a large multinational in Auckland in 2006. After a few years I took the plunge and tackled the challenge of establishing my own recruitment consultancy from the ground up.
I founded Franklin Smith in 2014 with the aim of becoming the benchmark of the recruitment industry – providing practical, solutions-based outcomes for both candidates and employers.
This business is committed to fashioning a truly global model sustainable through diversification and investment in key concepts and personnel. My desire to create a legacy and a truly global corporate footprint is a constantly evolving objective, and one that means no two days at work are ever really the same!
The cornerstone of my corporate ethos is that any organisation is nothing without successful interpersonal relationships, both internal and external. Whether you are client, candidate or supplier, I truly believe it’s all about the people.
Fundamentally, the recruitment industry is very simple – it’s about getting like-minded, high-calibre people together to produce great things.
I had an 18-year career building houses and managing sites before I decided to give recruitment a go almost 11 years ago. I joined Franklin Smith in 2016, and I recruit in the blue-collar trades and labour space, as well as looking after the operations at Franklin Smith. I love getting to know my candidates and clients, building strong relationships and friendships, and hoping to help people to improve their lives and businesses.
Outside of work, I have three daughters that certainly keep my wife and I busy! On the rare occasion when I do get some spare time, I enjoy playing golf, hanging out with friends, and working in the garden. I also coach my daughter’s netball and cricket teams, and as a family we enjoy hiking and going on bike rides in the summer.
I was born in the deep south with my recruitment journey starting in Hong Kong back in 2013. After joining the Franklin Smith Christchurch trades team in 2018 I helped grow our migrant labour supply model and trades recruitment into the offerings that we have today. I now live in Auckland with my beautiful family. Outside of work I love sports, am a tragic supporter of the Warriors and Southland Stags, enjoy travelling, and have a keen interest in horse racing.
I originally arrived in New Zealand from the UK back in 2010 and made the leap into recruitment in 2015 before joining Franklin Smith in 2016. My spare time is largely occupied by my beautiful daughter Charlee whilst still trying to find time to travel, with a bit of fishing, football, and snooker thrown in for good measure. There’s nothing more rewarding than leading a high-performing team of recruiters and seeing the positive impact working for Franklin Smith has on their lives and, of course, celebrating our success.
I have been an IT recruiter for over 15 years, building a deep understanding of the industry and developing long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. My career began in Sydney, where I spent 15 years honing my skills in one of the most dynamic tech markets in the world. In 2019, I returned to Christchurch, my hometown, to bring my experience and expertise to the South Island’s growing tech sector.
Beyond the professional realm, my life is centered around my family. My wife and I have three young children, and much of my time outside of work is spent enjoying the chaos and joy that come with raising kids. One of my greatest passions is mountain biking, and I’m working hard to instil that same love of the outdoors in my children, hoping they’ll one day share my enthusiasm for hitting the trails.
In addition to biking, I’m a passionate fan of sports in general, with a particular love for football. I’m a dedicated Tottenham Hotspur supporter and try to watch all their matches, even if it means some late nights or early mornings to catch the games from New Zealand.
Originally from Canada, my journey led me to London for a few years and then on to Whistler BC, where I enjoyed snowboarding for several seasons. In late 2018, I moved to New Zealand and haven’t looked back!
For the past five years I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the Franklin Smith team, most recently as the Operations Manager. I take pride in working behind the scenes, ensuring that our business operates like a well-oiled machine. Outside of the office, I’m either at the beach, have my nose in a book, or planning my next travel adventure!
With a passion for connecting people with their ideal careers, I have been a dedicated recruitment professional since 2018. Born and raised in Nelson, where I continue to recruit, I bring deep local knowledge and a genuine love for helping individuals find fulfilling job opportunities. As a family-oriented woman, I value building strong, supportive relationships with both clients and candidates, ensuring a personalized and effective recruitment process.
With a double dose of business and law plus a Master’s, I’m all about connecting talents with opportunities. Before Franklin Smith, I was in the recruitment game, fine-tuning my skills.
Beyond work, catch me exploring the world, diving into languages, and soaking up global vibes. What makes me stand out? I thrive on meeting new faces daily and helping folks land their dream gigs. The FS crew keeps me buzzing with learning every day.
Ready to dive into the recruitment journey with me at Franklin Smith? Let’s chat and explore the endless possibilities together!
I serve as the Finance Director at Franklin Smith, where I am entrusted with the strategic financial management of our dynamic enterprise. With a background deeply rooted in finance, I take pride in upholding the fiscal integrity that underpins our operations.
Being a chartered accountant (CPA – Aus and CASL) and a chartered management accountant (CIMA-UK), my journey in finance has been diverse. Collaborating closely with our leadership team, I provide insights and strategic financial guidance to empower our mission of uniting talent with opportunities. I am dedicated to preserving Franklin Smith’s financial health, safeguarding its future, and supporting its growth.
I’m a locally born and bred Cantabrian with a love for all sports with an oval ball – Rugby League, Union, Touch and NFL.
I started my professional working career as a Physical Education teacher in the UK before returning to Christchurch after the earthquakes. The earthquake rebuild created many opportunities in the construction industry and I saw recruitment as a chance to help out with the rebuild and contribute to my home town.
I started in 2013 in recruitment in the Carpentry trades as Temp and Perm consultant. Over the years I worked my way up from a Consultant to Business Manager with a primary focus on the Migrants trade model. At Franklin Smith my focus is on recruiting and delivering migrant Filipino tradesman across the South Island, as well as overseeing the recruitment, candidate management and client delivery for the Christchurch branch. With over 10 years’ experience in the recruitment industry, I have a very good understanding on how to deliver desirable results to both the candidates and clients. My passion is finding good people good jobs within a good company.
Previously having worked for the NZ Police for seven years and looking for that something different, I sure found that here at Franklin Smith. With little to no idea what recruitment entailed I am grateful that the company took a chance on me to be their guy, looking after the Pastoral Care of our migrant workers from the Philippines and handling some of the Health & Safety for the company.
Like many superheroes I too lead a double life when I am not at work. I love spending quality time with family and friends having plenty of laughs and good times, enjoying all kinds of yummy food (I mean, look at me!), and watching various sports but passionate about the oval ball kind. Depending on who you ask, rumour has it I may have a rubber arm.
I migrated to New Zealand in 2001, so with personal experience of the immigration process I believe this helps me understand how challenging and frustrating it can be. I have been in the immigration industry for 15 years, which has helped me develop a profound understanding of immigration laws and policies in New Zealand. I have learnt the intricacies, challenges, and rewards associated with immigration, ensuring that you receive accurate advice tailored to you and your family. In my spare time, I enjoy recharging myself by visiting beaches, playing PC/video games, having backyard BBQs and drinks with family and friends, or enjoying a movie night.
I grew up in Christchurch, studied PE, Psychology, and Geography at Canterbury Uni, and after a brief teaching stint, went on my OE in 2002. I fell in love with Edinburgh, where I began my recruitment career. With nearly 22 years in recruitment, specializing in tech since 2006, I joined Franklin Smith to match my passion for connecting people and respecting all.
Now back in Christchurch, I’m loving reconnecting with my kiwi roots, enjoying the hills with my dog Cosmo, and spending weekends with my three kids at the beach and their activities.
