About Hiatt Consulting New Zealand
HCNZ is a boutique independent representation firm, providing owner-side representation for internationally based clients with property, investment, and governance interests in New Zealand.
We work with a small number of clients. That is a deliberate choice — one that ensures direct senior involvement, consistency of approach, and the kind of trusted long-term relationships that this work requires. Each engagement is led personally by David Hiatt, and that does not change as the relationship develops over time.
David Hiatt, Founder HCNZ
David Hiatt founded HCNZ to provide offshore clients with trusted, on-the-ground representation in New Zealand — particularly where property and investment interests, local coordination, and long-term oversight need to be handled with care and continuity.
David brings more than two decades of experience working with international private clients, complex relationships, and multi-party projects across New Zealand — including in tourism, governance and trustee roles, and across a range of private portfolios. That breadth informs how HCNZ approaches each engagement: with an understanding of both the strategic and the practical, and the patience and discretion that long-term client relationships require.
That background matters because offshore ownership is rarely a single discipline — it requires judgement across people, property, timing, standards, relationships and local context.
As a fifth-generation New Zealander based in the South Island, David brings a depth of local understanding that is difficult to replicate. His relationships across the country have been built through family, business, governance, and community life.
Operating model
HCNZ operates as a deliberately small and focused practice. Most engagements are introduced through a client's existing professional advisors — legal, tax, or private client — and begin with a specific project before developing into an ongoing role.
Where specialist input is required, we work alongside a client’s existing professional advisors, or we can introduce a carefully selected network of trusted professionals.
Engagement and communication
We work in a way that aligns with each client and with the advisors and structures already around them. Some clients prefer regular contact and detailed involvement. Others prefer matters handled quietly on their behalf, with clear communication when decisions are needed or issues arise. Our role is to adapt accordingly — and to be direct when it matters.
A long-term perspective
Most client relationships are ongoing. While some engagements begin during acquisition or establishment, our role is defined by what follows—ensuring assets, structures, and arrangements continue to operate as intended over time.
If you are considering whether HCNZ might be relevant to your circumstances, we are happy to have a private conversation.
HCNZ does not provide legal, immigration, financial or tax advice — these are handled by appropriately qualified professionals, alongside whom we work. HCNZ is not a licensed real estate agent under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008.