From the editor

Tēnā koutou for the encouraging feedback on the new style Human Resources magazine. It’s great to know we’re providing you with a quality magazine that inspires you and provides useful insights on how to be a thriving HR professional – and looks fantastic too!

With this issue, we aim to equip you with the tools and knowledge to extend your influence within your organisations.

I remember my first graduate job in HR was for a retail organisation in the United Kingdom. The HR director said to me at my induction meeting, “HR is all about influence. And one of the best ways to influence people is to build relationships with them. Get to understand them and get to understand the business.”

Her words have stuck with me and I’m often reminded of those words when I see great HR leaders in operation. It’s the way with people, the genuine interest and desire to understand and connect with others that I see in good leaders and good HR people.

In this edition, we dive deep into the latest industry insights and best practices that you can leverage to expand your influence. From the art of effectively influencing people about the crucial nature of sustainability to embracing the necessity to ‘get the basics right’, we explore a range of topics designed to support HR professionals in their quest for greater impact.

In our feature articles, you will read about how to influence at senior board and small business owner level, as well as how to influence when you have no official ‘authority’. Additionally, we delve into one organisation’s success at influencing from within, and how the steps they took led to a more inclusive workplace environment.

Thank you to all our contributors, industry experts and HR professionals who have generously shared their knowledge and experiences for this issue. As always, we encourage you to actively engage with the content, reflect on your own growth and share your thoughts and experiences with the HRNZ community. Together, let’s strive for excellence and continue to make a significant impact in shaping the future of work.

Happy reading and happy holidays!

Kathy Catton
Managing Editor
Kathy.Catton@hrnz.org.nz