An inaugural HR forum took place in Auckland yesterday offering a range of expert insight and advice.
An inaugural HR event has been heralded as a success after bringing together a collection of New Zealand’s most eminent industry figures to offer expert advice and insight.
“We wanted to provide a platform for HR professionals so they could not only learn best practices but also discuss their own strategies and successes with likeminded peers,” said event manager Jemma Tolhurst.
Held at Auckland’s Mecure, the HRM Leaders Forum attracted around 60 attendees for a full-day event featuring speakers from Fairfax Media, Fletcher Building and Air New Zealand.
Unfortunately, ACC’s Debbie Barrott was forced to cancel her planned session due to ongoing disruption in the capital – however, Atlassian’s APAC HRD Kellie Egan was on hand to fill in, delivering an informative talk on turning HR upside down and challenging the status quo.
“Due to the very nature of the profession, we knew a number of speakers and attendees would be focussed on more pressing issues following the recent earthquake,” said Tolhurst. “However, it was humbling to see industry leaders so willing to step in and help out.”
SMB Legal partner Don Mackinnon also delivered an informative session, looking at the legal frameworks for dismissals but also explaining practical alternatives and influential cases.
“The standard approach is to set up warnings and go through the process but for many employers it takes way too long,” he said, noting that HR professionals are sometimes under pressure from above.
The Auckland-based legal expert then went on to explore alternatives that are fair to all parties involved while also protecting organisations from unjustified dismissal claims.
