Rangiatea Graham APHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently?
Growing up as an army child, I moved frequently and was exposed to many cultures and perspectives. This shaped my worldview and sparked my initial interest in International Business. While studying at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, I found myself drawn more to the HR side of business. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as I completed my studies prompted a career shift into retail and operations, leading me into experiences that shaped the path to my current role as Kairuruku Pūmanawa Tāngata | People and Culture Coordinator.
What do you love about working in HR?
What I love most about working in HR is connecting with people across our organisation and supporting their growth. No two days are the same, and my role gives me the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team while working alongside our kaimahi to achieve better outcomes for everyone.
My role allows me to collaborate with a diverse team while contributing to a positive workplace culture. Each day is different, and I enjoy supporting the development and wellbeing of our kaimahi. Most importantly, my role allows me to actively support my team, working alongside them to achieve better outcomes for both our people and the organisation as a whole.
What is an achievement so far in your career that you are proud of?
I’ve been fortunate to celebrate some great wins in my career, thanks to the incredible kaimahi I work alongside. But if I had to choose what I’m proudest of, it would be deepening my connection to my taha Māori and whakapapa something I hadn’t had the opportunity to explore in my previous roles.
What are your thoughts on the Accredited Professional Member process?
The Accredited Professional Member process seems highly valuable for a business function as high-impact as HR. Our work touches so many areas of the organisation, and having our experience and skills recognised helps build trust in what we do. It’s not just about a single achievement, we’re constantly striving to grow our knowledge, refine our skills, and strengthen the value we bring.
Do you plan to now work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
Absolutely, I do intend to work towards becoming a Chartered Member. For me, having a clear pathway and professional goal is incredibly motivating, it gives structure to my ongoing development and encourages me to strive for excellence in my field. Right now, I’m focusing on strengthening the core foundations of my HR practice to ensure that as I progress, I’m building my capabilities on solid ground.
What are your next steps in terms of your career?
Looking ahead, while there’s always the possibility of specialising in a specific HR function, my long-term goal is to develop expertise across the entire HR cycle. Ultimately, I’d like to be in a position where I can support future organisations at the Executive Leadership level. I believe that having a comprehensive understanding of all facets of HR will enable me to contribute most effectively, wherever my career takes me.