Building capability for a new era

Jacinta Schultz, HRNZ’s Technology Transformation Lead, explains the latest tech initiatives happening to support HRNZ members build capability in this space.

You don’t need to be a seasoned tech guru to see the world is changing faster than you can say there is an AI for that!

This morning, my seven- and nine-year-old boys had a fundraising fair day at school, where they needed to bring coins to purchase various items of apparel. They raided piggy banks, dived into drawers and fished down the sides of the couch, hunting for coins. Judging by the pile they found, let’s just say house cleaning hasn’t exactly been my top priority lately.

“OK, count them!” I said, thinking I’d bought myself some quiet time to get ready for the day.

But instead of spending ages stacking coins and doing the maths the old-fashioned way, they calmly sorted the coins into piles by denomination, then asked Gemini via Alexa to add them all up.

Four minutes later, they had the total, and even asked Alexa to divide it in two so they could split it equally.

Watching it unfold, I realised: The next generation isn’t learning how to use AI. They’re living it.

If two kids can instinctively reach for AI to solve a simple problem, imagine what we could be doing in our professional lives.

In HR especially, where people, data and decisions intersect every day, AI isn’t just the future; it’s already here.

Building The Future Of HR Technology At HRNZ

This year, I launched the Tech Channel to nurture and feed the growing interest from our member base in technology.

Through this channel, we share updates on HR tech trends, expert industry insights, and showcase the coolest tools and platforms we discover.

At HRNZ, my focus is both ambitious and straightforward: To support HR professionals across New Zealand not only in keeping pace with change and understanding the technology available but also in embracing it and leading the way in its adoption within their own organisations.

Through initiatives like the Tech Channel Interest Group, the Tech Assist programme, and the growing engagement in AI, we are actively building the knowledge, tools and networks that HR practitioners need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

We’re creating spaces for learning, encouraging collaboration across the profession, and providing practical resources that support real-world application.

Our goal is not only to help HR professionals navigate new technology but to give them the confidence and capability to drive innovation within their organisations, always keeping people and purpose at the centre of what they do.

STRENGTHENING THE TECH FOUNDATION: HRNZ TECH CHANNEL INTEREST GROUP

Over the past quarter, the Tech Channel Interest Group has gained strong momentum.

We’ve hosted several webinars this year already, covering topics like ‘Analytics and Data Science in HR’, ‘Attraction, Recruitment and Selection’ and ‘Employee Engagement and Experience’.

These sessions have drawn fantastic support from vendors and enthusiastic participation from members.

Our HR Systems and Technology community has now grown to 772 subscribed members, a clear sign that the profession’s interest in technology is accelerating.

(Click here if you’d like to learn how to join the action!)

Looking ahead, we’re excited about a packed calendar:

• Learning and Development webinar – 17 June

• Virtual Summit: Unlocking the Power of People Analytics in HR – 19 June

• HR Needs Assessment: Professional Development course – launched 2 May This course provides HR practitioners with structured tools to complete a thorough needs assessment, aligned with the HRNZ Capability Framework (The Path).

We’re also gearing up for a webinar later in the year on the real-world application of

AI in HR, featuring practical case studies from leading organisations in New Zealand.

Our goal is to move the conversation from theory to action, giving HR professionals the tools and confidence to make smarter, faster decisions.

Our goal is not only to help HR professionals navigate new technology but to give them the confidence and capability to drive innovation within their organisations.

Through deeper partnerships with technology vendors, we’ve also created a Technology Whitepaper, highlighting key HR technology solutions available in the New Zealand market, a resource that’s already become a go-to guide for many of our members.

TECH ASSIST: PRACTICAL SUPPORT ON THE GROUND

Our Tech Assist programme is designed to provide hands-on, practical support to organisations that are ready to take the next step in transforming their HR capabilities. We know that adopting and optimising technology can be challenging, especially when working within tight budgets. That’s why we’ve developed a flexible, targeted support framework that helps you make smart, strategic decisions about where to focus your efforts and investments.

At the heart of Tech Assist is a commitment to delivering real, measurable value. Whether you’re navigating a system upgrade, refining your processes, or evaluating new HR technologies, we work alongside your team to identify the areas where improvements will have the most significant impact. Our approach is grounded in your organisational strategy, ensuring that every recommendation aligns with your broader business goals.

The next generation isn’t learning how to use AI. They’re living it.

We start with a comprehensive needs assessment, built around HRNZ’s The Path capability framework. This structured framework lets us take a holistic view of your current systems, processes and pain points, leaving no stone unturned. By understanding your current state and any pain points, we help you uncover opportunities for immediate gains as well as longer-term transformation.

Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, boost employee experience, or ensure compliance, Tech Assist offers the practical expertise and tailored guidance you need to move forward with confidence. Get in touch now to get your assessment under way.

EMBRACING THE AGE OF AI

At our recent Tech Talks, we’ve heard directly from vendors about how AI is changing the way HR works, from finding the right candidates and improving onboarding to predicting staff turnover and personalising learning and development. AI has the power to transform our profession, but it also comes with important ethical and practical questions.

Nick McKissack and I are honoured to be part of the HR for AI Working Group, which sits within the Artificial Intelligence Forum of New Zealand (AIFNZ). AIFNZ brings people together from across Aotearoa to explore how AI can support a fairer, more inclusive and successful future for everyone.

The HR for AI Working Group focuses on how we can use AI in HR in ways that are safe, smart and ethical. With support from the AIFNZ Executive Council, we’re working with others in business, education and industry to develop practical guidance and share best practices that keep people at the heart of HR.

Our members are increasingly asking not just what AI can do, but how to use it meaningfully and ethically. As we grow our library of content and case studies, we aim to equip HR leaders with the confidence and frameworks to embrace AI while staying grounded in the human values at the heart of our profession.

FUTURE-READY HR: IT STARTS NOW

If two young boys can instinctively turn to AI to solve a real-world problem before school, it’s clear: the next generation is growing up with technology as a natural part of life, not as an add-on.

As HR professionals, our challenge – and opportunity – is to match that mindset. To build capability, confidence and curiosity around AI and other emerging technologies. Not just for the sake of keeping up, but to lead responsibly, ethically and with purpose.

At HRNZ, we’re laying that foundation through the Tech Channel, our AI-focused initiatives, and vendor research. Whether you’re just starting to explore these tools or already deep in implementation, our goal is to help you turn interest into action and uncertainty into impact.

Get in on the action, because the future isn’t waiting. It’s already walking through the door, coin jar in hand.

Jacinta Schultz is a seasoned delivery professional with over 20 years of experience driving process improvement through the implementation of future-proof technology solutions. She is passionate about leading meaningful change through innovation and continuous improvement. Since joining HRNZ in 2022, Jacinta has successfully led the organisation’s internal digital technology upgrade. She has now expanded her role to work directly with HRNZ members, providing hands-on support through the Tech Channel to help them meet their own technology needs.