About us

ODG ASSOCIATES is a professional legal advisory and business consulting firm that specialises in assisting new settlers and business persons on the most important aspects relating to the process of moving to a new country.

Christiane Simmers MBA As a Business Consultant, Christiane is able to advise you in all aspects of your business migration. This includes helping you find a suitable business, writing a business plan and introducing you to a wide range of organizations to set up the business network you require to become a successful entrepreneur in your destination country. Christiane has a Master’s degree course in Business Economics, majoring in Marketing, including International Marketing, Communications and Economic Geography. She is a German national, married to a New Zealander and has 15 years experience as a Business Consultant and Strategic Marketing & Business Development Manager.

Rupert Ward LLB, BA (Hons) Rupert Ward is Executive Director of the Oceania Development Group which owns and operates one of the world's largest and oldest immigration, visa and relocation consulting groups. Rupert holds a law degree from the University of Canterbury and an honours degree in diplomacy and international relations. Rupert is a solicitor, a member of MINZ (Migration Institute of New Zealand), and an affiliate of the Migration institute of Australia. Rupert is a Director of ODG Recruitment International and ODG Associates. Rupert believes strongly in the economic development of the OECD and the search for and advancement of knowledge in every area for the benefit of clients, staff and management and is committed to creating and maintaining the company as the most outstanding and reputable international consultancy in the OECD.

Grant King Grant is Executive Director of the Oceania Development Group which owns and operates one of the world's largest and oldest immigration, visa and relocation consulting groups. Grant is a well known industry expert in the immigration industries of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK, regularly appearing on BBC, Sky TV and in daily newspapers around the world. Grant has over 15 years experience in the immigration industry and has strong personal and family links to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK. Grant is a member of the MINZ (Migration Institute of New Zealand), ABIE (Australian Business In Europe) and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce UK. Grant is also an active member of the Institute of Directors of the United Kingdom. Grant is currently Chairman of KEA (NL) – New Zealand’s principle expat and business association in Europe. Grant is head of business migration at the Migration Bureau and Visa Centre, helping hundreds of investors and business owners to migrate over the years. He is widely-regarded as the industry expert at helping business migrants to prepare the necessary qualifying business plan to gain residence visas. Grant is also a Director of ODG Recruitment International and ODG Associates.

Edward Clark Edward is an ODG Associates consultant and is able to personally assist you in your migration plans to Canada. If you are looking at moving to Canada and have any questions or concerns, Edward can help you.  He will be able to provide you with a personalised service and provide you with contacts to answer your questions relating to the services of ODG Associates.  Edward has recently worked with the National Government's Economic Development Agency assisting local business to grow in the current glocal economy and has previously worked managing various restaurants and bars.  In his spare time he is a volunteer Ambulance Officer.

Joel McLachlan As an ODG Associates consultant, Joel is able to help you in the process of moving to Australia or New Zealand. He can offer tailor-made services to fit both you and your family and can provide you with a contact for any specific questions or concerns that you may have relating to ODG Associates' services. Joel has lived in New Zealand all his life and travelled extensively around New Zealand and Australia. He has contacts all over the Oceania region, which will aid him in providing you with the best, most up-to-date information and a personalised service. He is currently studying for a degree in Political Science & Sociology at Canterbury University, and in his spare time he likes to play music and snowboard at different mountain resorts in the South Island of New Zealand.