The Three Whakataukī
The foundations of our identity
Three whakataukī, one shared direction.
Our new identity is woven from three whakataukī, Māori proverbs that carry knowledge, values and wisdom. These ideas weren't created for our rebrand. They come directly from the whakataukī gifted to HRNZ and provide an important foundation for our identity and kaupapa.
Within them are ideas of growth and change, bringing people together, and the strength of the collective. We bring these ideas to life through Grow. Connect. Lead., reflecting the role HRNZ plays in helping members develop their capability, build meaningful professional connections and use their knowledge and influence to make a difference.
While each has its own focus, Grow, Connect and Lead are interconnected. They aren't three separate parts of HRNZ. They run across our services, programmes, networks and member experiences. An event might help someone build their knowledge, connect them with other HR professionals and give them new ideas or confidence to take back into their workplace.
To give the whakataukī a visual expression, HRNZ commissioned artist Māui Taewa to create a kōwhaiwhai that brings their meaning together through one piece of artwork.
Each part of Māui's design tells a different part of the story, from new growth and transformation, to the weaving together of people, to the strength of the collective. Like the ideas themselves, the elements come together as part of one interconnected design.
The kōwhaiwhai carries this meaning through our visual identity, creating a connection between the gifted whakataukī, Grow. Connect. Lead., and the work our members experience through HRNZ.
Below, we unpack each whakataukī, what it means and how its ideas come to life through HRNZ.
Grow
Tūngia te ururoa kia tupu whakaritorito te tutū o te harakeke.
Set the overgrown bush alight, and the new flax shoots will spring up.
This whakataukī speaks to renewal and making space for new growth. It reminds us that growth comes from being open to change, new ideas and different ways of thinking.
For HRNZ, this is Grow. It reflects our role in helping members build their knowledge, capability and confidence throughout their careers, with opportunities to keep learning, developing and exploring what comes next.
Connect
Whiria te tāngata.
Weave the people together.
This whakataukī speaks to connection and the strength that comes from bringing people together. It recognises that we are stronger when different people, experiences and perspectives are woven together.
For HRNZ, this is Connect. We believe HR professionals are better supported, and the profession is stronger, when people have opportunities to learn from one another, share what they know and build meaningful professional relationships. Our role is to help create those connections, bringing members together across workplaces, regions, career stages and areas of practice.
Lead
Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.
This whakataukī speaks to collective strength and what becomes possible when we bring our knowledge, experience and voices together. It reminds us that leadership and progress are strengthened by the contribution of many.
For HRNZ, this is Lead. We believe HR professionals have an important role in shaping better workplaces and influencing the future of the profession. Our role is to support members to build their confidence and influence, while bringing the profession together so our collective voice can have greater impact.
Bringing it all together
Grow. Connect. Lead.
Grow
Keep developing.
Growth is about renewal and making space for new ideas and different ways of thinking.
Connect
Build relationships.
Connection brings people together, introduces different perspectives and strengthens our profession.
Lead
Lead Make an impact.
Collective strength helps us lead with confidence and influence positive change.
Explore the story.
Discover the other parts of the story behind Te Ara Whakaritorito and the identity HRNZ carries today.
Our Bicultural Journey
The Work That Brought Us Here
Explore the people, programmes and decisions that have shaped HRNZ’s bicultural journey and led us to where we are today.
Our Gifted Companion Name
The Meaning Behind Te Ara Whakaritorito
Discover the meaning of our gifted companion name, its connection to a pathway of growth and development, and how that story is expressed through our refreshed identity.