Academic Branch in action

Deepika Jindal, Branch President of HRNZ’s Academic Branch and Subject Group Lead for Management at the University of Auckland, outlines the work of the HRNZ Academic Branch and how the new HRNZ Constitution will enhance its activities.

As HRNZ works toward compliance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, its revised constitution introduces a modernised governance framework that better reflects how members engage today.

For the Academic Branch –HRNZ’s fully virtual branch – these changes bring strategic alignment and expanded opportunities to deepen its impact across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Formal Recognition And Strategic Empowerment

The new Constitution formally acknowledges virtual branches within HRNZ’s governance framework, reinforcing the Academic Branch’s established role and ensuring consistent support and visibility across all branches. This recognition affirms the importance of digital-first communities in fostering professional dialogue, particularly among HR academics, whose contributions often span institutions and regions.

The Constitution also strengthens the role of the Special Interest Groups (now Special Interest Networks), integrating them more closely with branch activities. This enables the Academic Branch to host and support Special Interest Network events with greater consistency and national reach, enhancing our ability to connect academic insights with practitioner needs. While the Academic Branch already operates as a virtual entity, the new Constitution offers an opportunity to reflect on our structure and reimagine how HR academics connect, contribute and lead within the national HR landscape.

The new Constitution formally acknowledges virtual branches within HRNZ’s governance framework, reinforcing the Academic Branch’s established role.

How The Academic Branch Operates

The Academic Branch Committee is a dedicated team of 10 HR academics from across New Zealand’s tertiary education institutions. We plan our annual goals in consultation with HRNZ’s chief executive, Nick McKissack, ensuring our initiatives support broader organisational priorities. Over 50 members collaborate across universities to advance HRNZ’s mission and make meaningful contributions to the HR profession.

We meet quarterly to review progress and generate new ideas; however, the bulk of our work on key initiatives happens outside these meetings. These initiatives are outlined below.

At the heart of our governance is an advisory structure that meets annually with Nick to discuss HRNZ’s strategic priorities and their alignment with our annual goals. These are then finalised with the full committee during our last meeting of the year.

Signature Initiatives And Impact

One of our flagship initiatives is the Member Voice: Shaping the Profession survey, launched in 2021 and rebranded in 2022. This annual survey gathers insights from HRNZ members to inform strategic planning, Summit content, and professional development offerings. In 2022, the survey was aligned with HRNZ’s new capability framework, The Path, enhancing its relevance and utility. We review it on an annual basis to make adjustments as needed.

We also contribute regularly to this magazine through research updates, sharing academic insights on current HR topics. These contributions bridge the gap between research and practice, making cuttingedge knowledge accessible to practitioners. Notable articles have covered topics such as COVID-19 wellbeing learnings, building ethical leadership, AI in HR, and a Gross National Happiness model, among others.

We launched our annual virtual networking event for HR academics in 2022 and have held it annually since. Over the past years we have gradually brought the HR academic community in New Zealand together through these networking events. These events foster collaboration and strengthen the academic HR community. We also see this as an opportunity to share important updates related to HRNZ initiatives. We maintain a shared document that lists the teaching and research interests of HR academics, to facilitate ongoing collaboration.

One of our flagship initiatives is the Member Voice: Shaping the Profession survey.

The Academic Branch actively encourages HR academics to pursue Chartered Membership with HRNZ, recognising it as a valuable professional accreditation that bridges academic expertise with industry standards. Chartered Membership affirms a commitment to ethical practice, strategic capability and continuous development, qualities that align closely with the values of the HR academic community. By engaging with this pathway, academics not only strengthen their professional credibility but also contribute to shaping the future of HR practice in New Zealand.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO HRNZ’S STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

The Academic Branch played an important role in developing The Path, HRNZ’s Capability Framework. Our committee reviewed global HR competency frameworks and participated in design labs and prototype testing. We’ve since worked to integrate The Path into our teaching, with examples of curriculum alignment and classroom activities.

We also invited HRNZ representatives to present The Path during our networking events, helping academics understand and apply the framework in their curricula.

COLLABORATIVE AND STRATEGIC VOLUNTEERING

What makes our committee’s volunteering efforts special is their collaborative nature and strategic alignment with HRNZ’s goals. Our members contribute to a range of initiatives, including judging NZ HR Awards submissions, assessing Chartered Membership applications and speaking at practitioner events.

What makes our committee’s volunteering efforts special is the collaborative nature and strategic alignment with HRNZ’s goals.

Our efforts resulted in Memoranda of Understanding between HRNZ and the University of Auckland and the University of Otago. These partnerships strengthen institutional ties and create opportunities for joint initiatives.

Our committee’s stability ensures continuity and deep institutional knowledge. This consistency has enabled us to build long-term initiatives while remaining agile enough to respond to emerging needs.

Expanding Reach And Recognition

Our impact extends beyond New Zealand. In 2024, we launched HRM Musings, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening HRM education across Pacific Island countries. This platform promotes knowledge sharing, skill enhancement and collaboration among HR educators, with interactive virtual sessions designed to foster engagement and build regional capacity.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Constitution changes empower the Academic Branch to do more, with clearer recognition, stronger integration and broader reach. As we continue to grow our impact, we remain committed to advancing the HR profession through evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary dialogue and inclusive engagement.

We are proud of the work our branch does – often behind the scenes – to strengthen the HR profession in New Zealand and beyond. Our strategic initiatives, collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence make us a vital part of HRNZ’s future. As we move forward, the Academic Branch will continue to champion evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary dialogue and inclusive engagement. We invite all members – both academic and practitioner – to join us in shaping the future of HR in New Zealand.

WANT TO SET UP A SPECIAL INTEREST NETWORK?

Special Interest Networks are replacing Special Interest Groups under the new HRNZ Constitution. These will operate nationally and run online events, much like the already existing HRNZ Tech Channel. These networks will run regular webinars and provide other content of interest for network members. It’s hoped these networks will also lead to people connecting over common issues within their local area.

Check out our new networks (HRNZ Leaders Network and HRNZ Health and Safety Network currently being established), or if you have an idea for a Special Interest Network that you’d like us to help you get started with, please email networks@hrnz. org.nz. We can talk you through what’s involved and how to start getting together with others who share similar interests.

THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR THE HRNZ ACADEMIC BRANCH ARE:

• Craig Robertson, Te Pukenga/Unitec

• Prof Candice Harris, AUT

• Prof Fiona Edgar, University of Otago

• Prof Maree Roche, University of Auckland

• Prof Mark Harcourt, University of Waikato

• Assoc Prof Noelle Donnelly, Victoria University of Wellington

• Adjunct Assoc Prof, Paul Toulson, Massey University

• Dr Russell Wordsworth, University of Canterbury

• Prof Jim Arrowsmith, Massey University (Secretary)

• Dr Deepika Jindal, University of Auckland (Branch President)

• Honorary member: Nick McKissack

Dr Deepika Jindal, is the Subject Group Lead for Management at the University of Auckland, where she teaches HRM and leads the Master of Business Management programme. Primarily an educator, she also maintains research interest in job crafting. Deepika is Branch President of HRNZ’s Academic Branch and serves on the Auckland Branch committee. She is a committee member of the Women in Business Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand. Aside from university awards, she was recently honoured with HRNZ’s 2025 Leadership Award and HR Person of the Year Award.