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A little bit about me

Debra Colour Palette

With over 20 years of experience as an executive assistant and virtual assistant, I know the ins and outs of what makes a business run smoothly, and what slows it down. I’ve worked behind the scenes with high-level leaders, ambitious founders, and fast-moving teams, and I bring that same level of care, strategy, and efficiency to every customer I support through Pūmau Business.

Now based in Northland, I offer remote support to small business owners, startups, CEOs and consultants all across New Zealand. If you’re feeling stretched, scattered, or stuck, I’m here to help you find calm in the chaos, and systems that actually work for you.

My colour palette reflects everything I stand for. Earthy pinks and clay-based tones speak to maturity and heart-led leadership, while the grounding browns bring warmth, steadiness, and trust. There’s a quiet elegance in this combination, one that mirrors how I show up in the world: connected, empathetic, and strong.

LinkedIn Debra Metcalfe
A little about Pūmau Business

Pūmau (verb) to be fixed, constant, permanent, true to, steadfast, faithful, staunch. 

Mantra

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” ~ William A Foster

Pūmau Business was born from a bold idea I had back in the early 2000s: work should fit life, not the other way around. Since then, I’ve evolved through market shifts, big life moments, and even a name change, from AdminCorp to Pūmau, meaning steadfast. Today, I'm proud to offer executive-level virtual assistant support to ambitious small businesses across Aotearoa with a priority on Northland customers. From inbox triage and system setup to workflow strategy and mentoring, 

I help you run smoother, grow stronger, and stay focused on what matters most. I'm not just a doer, I'm a thinker and a strategic one at that. With a background supporting C-suite leaders, I anticipate what’s next, solve problems before they escalate, and build systems that truly work for you. 
Let’s make business feel lighter, more aligned, and built to last.

20+ Years

On a journey enriched by leaders, peers and over 20 years of professional experience.

FAQs

Your questions answered

What does a virtual assistant do?

A VA supports your business remotely with admin, systems, projects, and process work, like managing your inbox, setting up workflows, and keeping things ticking behind the scenes or managing projects and events.

How do I know if I need a VA?

If you’re spending more time on admin than growth, it’s time. I help clear your plate so you can focus on what matters.

What makes Pūmau Business different?

I offer 20+ years of executive support experience, not generic help. I’m proactive, strategic, and truly care about your business. I even meet with my customers one on one whenever possible to maintain a strong relationship. 

What systems do you use?

Zoho One, Microsoft O365, Google Workspace, Trello, Xero, Myob, Adobe, ChatGPT, and more. If you're not using tools yet, I’ll help you choose and set them up.

Are you NZ-based?

Yes! I'm based in Dargaville and have an office in Whangārei, Northland. I support clients all over New Zealand.

Got a question? Send me a message!