Our Founding Story
A Family-Built Legacy That Still Guides Us Today
NZ Immigration Help Service began as a small family-led mission to help people migrate the right way — with honesty, care, and lawful expertise.
Founded by Maricel Weischede, NZIHS was built on values that still guide us today: service, integrity, and empowerment.
It Started with a Single Desk.
In the early 2000s, Maricel Weischede began helping migrants from her home office — driven by a strong belief in doing immigration the right way: lawfully, ethically, and with care.
One Became Two.
As Maricel’s work with migrant families grew, so did the need for trusted hands and shared vision.
Her husband, Holger, became a licensed immigration adviser and joined her in the mission to help Filipino families navigate New Zealand’s complex immigration system.
Holger brought his own strengths to the table — precision, strategic management, honesty, and a deep respect for process. Together, they complemented each other: Maricel with her warmth and legal insight, Holger with his structure and commitment to detail.
Two Became Four.
As Maricel and Holger laid the foundation for NZIHS, the family spirit of service inspired others to join the mission — not just as staff, but as trusted teammates who shared the same heart for helping people.
The team expanded across the Philippines and New Zealand, with support staff, coordinators, and advisers working together to bring honesty, empathy, and precision to every visa case.
What began as a family operation grew into a purpose-driven team — united by one belief: that good advice, delivered with care, can change lives.
From Advice to a Brand
With growing demand, NZ Immigration Help Service was formally registered and expanded its services — from visitor visas to skilled migration, work, and family reunification.
A New Generation
Over time, the mission that began with Maricel and Holger became a family legacy.
Their son, Dean, joined the business — bringing a new generation of leadership with a deep respect for the past and a bold vision for the future. Dean became a licensed immigration adviser and now serves as Managing Director, overseeing NZIHS operations across New Zealand and the Philippines.
With Dean at the helm, NZIHS embraced innovation, digital systems, and modern tools — all while holding tightly to the heart and values that started it all: service, trust, care, and results.
As the business grew, so did the team. What started as one person at a desk has become a multi-branch operation with clients around the world — still grounded in family, still focused on helping others build better lives in New Zealand.
Our Vision. Our Mission. Our Legacy.
Still Family. Still Focused.
NZIHS is still a family-owned and operated business. Every person on our team shares our founding values: honesty, skill, and genuine care. That’s what makes us more than advisers — we’re your guides.
Meet our Wonderful Team
This is the space to introduce the business’s team and what makes it special.
Dean Patrick Weischede
Managing Director
Licensed Immigration Adviser
IAA202300030
Dean leads NZ Immigration Help Service across its offices in New Zealand and the Philippines. As a licensed immigration adviser, he manages strategy, operations, and client relationships with a focus on honest, high-quality advice. With a passion for systems and people, Dean is committed to making the immigration journey clearer and more empowering for skilled workers, students, and families.
Maricel Weischede
Founder & Director
Barrister & Solicitor
Maricel founded NZ Immigration Help Service more than 20 years ago with a vision to deliver honest, skilled, and ethical immigration advice. Though she now runs her own independent legal practice, she continues to support NZIHS through the values she instilled — integrity, professionalism, and genuine care for every client’s journey.
Holger Weischede
Director
Licensed Immigration Adviser
IAA200901921
Holger supported NZIHS from its early years and worked as a licensed immigration adviser. While he now works in the supply chain sector and is not involved in daily operations, he continues to support the family business in a non-active director role, contributing to its long-term stability and legacy.
Ann Galang
Migration Manager
Auckland, New Zealand
Ann oversees daily operations at NZIHS Auckland and supports both the advisory team and our clients. With a strong background in administration and service coordination, she ensures that every case moves forward smoothly — providing timely, professional assistance to clients and maintaining quality service across the team.
Lynette Matencio
Migration Coordinator
Auckland, New Zealand
Lynette supports both marketing and administration at NZIHS Auckland. She manages social media content, office coordination, and internal communications. With an eye for detail and a warm approach, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while supporting the brand’s visibility and organisation.
Maddison Main
Migration Administrator
Auckland, New Zealand
Maddison plays a key role in supporting our licensed advisers and keeping clients informed throughout their visa journey. She helps manage documentation, schedules, and communications — ensuring every case moves forward with clarity, accuracy, and care.
Romy Udanga
Migration Manager
Isabela, Philippines
Romy manages the day-to-day operations of NZIHS Isabela, leading the team in delivering honest and timely client support. He focuses on community engagement, office coordination, and helping aspiring migrants begin their journey to New Zealand with confidence and clarity.
Fritzi Udanga
Migration Manager
Isabela, Philippines
Fritzi oversees client care and internal operations at NZIHS Isabela, ensuring each case is managed with attention to detail and compassion. Alongside Romy, she helps lead outreach and maintains a supportive environment for both staff and clients alike.
Russel Sianygco
Business Development Manager
Auckland, New Zealand
Russel drives business development at NZIHS, working closely with individuals, employers, and partner organisations. His mission is to connect more people to trusted immigration solutions while expanding NZIHS’s reach across markets and communities.
Freda Suyom
Migration Coordinator
Manila, Philippines
Freda plays a key role in NZIHS Manila, supporting client documentation, coordination, and communication. As a Migration Coordinator, she ensures that every case receives the attention and organisation it deserves, helping our licensed advisers deliver results on time.
Raizza Ramos
Migration Coordinator
Isabela, Philippines
Raizza supports the NZIHS Isabela branch by managing visa documentation, follow-ups, and client coordination. With a detail-focused and caring approach, she helps ensure each case progresses smoothly and every client receives timely and professional support.
KG Udanga
Support Associate
Isabela, Philippines
KG is part of the next generation at NZIHS, assisting with marketing, internal operations, and outreach efforts for the Isabela branch. While preparing to become a licensed immigration adviser, he actively contributes to building client trust and keeping back-end processes organised and efficient.
Join Our Team
Opportunities in Auckland & Christchurch, New Zealand
At NZ Immigration Help Service, we’re always on the lookout for passionate, purpose-driven people who want to help others create better lives in New Zealand.
With teams across New Zealand and the Philippines, we offer flexible working arrangements, career progression, and a values-led culture that puts people first — clients and team alike.
Join us in building something that matters.
Join Our Team
Opportunities in Manila & Isabela, Philippines
At NZ Immigration Help Service, we’re always on the lookout for passionate, purpose-driven people who want to help others create better lives in New Zealand.
With teams across New Zealand and the Philippines, we offer flexible working arrangements, career progression, and a values-led culture that puts people first — clients and team alike.
Join us in building something that matters.
