A two-story commercial building with various business signs, including Ray White, SBA, Goldie, and Tui Ink, with a parking lot in the foreground and a partly cloudy sky above.

About Safe Business Solutions

Three people sit around a glass conference table in an office, engaged in a meeting. The table has a tray of apples and pears, and each person has a mug. Shelves with files and boxes are in the background, and there is a tall plant near the shelves.

Our Story

It all started when the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2014 came into play. We saw firsthand how many businesses were overwhelmed by the changes. And rather than leaving them in the lurch, we set out to make sense of the complexity and turn it into confidence.

That’s the one thing that has never changed: our genuine desire to help others. It’s more than just words, it’s our entire business. We know health and safety isn’t a simple tick on a checklist, it’s a culture that shapes everything.

Let's work together
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People Services

Though we’re proudly based in Taranaki, our reach is nationwide. Wherever your business is, we’re here to support you. We know the New Zealand safety legislation inside and out, giving you the leg up to protect your business and your people in the best way possible every time.  

View our services

When you’re trusting us with your people’s wellbeing, you deserve to know who we are too.

That’s why we approach business safety and human resources as people, not just another faceless process. It’s an ongoing relationship that keeps getting stronger.

Our Values

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Integrity

We are committed to integrity in our work by being inclusive, open, honest and ethical. We understand that our contribution makes a difference to the positive workplace culture and the wellbeing of our people and clients.

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Excellence

We strive for the highest standards in all we do, including working collaboratively with colleagues and businesses to achieve the best outcome for our clients and SBS.

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Professionalism

We are a professional, diverse team dedicated to providing customer-specific services focused on balanced, consistent communication and the development of respectful ongoing relationships.

Our People

Our team is made up of people with not just skills and experience, but values that align with our purpose. And that’s what builds trust. Companies choose us because they know we care that every employee feels healthy, safe, and respected.

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Managing Director | Governance &
Safety Leader | Business Strategist
Licensed Private Investigator

Rob Thomson

rob@safebusiness.co.nz

027 390 0228

  • Rob Thomson is an experienced business and safety leader with over 35 years in business ownership and management across multiple industries. As Managing Director of Safe Business Solutions (SBS), Rob combines commercial and operational acumen with strong governance and safety leadership.

    He takes a pragmatic, people-focused approach to integrating safety systems within business operations, helping organisations achieve compliance, efficiency, and sustainable performance. Alongside his extensive health and safety experience and qualifications, Rob is also a Licensed Private Investigator, bringing analytical insight and a practical risk management approach to his work.

    Core strengths:

    • Governance and Strategic Leadership

    • Health, Safety and Risk Management

    • Business Development and Operational Oversight

    • People Leadership and Compliance Systems Design

    • Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

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Charlaine Barnfather

Human Resources Consultant
Licensed Private Investigator

charlaine@safebusiness.co.nz

027 555 8625

  • Charlaine has worked in executive leadership roles managing employees both nationally and internationally for 20 years within large corporate, public sector and privately owned enterprises.  With a strong strategic focus and commercial acumen, Charlaine’s career has encompassed a variety of Human Resources roles in the Petrochemical (Oil & Gas), Engineering, Mining, Health and Banking Industries.

    Charlaine holds a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) with a double-major in Human Resources Management and Communications Management, is a Chartered Member of HRNZ and holds a Private Investigator’s Licence.

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Jason Shepherdson

Health & Safety Consultant
Licensed Private Investigator

jason@safebusiness.co.nz

027 444 0611

  • Jason brings with him a wealth of knowledge and extensive Health & Safety operational experience with a significant focus on risk, including compliance and training in both extremely high risk and high assurance areas. Jason possesses a high level of expertise and diversity from 18 years in the military as a bomb disposal specialist, and then 6 years working in the UAE, which makes for some fascinating work stories! Jason has held senior health & safety roles in NZ and across a number of varied and unique workplace environments and holds a Private Investigator’s Licence.

    Jason is also an experienced Lead Auditor for Quality (ISO: 9001), ensuring solid compliance and always striving for a continual improvement approach. Jason’s background and knowledge of many industries in conjunction with his qualifications will assist businesses in making the right decisions in implementing appropriate Health & Safety and HR solutions.

Lara Thomson

Digital Document & Systems Coordinator

lara@safebusiness.co.nz

0508 424 723

  • Lara brings a strong background in dental administration and location management, with experience supporting busy teams, coordinating day-today operations and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Having worked in fast-paced and people focused environments, she is highly organised, detail driven and known for her calm, 'can do' approach. As the youngest member of the office, she also brings fresh energy, positive vibes and a great team spirit - proving you can be both professional and fun!

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Louise Le Fleming

Safety & Compliance Advisor

louise@safebusiness.co.nz

027 275 6329

  • Louise brings over 30 years of experience in Manufacturing Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental compliance, gained through working with some of New Zealand’s most iconic companies.

    Originally from a dairy farming background in South Taranaki, Louise combines practical know-how with strong business insight to help companies improve performance from the ground up. She partners with management and works alongside teams on the factory floor to implement and strengthen systems, reduce risk, and drive operational excellence.

    A qualified “Lean” Specialist with a Diploma in Competitive Manufacturing Management, Louise helps businesses build robust safety, quality, and environmental management systems that align with ISO standards and deliver lasting value. Her approach is people-focused, empowering teams and leaders alike — guided by her belief that “Strong systems and safe outcomes come from doing the small things right, every day.”

    Louise holds a BA in Humanities, is ICAM Investigator trained, and has HACCP and ISO Lead Auditor qualifications, along with certifications in Permit to Work, Working at Heights, Management and Handling of Hazardous Substances, and Confined Spaces.

A smiling man with a beard, wearing a black shirt with a blue SBS logo, standing with arms crossed in an office environment with large windows and indoor plants.

Steve Dixon

HR and H&S Advisor

steve@safebusiness.co.nz

027 756 6382

  • Steve has worn many hats throughout his eclectic career. Holding a Diploma in Journalism, he ultimately cut his teeth as a Roughneck on a drilling rig.

    With the arrival of young children, Steve transitioned into Engineering, where he has successfully managed three distinctly different engineering businesses over the past decade.

    Equipped with a NEBOSH IGC in Health and Safety and extensive hands-on experience leading teams, Steve is well placed to offer practical, real-world advice across both HR and H&S.

    In Human Resources, his calm, personable, and empathetic approach consistently helps guide people toward the best outcomes for everyone involved.

    In Health and Safety, his personal experience at the coalface, combined with formal qualifications, enables him to provide genuinely sensible advice—always with both feet firmly on the ground.

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Sasha Geraud

Finance Coordinator

accounts@safebusiness.co.nz

0508 424 723

  • Sasha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, majoring in Human Resource Management.  With more than 16 years’ experience Sasha has worked in Accounts and HR teams in the Banking, Customer Service, Education and Transport industries.

    Sasha is a fun and bubbly person bringing joy and light into the office.  She really enjoys outdoor activities as well as coaching and umpiring for a New Plymouth Girls High School Netball team.

    "They say love what you do, and you never have to work a day in your life".

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Ra Rubick

Office Administrator

ra@safebusiness.co.nz

0508 424 723

  • Ra is an Office Administrator with approx. 20 years of experience, having worked in government agencies and the oil & gas industry. She will be the first point of contact in the office and will provide our clients with prompt efficient service.

    Ra’s claim to fame is having completed her 20th marathon in 2018, with 15 of those being the Baylys Mountain to Surf Marathon in Taranaki. That’s impressive! Her self-motivation will keep our office running smoothly.