Professional accreditationMembership

Human Resources magazine caught up with Natasha Dercksen (Accredited Professional Member) and Bradley Pandy (Chartered Member) to ask about their paths to HRNZ accreditation and their thoughts about the role of HR in Aotearoa today. Coincidentally, both members are from South Africa.

Bradley Pandy

What have been your career highlights to date?

There are so many examples I can give in answering this question. However, I don’t look at my career as being made of highlights; instead, I think of the things I have done to be a highlight in someone else’s life, an opportunity to make their life a little bit better. The ‘thank yous’ have really been the highlight for me.

What inspires and motivates you in your career and why?

I completed my postgraduate degree and got the opportunity to work for a group of psychiatric clinics specialising in the treatment of PTSD. Coming from the police service, I was all too familiar with conditions that contribute to psychological challenges. About a year into my time at the clinic, a young patient approached me and, with tears in his eyes, shook my hand and said, “Please don’t stop doing what you do – you will never know the difference you have made to my life”. It was not his words but the look of genuine appreciation. It started happening more and more. I wanted to keep doing that.

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

Three core skills necessary for good choices are discipline, accountability and respect. When one of these is removed or diluted, then others suffer. I think the HR profession is challenged by having to manage the erosion and lack of these skills. HR’s challenge is and will be managing behaviour built from poor discipline, accountability and respect. The employee who rocks up to work – rain or shine – and gives their best because the person next to them matters is different from the employee who comes to work only for themselves

How has HRNZ membership helped your career?

Despite extensive experience in the HR profession in South Africa, HR in New Zealand is not the same. HRNZ has become a vital resource for understanding the HR mindset and approach. The webinars, CPD and articles have been beneficial, and connecting with and learning from HR professionals has been significant. Membership has helped me shape my HR journey in New Zealand and contributed to where I am today.

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

My current HR manager suggested I apply for membership, and after ticking most of the boxes in the pathway, I put forward my application. My previous role as a senior business partner gave me good exposure to HR in New Zealand. Though my current role is primarily due to my overseas experience, the HR team and manager ask for my opinion on HR matters. The recognition of Chartered Membership indicates that the hard work has paid off and my peers see that.

Natasha Dercksen

What have been your career highlights to date?

Throughout my 15-year HR career, I’ve been fortunate to achieve several milestones that have shaped my professional journey. Setting up HR departments for multiple companies stands out as a significant accomplishment because it involved establishing foundational frameworks for people management. Also, being part of the team that established an accredited training academy was particularly rewarding. This initiative not only provided valuable skills development opportunities for employees but also contributed to enhancing organisational capabilities.

Obtaining my HR professional registration in South Africa marked a pivotal moment in my career journey. However, relocating to New Zealand presented its own set of challenges. Despite feeling like I was taking a few steps back professionally, I embraced the opportunity to focus on training, research and development to ensure I could swiftly adapt to the nuances of New Zealand’s legislation and work culture. This period of transition and learning not only broadened my expertise but also underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating career transitions.

What inspires and motivates you in your career and why?

What truly inspires and motivates me in my career is the profound impact HR practices can have on people’s lives. It’s the human element that drives me. Witnessing the positive changes, whether it’s enhancing workplace culture or enabling personal and professional growth, fuels my passion for HR. Moreover, the dynamic nature of the field, requiring constant learning and adaptation, keeps me engaged and eager to explore new possibilities.

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

HR professionals face diverse challenges, including navigating rapidly changing government policies and legislation. Also, the integration of artificial intelligence into HR practices presents opportunities for efficiency but requires careful consideration of ethical and regulatory implications. Managing cultural diversity, addressing skills shortages and adapting to remote work dynamics further compound these challenges.

How has HRNZ membership helped your career?

Being a member of HRNZ has significantly supported my career development, especially during my transition to New Zealand from South Africa. The resources provided, such as the online learning portal and HR guides, have been invaluable in helping me stay updated on local processes, legislation and HR best practices. The opportunity to connect with other HR professionals within New Zealand has facilitated networking and knowledge sharing, enriching my professional journey.

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

The journey towards becoming an Accredited Professional Member was smooth and wellguided. The process was clear and easy to follow, pushing me towards continuous development by obtaining the required continuing professional development (CPD) points. The resources and online training available from HRNZ were immensely helpful throughout the process, contributing to a fulfilling experience. This experience has motivated me even more to continue the journey with HRNZ towards Chartered Membership.