Leading L&D event gets underway in Auckland

Industry figures from some of New Zealand’s most eminent organisations will be sharing case studies and offering advice at today’s event.

BY Nicola Middlemiss 11 May 2017

A leading industry event is currently underway at Auckland’s Mercure Hotel where L&D professionals from some of New Zealand’s most eminent firms will be offering advice to attendees.

Helen Hunt – organisational capability manager for Air New Zealand – held the first session of the day which focussed on developing reluctant learners.

Hunt, who has been with the airline since 2013, was instrumental in designing a new middle management development program – Mahi Rangatira – which is tailored to each participant.

“When I think about developing reluctant learners, it’s not about labelling people as such but more about looking at them as a whole person,” said Hunt.

“It’s about understanding that what engages us is unique to each of us and we probably all feel reluctant to learn at some point – for a number of different reasons.”

Greer Williams, national L&D manager at KiwiRail, held the second session and provided a case study into leadership development at the transport firm.

Williams’ presentation will be followed by an informative panel on securing management buy-in for L&D programs, featuring senior figures from Tower Insurance, Vodafone NZ, Spectrum Care Trust and Farmers Trading Company.

Later this afternoon, Tony Roddan – rural fire training manager with the New Zealand Fire Service – will discuss how L&D professionals can achieve big results with a small budget.