Nandhini Radhakrishnan APHRNZ

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

Growing up, I was always fascinated by understanding people. I initially dreamed of becoming a psychologist because I wanted a career where I could make a positive difference in people's lives. Although my path took a different direction, I discovered Human Resources and quickly realised it combined everything I was looking for—understanding people, building meaningful relationships, and creating workplaces where people feel supported and valued. That was when I knew HR was the right career for me. 

I went on to complete my MBA in Human Resource Management and began my HR career, gaining five years of experience across recruitment, employee relations, onboarding, payroll support, and HR operations. Every role has given me the opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow, reinforcing my passion for supporting both people and organisations. 

After getting married, I moved to New Zealand and joined HRNZ to deepen my understanding of New Zealand's HR practices and align my experience with local standards. The support, resources, and professional development opportunities have been invaluable in helping me build my career with confidence in a new country. 

I'm currently working as an HR Admin & Invoicing Coordinator, where I continue to learn something new every day. While my role also includes administrative and invoicing responsibilities, my passion has always been HR, and I genuinely can't imagine myself pursuing any other profession. I enjoy solving problems, improving processes, and contributing to positive workplace experiences. Looking back, I genuinely believe HR aligns with my strengths, values, and passion, and I'm excited to continue growing as an HR professional in New Zealand. 

What do you love about working in HR? 

What I love most about working in HR is the opportunity to work at the intersection of people and business. HR plays an important role in attracting and developing talent, supporting employees, improving workplace practices, and helping organisations create positive and productive environments. 

I enjoy the variety that comes with HR, as no two days are the same. From recruitment and employee support to solving challenges and improving processes, every experience provides an opportunity to learn and contribute. One of the most rewarding aspects of HR is seeing the positive outcomes that come from effective people practices and knowing that I have contributed to both employee growth and organisational success. 

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

One of the achievements I am most proud of is successfully rebuilding and continuing my HR career in New Zealand. After moving to a new country with several years of HR experience, starting again in a different workplace environment was a challenge that required adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to learn and grow. 

I am proud that I was able to secure an HR role, adapt to New Zealand’s workplace practices, and continue developing my skills while bringing my previous experience into a new professional setting. Becoming an Accredited Professional Member of HRNZ has also been a significant milestone, as it reflects my commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and aligning my HR knowledge with New Zealand standards. 

This journey has strengthened my confidence as an HR professional and reinforced the importance of embracing change, continuous improvement, and stepping outside my comfort zone to grow. 

What was the experience of becoming an Accredited Professional Member like for you? 

Becoming an Accredited Professional Member was a valuable and rewarding experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on my skills, experience, and professional journey against the standards expected of HR professionals in New Zealand, while also deepening my understanding of the local HR landscape. 

Having my employer provide a reference as part of the process was a meaningful part of the journey, as it recognised the contribution I make in my role and gave me further confidence in my professional capabilities. 

Achieving HRNZ accreditation has been an important milestone as I continue building my HR career in New Zealand. It represents my commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and contributing positively to the HR community. It has also connected me with a wider network of HR professionals and encouraged me to continue learning from the broader HR community. 

Do you plan to work towards becoming a Chartered Member? 

Yes, becoming a Chartered Member is definitely a goal I aspire to achieve as part of my long-term HR journey. I see it as a natural next step in my professional development and an opportunity to continue strengthening my knowledge, skills, and contribution as an HR practitioner. 

I am committed to continuous learning, staying up to date with evolving HR practices, and developing the capability needed to make a meaningful impact within organisations and the wider HR community. I look forward to continuing to grow within the profession and working towards Chartered Membership as I progress in my career. 

Where do you see your career heading from this point forwards? 

From this point forward, I see myself continuing to grow within the HR profession by taking on greater responsibility and expanding my experience across different areas of HR. My goal is to build strong expertise in areas such as talent acquisition, employee experience, and HR operations while developing the skills needed to contribute at a more strategic level. 

I hope to continue building on the foundation I have created through my professional development and HRNZ accreditation, while working towards Chartered Membership as part of my long-term professional journey. Ultimately, I aspire to become a well-rounded HR professional who can support both people and organisations by creating effective HR practices and positive workplace environments.