Rock solid investigations you can trust

WELCOME TO BASALT SOLUTIONS LTD

Helping leaders, boards and lawyers across New Zealand and Australia address today’s emerging challenges with specialist investigative expertise.

Who contacts me and why

I’m Tim Sterne, the founding director of Basalt Solutions.

Employment lawyers and ER/HR advisors turn to me because their clients need to proactively manage a wide range of risks in the workplace – including emerging psychosocial risks – often through formal investigations. They recognise the value of engaging an independent investigation specialist who has not only managed risk at the highest levels, but also understands the importance of treating everyone involved with fairness and respect.

Education and non-profit leaders contact me because they face rising pressure to manage risks to people in their care and they want someone who understands their world. As a former teacher with experience in for-purpose organisations, they know that I get them and their people.

Litigators and defence teams are working in a system under strain and going through change – growing caseloads, clogged courts, shifting expectations and tighter timeframes. They recognise the value of engaging someone who knows the ins and outs of the most complex investigations.

My story

Before founding Basalt Solutions, I worked in education and later led high-stakes investigations as a Detective Sergeant. That experience taught me the value of rigorous fact-finding with respectful engagement. These are skills that matter in every environment, not just in criminal investigations.

Investigation combines skills in risk management, negotiation, investigative interviewing, evidence analysis, documentation, and defensible reporting. I founded Basalt Solutions to apply my tradecraft in contexts where I could address emerging challenges in today’s world and help my clients stay ahead of change.

Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, I’m able to provide my services remotely or travel to work with clients across New Zealand and internationally.

How I can help

Independent Investigations

Independent workplace and administrative investigations into complaints and allegations involving staff or people in your care.

Organisational Reviews

Evidence-based reviews of systems, processes, and culture to analyse and provide solutions.

Litigation Support

Case assessments, evidence analysis, and witness briefing for litigators and defence teams.

Professional Development

Unique professional development drawing on the tradecraft of investigation and intelligence to help leaders across sectors, including education.

What my clients say

I highly recommend engaging with Tim - his expertise will give you the assurance and capability you need when the next challenge arises.

Tim knows his stuff.

Tim’s experience and insight and his relatable and approachable manner make him an absolute asset to any principal’s network.

I recommend Tim's services to any school looking for a thorough and fair investigation from someone who understands the education environment.

I would not hesitate to recommend Tim to any organisation seeking expert guidance and independent review in challenging situations.

In today’s world, forward-thinking organisations and teams don’t leave fact-finding to chance. They engage specialist expertise to deliver clarity, fairness, and resilience while respecting people every step of the way.