Becky Jones APHRNZ

What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently? 

I’ve always been interested in understanding people, which is what led me to study a Psychology and Sociology degree when I lived in England.

After moving to New Zealand, and once my children were settled in school, I decided it was the right time to build a career that matched what I enjoyed. I completed a Graduate Diploma in HR Management and quickly realised that HR brings all of my interests together. I found that I really enjoyed helping create workplaces where expectations are clear, processes make sense, and people feel supported to do their best work.

What do you love about working in HR?

I love the variety! No two days are ever the same and there is always something new to learn. 

I particularly enjoy employment relations and supporting managers to navigate tricky situations with confidence. I like building strong working relationships, bringing clarity to things that feel complicated, helping people work through issues early, and contributing to fair and consistent decision making. It’s work I find genuinely rewarding.

What is an achievement so far in your career that you are proud of?

Becoming an HR Advisor is something I’m very proud of. I’ve worked really hard growing my skills and it represents the experience I’ve built across my HR roles. Over time I’ve developed strong foundations in employment relations and feel more confident guiding managers and staff through sensitive or challenging situations. 

What are your thoughts on the Accredited Professional Member process?

I found the process clear and extremely valuable. It encouraged me to reflect on my capability, recognise how far I have come, and identify where I want to continue growing. 

Do you plan to now work towards becoming a Chartered Member?  

Definitely! As I continue to grow my capability and broaden my HR experience, working towards Chartered Membership is something I would like to achieve. 

What are your next steps in terms of your career?

To keep learning and expanding my skill set. I’m focused on growing as an HR Advisor and building depth across the full range of HR functions.
Longer term, I’d like to move into a Senior HR Advisor or HR Business Partner role, where I can operate more strategically and influence people-related decisions at a higher level.