Professional Membership accreditation

Human Resources magazine caught up with Clint Brickhill (Chartered Member) and Ketki (Ki) Acharya (Accredited Member) to discuss their paths to HRNZ accreditation and their thoughts on the role of HR in Aotearoa today.

Clint Brickhill

What have been your career highlights to date?

I have built a dynamic HR career in New Zealand and abroad, gaining international experience that has broadened my strategic perspective and cultural agility. I’ve led high-performing teams through complex change, delivering people strategies that drive organisational performance and foster continuous improvement. My progression into an executive leadership role reflects a commitment to impactful, values-driven HR, where I’ve influenced major workforce transformation and partnered at the highest levels to align people, culture and strategy.

What inspires and motivates you in your career and why?

I’m motivated by the opportunity to shape environments where people can thrive and do meaningful work. I’m driven by the impact that great leadership, a clear purpose and an inclusive culture can have, not just on individuals, but on entire organisations and the communities they serve. I find purpose in navigating complex challenges, supporting others through change and creating people strategies that unlock potential and performance. Being part of the moments where people grow and teams succeed is what keeps me motivated.

What do you see as the challenges facing the industry and the HR profession?

One of the main challenges facing our profession is navigating the growing complexity of workforce expectations in a rapidly changing world of work. The shift toward more flexible, purpose-driven and wellbeingfocused work environments requires us to rethink traditional people practices while still ensuring operational performance and accountability. Additionally, attracting and retaining talent in a competitive market, particularly in the public sector, continues to be a pressure point.

How has HRNZ membership helped your career?

Becoming a Chartered Member of HRNZ has been a significant milestone in my career. It provided formal recognition of my capability, experience and strategic impact in the HR profession. It has strengthened my professional credibility and positioned me as a trusted people leader.

Importantly, it has also connected me to a network of like-minded professionals who are committed to lifting the standard and influence of HR.

Please describe your journey towards becoming a Chartered Member. How was the experience?

It was driven by a genuine passion for the HR profession and a commitment to continuous growth and contribution at a strategic level. The process gave me the space to pause and reflect on the impact I’ve had across teams and organisations. It was challenging in all the right ways, pushing me to articulate not just what I’ve done, but how I’ve led with purpose, integrity and influence. What stood out most was the opportunity to validate my experience through a professional lens, aligning it with national standards and connecting it back to the values that have guided my career.

Ketki (Ki) Acharya

What have been your career highlights to date?

I’m most energised by the variety and impact that comes with working as a consultant.

Every business has its own unique context, and I enjoy diving into different environments, understanding their people challenges, and co-creating solutions that are both practical and sustainable. The ability to work closely with business owners or managers – often at pivotal moments –means I can see the real-world impact of my advice, which is incredibly fulfilling.

I love the fast-paced nature of consulting, the opportunity to keep learning, and the trust that clients place in me to support their people strategies.

What inspires and motivates you in your career and why?

I realised early on that I wanted to be in a people-facing role. Meeting individuals from different walks of life – whether in an in-house HR capacity or as a consultant – continues to fascinate me. I enjoy learning about the challenges they face and helping craft practical, people-focused solutions.

The critical thinking aspect of HR, especially when paired with empathy, is what keeps me engaged. Every situation is different, and I thrive on working collaboratively to make workplaces healthier and more human.

What do you see as the challenges facing the industry and the HR profession?

One of the biggest challenges HR professionals in New Zealand are facing is navigating the increasing complexity of employee expectations around flexibility, wellbeing and equity, while also responding to organisational pressures, such as budget constraints and ongoing change. There’s a real need to balance strategic goals with human needs, which often requires HR to be both advocate and realist at once. In smaller businesses, especially, HR can sometimes feel quite isolated, which makes networks like HRNZ even more valuable.

How has HRNZ membership helped your career?

HRNZ has been an incredible platform for networking, learning and development. Being part of the Canterbury Branch has given me access to events, mentorship and reallife insights that have shaped the way I approach my work. The community is generous and supportive, and I’ve met many people who’ve challenged and inspired me professionally.

Please describe your journey towards becoming an Accredited Member. How was the experience?

The accreditation process was reflective and empowering. It pushed me to think critically about my experiences and how they aligned with HRNZ’s competencies. It also helped validate my progression in the profession and gave me the confidence to take on more strategic responsibilities. I’d definitely encourage others to consider it; it’s not just a title, but a meaningful milestone in your career journey.