Quick reads

HRNZ LAUNCHES VIRTUAL HEALTH AND SAFETY NETWORK

HRNZ has launched a virtual national network designed specifically for HR professionals navigating the intersection between people, performance and workplace safety. The network focuses on building confidence around legislative obligations, practical, HR-relevant health and safety approaches, peer connection and knowledge sharing.

HRNZ is also looking for volunteers to join a small committee to help shape the network, organise events and contribute ideas. If you’re interested, please contact branchevents@ hrnz.org.nz.

This network comes about following a member survey that highlighted 67 per cent of respondents felt only somewhat confident in their knowledge of legislative health and safety obligations.

You can read more about the survey results and why this matters here: Workplace Health and Safety Article.

HRNZ CONSTITUTION CHANGES

In line with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (which replaces the Incorporated Societies Act 1908), HRNZ is re-registering its constitution before the April 2026 deadline. Members approved the Constitution at the annual general meeting held on 22 August 2025.

As a result of these legislative changes, the HRNZ Board has reviewed its constitution as a whole and, in particular, its networking channels. As a result, the Constitution now includes three networking channels: Regional Networks, Special Interest Networks and Regional Ambassadors.

To find out more about these networks and learn what this change means for HRNZ members, read the full article on p 28. The Constitution is available to read here.

AOTEAROA HR LAUNCHPAD BUILDS NEXT GENERATION OF HR PROFESSIONALS

Partnership between HRNZ, the University of Otago and Talent Solutions sees 20 HR students tackle real workplace challenges.

The inaugural Aotearoa HR Launchpad has successfully concluded with impressive outcomes from its first cohort of 20 students. This collaborative initiative marks a significant step forward in growing the talent pipeline of HR professionals in Aotearoa, one of HRNZ’s main strategic themes.

Students partnered directly with employers to address real-life HR challenges, researching complex issues and developing innovative solutions. Their presentations, presented on 7 August 2025, covered topics including AI impact assessments, tikanga allowance schemes and disability frameworks, with outstanding feedback from employers. This initiative shows how collaboration between professional organisations and tertiary institutions is helping to develop future HR talent.

The virtual internship programme introduced students to The Path, HRNZ’s capability framework, while providing valuable handson experience. Paula O’Kane from the University of Otago’s Department of Management, alongside Fiona Edgar and Aron Chantelau, have been instrumental in the programme’s success. It is hoped the programme will be extended to other universities and involve more employers in future years.

GENDER ACCREDITATION UPDATE

The Gender at Work community has recently updated its GenderTick accreditation programme, Aotearoa New Zealand’s only workplace accreditation dedicated solely to gender equity.

The update aims to reflect evolving expectations around what gender equity should look like in the workplace. It introduces new dimensions such as a focus on the role of men, partners and allies in achieving gender equity, addressing gender-based violence in workplace settings and inclusive recruitment and career development practices.

Elizabeth Maddison, Manager – Gender at Work, says the changes are designed to help organisations go beyond tickbox compliance, and instead embed sustainable and inclusive practices that improve retention, wellbeing and workplace culture for everyone.

For more information on the changes, go here.

HUMAN RESOURCES MAGAZINE NOMINATED AS AWARD FINALIST

HRNZ’s Human Resources magazine has been nominated as a finalist for the Designers Institute of New Zealand’s Best Awards, in the business communication category.

Following the redesign and modernising of Human Resources magazine in 2023 to align with HRNZ’s first-of-itskind capability framework, The Path, the magazine has been recognised as a finalist at the these prestigious design awards.

Thanks to the team who carried out the redesign and to HRNZ members who contributed to this magazine rejuvenation. “This collaborative approach has resulted in more than a magazine refresh,” says Nikita Barends, Senior Communications Advisor at HRNZ. “It’s a reimagining of how HR professionals interact with digital content and their professional development.”

Winners will be announced at the Best Awards evening on 10 October 2025. Congratulations to all the other impressive finalists in this category.

TAKE A BREAK –READ AND LISTEN

Ready for a mini break from your desk? This podcast provides valuable guidance to help you in your HR role.

PODCAST: Fearlessly Human

Fearlessly Human focuses on what happens when people collide, connect and sometimes combust at work. Each multi-episode season delves into a specific topic (eg, season one is called Cracking Conflict and focuses on navigating conflict). Each short episode unpacks not only the psychology behind the subject but also the team and relationship dynamics that influence how we interact with one another. Practical tools are also given to help navigate the complex issues that come with being human. Both hosts bring their expertise in psychology and workplace culture to break down the topic for listeners, offering valuable insights and sharing their lived experiences. As the co-hosts say, “We don’t leave our humanity at the door, no matter how sharp the suit or shiny the strategy.”

The co-hosts are Kavita Khanna, with over two decades of experience in leadership, strategy, HR and organisational development in Aotearoa New Zealand, and Dr Vickie Dalton, a clinical and forensic psychologist from the United States. Together, they bring a 360-degree lens to different topics, from within the human psyche to within the organisational system. Listen here.