Who We Are
Sherwood Holmes Investigations is an independent investigations practice based in Wellington, providing high-quality investigative services throughout New Zealand. Drawing on a wider network of trusted specialists, we have the depth to meet complex and large-scale engagements, with a single point of accountability throughout.
We deliver clear, impartial, evidence-based findings using a methodical, respectful, and legally sound approach.
Meet the Investigator
Founder & Principal Investigator
Rose Ayers (AWI-CH)
With a proven track record of investigative experience across policing, workplace conduct, professional standards, and integrity roles, I bring a deep understanding of people, evidence, and fairness to every case.
New Zealand Police – Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) & Police Professional Conduct
Having served as a sworn Detective and Detective Sergeant within the New Zealand Police Criminal Investigation Branch, investigating serious and complex criminal matters, I bring a rigorous, evidence-led approach to every investigation. Building on that foundation, my work within Police Professional Conduct in a non-sworn capacity encompassed investigation and management of complaints, misconduct, and serious incident reviews involving police employees, applying careful evidence analysis, procedural fairness, and sound professional judgment in matters subject to significant scrutiny.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
I held investigation and integrity roles involving sensitive decision-making, assessment of competing evidence, and high-impact outcomes for individuals and organisations.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ)
I conducted specialist workplace conduct and integrity investigations, including complex multi-party matters involving employees and volunteers, serious misconduct allegations, and organisation-wide complaint and investigation processes.
Fraud Investigations
I have extensive experience investigating large-scale and complex fraud matters, including work within New Zealand Police's Company Fraud Squad as a Detective, and later as a Specialist Fraud Investigator in a non-sworn capacity. This work involved complex financial evidence, document-heavy investigations, and the preparation of prosecution-ready briefs in matters subject to significant legal and evidential scrutiny. I understand the evidential threshold required for Police to progress serious fraud matters. In my experience, the most effective way to secure Police involvement is to present cases fully investigated, clearly analysed, and structured in a format capable of supporting prosecution.
Qualifications & Accreditation
I completed the New Zealand Police National Detective Training Programme at the top of my course, following two years of intensive practical and academic assessment. I am a certified graduate of the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI-CH) in the United States, an internationally recognised qualification reflecting best-practice investigative standards.
Areas of Expertise
Serious misconduct and integrity investigations
Complex fraud investigations and prosecution-ready evidential analysis
Criminal brief and evidence analysis
Investigations involving employees, managers, and senior leaders
Specialist workplace conduct case management
Complex, multi-party and high-conflict investigations
Organisation-wide conduct and investigations
My Approach
Investigations can be stressful, high-stakes, and deeply personal.My role is to bring:
Clarity where there is confusionCalm where there is conflictEvidence where there is uncertaintyFairness where there is fear or mistrust
Values
Integrity - doing what is right even when unseen
Respect - treating all participants with dignity
Courage - addressing difficult truths fairly
Objectivity - evidence-led, unbiased, transparent
Excellence - producing work that withstands scrutiny
No assumptions. No bias.
Only facts, context, and careful analysis.
Professional Memberships
Member of Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI)
Member of New Zealand Institute of Private Investigators
Affiliate Member of Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRNZ)
Licences & Certifications
Licensed Private Investigator - New Zealand
AWI-CH (Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder)
If you need independent, experienced support on a complex or sensitive matter, get in touch for a confidential discussion.
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