About Us
About Thelma French
Thelma established Thelma French & Associates Limited (TF&A) in February 2009 and has been working in the area of human resources for more than 40 years. Early in her career she spent 15 years as HR Manager with Independent Newspapers Limited when staff numbers totaled in excess of 550.
When her son Aaron French took his life in July 1997 she became involved in the Youth Suicide Awareness Trust and then founded Yellow Ribbon, retiring in 2003. She then worked with the NZ Herald and Cure Kids before establishing Thelma French & Associates Limited.
It’s this combined work experience that enables Thelma to understand the requirements of clients’ businesses and gives her the ability to provide strategic advice.
Thelma knows how to bring out the best in people and how to deliver exceptional results. She values respect and integrity. Thelma believes in positive HR, knowing this adds tremendous value to the bottom line and how the company is perceived both internally and externally.
There is no issue too big or small for Thelma who achieves the desired outcome in a conciliatory and respectful manner. She prides herself on building relationships and becoming the outsourced HR Manager, providing practical HR advice and solutions as and when required.
Partnering with highly experienced Contractors and Supplier Partners when required, enables her to provide a high level of service across the full HR spectrum.
Thelma retired in 2025 as a Justice of the Peace having served for 35 years and is a qualified life coach.
Her husband Warren Gibb passed away suddenly in July 2025. Her world once again turned upside down and when offered the opportunity to travel overseas to visit family and friends with her daughter, she accepted and hey had many adventures visiting Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
In December 2025 Thelma returned to undertake the work she enjoys while making time for family and friends and travelling.
I was referred to Thelma by a colleague and friend. Thelma has assisted me with resolving an employment matter with a current employee. The matter needed to be addressed but we didn’t want to lose him. Thelma helped us to achieve a positive outcome for going forward. I found Thelma to be sensitive to my needs as an employer, as well as to the needs of my employee. She was direct and efficient, yet open minded and caring. I’d highly recommend working with Thelma.
Director, SME, Auckland
