Fusion5 delivers localised payroll and HR solutions using market-leading platforms Jade Star and Jemini. Our payroll platforms and support teams help ensure compliance with the evolving scrutiny and legal requirements of payroll in New Zealand and Australia.
When a partnership spans more than 15 years, it becomes more than a client-vendor relationship. For Kiwibank, working with Fusion5 and the Jade Star payroll platform has been a story of innovation, co-creation, adaptation, and trust.
Two Kiwibank leaders who know this journey best are Phillippa Wightman, Head of People Technology, and Airini Kyne, People Services Manager, Payroll. Both have been closely involved through years of growth and transformation at the bank, alongside the evolution of Jade Star.
“It’s been a continuous evolving partnership,” says Airini. “What’s made it successful is the solid foundation we’ve established together, a relationship where both sides contribute their strengths, are open to listening and adapt as needed. That’s how the relationship between Kiwibank and Jade Star has continued to grow and develop over time.”
From greenfields to growth
Kiwibank’s payroll story began in 2008, with the migration of payroll from New Zealand Post into Jade Star. At that time, Jade Star was more than a payroll tool. It became a foundation for broader people processes at the bank.
Phillippa recalls: “Jade Star became the place to hold our people data; it fed into performance and remuneration reviews and provided self-service functionality through our HR portal. It was a greenfield site, and we had the opportunity to build Jade Star as much as possible around our needs.”
Scaling up with confidence
As the bank grew, so did its payroll complexity. Subsidiaries such as Gareth Morgan Investments and Kiwi Asset Finance Limited joined and later left the payroll environment. Each transition was high stakes, requiring rapid onboarding or careful separation without disrupting pay runs for thousands of employees.
The confidence we had in Fusion5 during those times was critical. Taking on new companies at speed was one challenge. Removing them later without impacting our systems was equally as big. The partnership gave us the assurance that we could make those moves smoothly.”
Beyond transitions, Kiwibank also played a hands-on role in shaping Jade Star’s functionality. Together with Fusion5, they developed remuneration review workflows, performance planning tools, and leave management automation to handle complex working patterns. These innovations became part of Jade Star’s product evolution, benefitting every customer.
Meeting regulatory demands head-on
One of the most significant milestones came in 2019, when every employer in New Zealand faced the challenges of Holidays Act remediation. For Kiwibank, the project meant reviewing seven years of payroll data, identifying where payments had not aligned with the Act, remediating those gaps, and ensuring systems were updated for ongoing compliance.
“It was a complex piece of work,” recalls Airini. “We had to look back at years of data and put things right, while also changing our configuration so we remained compliant moving forward. Jade Star played a central role, and Fusion5’s support was invaluable.”
We are proud that our recent audit not only confirmed our compliance but also acknowledged the dedication and expertise of our people. This recognition from the NZPPA is a testament to the commitment and capability of our payroll team, who ensure our people are paid correctly and on time, every time.”
Integrating into a changing tech landscape
As Kiwibank embarked on a wider transformation programme, the payroll environment also had to adapt. The introduction of Cornerstone as the bank’s core HRIS reshaped how systems connected and shared information.
Jade Star was no longer our single source of truth. Cornerstone took on that role, but we needed deep integration between the two platforms to keep payroll connected to our wider people and identity systems.”
As Kiwibank’s technology evolves, systems will be updated to improve how they work together. Some tasks that used to be managed in Jade Star will now be handled by Cornerstone. Jade Star will remain the centre of payroll, ensuring all employees are paid accurately and on time, while Cornerstone manages people and position information. These changes will be implemented with care to ensure a seamless experience for Kiwibank employees, with no disruption to pay or service. “It’s almost full circle,” says Phillippa. “Jade started as a payroll system, grew into a broader HRIS, and is now returning to payroll as its core function.”
Built on trust and collaboration
For both Kiwibank and Fusion5, the value of Jade Star isn’t measured only in compliance or pay runs. It’s measured in its ability to adapt, stay relevant, and support the bank in a dynamic technology environment. Kiwibank is clear on their People Operations strategy and the value they expect from each platform. Fusion5 bring the product knowledge and support to make it work. Fusion5’s outsourced payroll team has long worked as an extension of Kiwibank’s own, bringing continuity, deep product knowledge, and the flexibility to scale support when needed. Together, they’ve pushed, challenged, and supported each other, building solutions neither could have achieved alone.
From Fusion5’s perspective, Kiwibank’s role has been invaluable.
Kiwibank has been far more than a customer. They’ve been a partner in shaping Jade Star into a market-leading payroll system. Their insight, innovation, and willingness to collaborate has helped us evolve the product in ways that continue to deliver value across all our clients. They’ve shown what true partnership looks like, and we’re incredibly thankful for the role they’ve played.”
A partnership that endures
Today, Kiwibank’s payroll environment supports more than 2,700 employees, processes complex requirements with precision, and stands up to the scrutiny of one of New Zealand’s most tightly governed sectors. But the real story isn’t the technology, it’s the way both sides have approached the relationship, with openness, consistency, and a focus on shared outcomes.
Ultimately, the true value of this enduring partnership is felt by our people. Payroll is a critical part of every employee’s experience – when it works well, it goes unnoticed, but any issue is immediately felt. Thanks to the strength of our partnership with Fusion5 and the dedication of our Payroll Team, Kiwibank’s people enjoy a payroll service that is reliable, compliant, and quietly effective. This ‘silent excellence’ ensures our people can focus on what matters most, confident that their pay is in safe hands.
Fifteen years on, Jade Star remains a stable, trusted platform. Kiwibank continues to evolve its people technology stack with confidence, knowing its payroll foundation is strong. And Fusion5 continues to learn, refine, and innovate thanks to the contribution of a client who has helped shape Jade Star from the beginning.
Fusion5 has been there at every step as we’ve grown, changed, and adapted. It’s been a valuable and enduring relationship.
Phillippa Wightman | Head of People Technology, Kiwibank
Looking to modernise your payroll platform?
Many organisations across New Zealand and Australia are re-evaluating legacy payroll platforms to meet growing compliance, integration, and workforce expectations. Future-focused payroll solutions need to connect seamlessly with HR, finance and other systems of record, improving accuracy, visibility and employee trust.
At Fusion5, we help organisations streamline payroll operations, ensure legislative compliance, and build scalable people platforms that grow with the business.
Q&A
How does Fusion5 help organisations improve payroll accuracy and compliance?
Why are organisations modernising payroll systems now?
Workforces are more dynamic, legislation keeps evolving, and payroll data is becoming a valuable source of business insight. Modern platforms not only reduce manual work and maintain compliance, but also unlock accurate workforce data that helps inform strategy, budgeting, and decision-making.
What advantages come from integrating payroll with HR and finance?
When payroll connects with HR, finance, and other core systems, data flows accurately and in real time. This integration provides visibility across the organisation, turning payroll information into meaningful insights that strengthen governance and support smarter business decisions.
Fusion5 supports clients across Australia and New Zealand, with teams in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
