Expert Testing Services for Growing Businesses
20+ years of experience delivering test strategies, automation frameworks, and QA consulting across industries
Who we are
TestPilot is a boutique testing consultancy specialising in strategic guidance and capability transformation for New Zealand businesses. We work with organisations that need senior-level testing expertise - helping them build robust test strategies, evaluate tools independently, and develop internal QA capabilities that scale.
Founded and led by Wil Samuels, we bring 20+ years of testing experience across ERP implementations, SaaS platforms, and enterprise applications. As an ISTQB Advanced Test Manager, ANZTB Associate Board Member, and accredited ISTQB Advanced Test Management training provider, we combine recognised industry credentials with practical, real-world implementation experience.
Based in Christchurch and serving businesses nationally, we offer the strategic thinking of a senior consultant with access to proven methodologies and technology partnerships when projects require scale.
The expertise behind TestPilot
ANZTB Associate Board Member
Contributor to testing standards and professional development across Australia and New Zealand.
ISTQB Advanced Test Manager
Advanced certification in test management, strategy, and planning.
ISTQB Advanced Test Management Training Provider
Accredited to deliver ISTQB Advanced Test Management training courses.
ITIL Foundation
Certified in IT service management best practices.
Experience that matters
ERP & Business System Implementation Testing
Experience with D365 Business Central, SAP, Salesforce, Workday and other enterprise platforms. We understand the complexity of testing business-critical systems where failure isn't an option.
Test Automation & Framework Design
Built automation frameworks across multiple technologies and toolsets. We know what works, what doesn't, and how to build automation that your team can maintain.
SaaS & Agile Environments
Worked with development teams where testing keeps pace with rapid releases. Practical approaches that support velocity without sacrificing quality.
Strategic Testing Guidance
Advised CTOs, IT Directors, and project managers on testing strategy, tool selection, and QA capability building. Independent perspective based on what works, not what vendors sell.
Track Record
We've delivered test strategies, tool evaluations, and independent reviews for organisations including Vodacom, MTN, Woolworths (S.A), Infinite Software, Volograms, and Engen across telecommunications, energy, retail, and enterprise software sectors.
Our work spans everything from guiding ERP testing strategies for major implementations to building automation frameworks for high-velocity development teams. Through technology partnerships, we have expanded access to specialized resources and tools while maintaining the boutique, senior-led approach that defines TestPilot.
Why Christchurch, New Zealand
We're based in Christchurch but work with clients nationally. Being New Zealand-based means we understand local business culture, work in your timezone, and can be on-site when it matters.
Through our technology partnerships, we have access to offshore resources when projects require scale. Best of both worlds - local expertise and leadership with the capacity to scale.
What clients say
Through previous consulting engagements, we've worked with teams across telecommunications, enterprise software, retail, and technology sectors:
“Wil's technical understanding in QA is second to none. He brought fresh ideas to our product development process and shaped our testing function from the ground up.”
“Wil built and led our Testing Center of Excellence, managing 60+ QAs across multiple business verticals and enterprise technologies. His systematic approach earned him my highest recommendation.”
“Wil drove our software testing to another level. His detailed technical specifications made our work as engineers easier, and he was laser-focused on delivering the best user experience.”
Our Approach
COLLABORATIVE, NOT PRESCRIPTIVE
We work with you to understand your constraints and goals, not impose textbook processes that don't fit your reality.
PRACTICAL OVER PERFECT
We focus on testing that delivers business value, not chasing theoretical perfection or compliance with arbitrary coverage metrics.
BUILDING CAPABILITY, NOT DEPENDENCY
Our best engagements end with you having stronger internal capability, not ongoing reliance on external consultants.
HONEST ADVICE
If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you. If a simpler solution makes more sense, we'll recommend it.
Ready to discuss your testing needs?
Let's discuss your challenges and whether we're the right fit.