HR leaders gather for industry event of the year

200+ attendees gathered at the Pullman Auckland yesterday for one of the most anticipated HR events of the year - the National HR Summit 2024.

Health and wellbeing was the key theme throughout the day, and attendees heard from a range of high-level speakers on topics ranging from recruitment and retention to psychological safety, managing workplace conflict and engaging remote workers. Attendees also took part in a practical workshop focusing on ChatGPT, and how HR professionals can use AI tools to support their department.

The event was brought to Auckland by HRD with support from event partner TELUS Health. Julie Cressey, CEO New Zealand at TELUS Health opened the event, and says the day was a resounding success and valuable networking opportunity for all who attended.

"The event was fabulous,” Cressey told HRD. “Wellbeing and psychological safety was the overall theme for us, and we had some amazing conversations with attendees.”

“The session focusing on ChatGPT and AI was particularly interesting,” Cressey added. “It was very valuable to understand how it’s finding its way into business and the areas in which it can be used, and I liked Annie Johnson’s tips on how to finesse your use of ChatGPT. I also loved listening to Alan Bunting, Black Ferns directory of rugby - his story was so authentic.”

The National HR Summit 2024 was also an opportunity to recognise the incredible work HR professionals do every day, and six awards were presented to this year’s most outstanding individuals and teams.

The winners for each category were as follows:

NZ HR Director of the Year - Mark Lewis, Connetics
NZ HR Manager of the Year - Carol Mendes, Cordis Auckland
NZ HR Rising Star of the Year - Christine van Hoffen, Tracksuit AND Zoe Daugulis, Pullman Auckland
Employer of Choice <200 Staff - Tracksuit
Employer of Choice >200 Staff - Hind Management Group
HR Team of the Year - Anderson Lloyd AND Connetics

The event concluded with a series of roundtable discussions, which allowed attendees to gain valuable knowledge and insights from their peers.

“At the end of the day, everything we do is about people - and that’s what this event was all about,” Cressey concluded.

“It was a great chance to connect, learn, gain insights and talk with the broader community about what they do for their people, and how we can support them in turn.”

Thank you to everyone who attended the National HR Summit 2024. A special thanks goes out to event partner TELUS Health, gold sponsors Deel, Employment Hero and HiBob, silver sponsor Humanforce, and our exhibitors Gallup, HealthNow, Lifetime, Menodoctor, and ReadyTech for making the event possible. We look forward to seeing you all back again next year!