Samantha Botha APHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR and the position that you are currently in?
My journey in HR began quite unexpectedly. When I was younger, I wasn't entirely sure what career path I wanted to pursue. At the time, my dad owned a business and needed support with HR matters, but the business wasn't in a position to employ a dedicated HR professional. I decided to study Human Resource Management with the intention of stepping into that role and helping support the business.
Not long after, myself and my now husband Immigrated to New Zealand. Like many migrants, I found it challenging to break directly into an HR role without New Zealand experience. While continuing my studies, I worked in administration roles and focused on building my knowledge, skills and understanding of the local employment environment.
Over time, those experiences helped me develop a strong foundation, and I was eventually given the opportunity to step into an HR role with Kraft Heinz Wattie's. That role became a significant turning point in my career, allowing me to apply what I had learned and further develop my capability as an HR practitioner.
Since then, I have continued building my experience across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, horticulture, construction and public sector recruitment. Looking back, what started as a way to help my fathers business has grown into a career that I genuinely love and feel passionate about.
What do you love about working in HR?
What I love most about HR is the people. No two days are ever the same, and every conversation has the potential to make a difference to someone's experience at work.
I enjoy being able to support employees through challenges, help leaders build capability and contribute to workplaces where people feel valued, respected and able to do their best work. HR sits at the intersection of people and business and I find that balance both challenging and rewarding.
What is an achievement so far in your career that you are proud of?
One of the achievements I am most proud of was being involved in a large-scale collective agreement implementation at Kraft Heinz Watties. The project involved multiple unions, changes to pay structures and allowances and supporting employees through a significant transition. Even though I was not directly involved with negotiation, my role as an HR Coordinator allowed me to see how this impacted the staff and how I can be there for them and support them through the changes that where happening.
It taught me the importance of communication, collaboration and attention to detail while reinforcing the impact HR can have during periods of change.
On a personal level, I am also incredibly proud of continuing to grow my HR career while raising two young children and building my professional capability in a new country.
What was the experience of becoming an Accredited Professional Member like for you?
Becoming an Accredited Professional Member was both rewarding and validating. The application process encouraged me to reflect on my career journey, the experiences I have gained, and the skills I have developed along the way.
It was a valuable opportunity to recognise how much I have learned and to have that experience acknowledged by HRNZ. Achieving accreditation has given me confidence that I am contributing positively to the profession and continuing to develop as an HR practitioner.
Do you plan to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
Absolutely. Becoming a Chartered Member is something I would like to work towards as I continue to build my experience and develop my professional capability.
I see accreditation as an ongoing journey rather than a destination and I am committed to continuous learning and growth throughout my career.
Where do you see your career heading from this point onwards?
I hope to continue progressing into HR advisory and business partnering roles where I can have a greater impact on organisational culture, leadership capability and employee experience.
Long term, I would love to continue supporting organisations through both internal HR roles and consulting opportunities, helping businesses create workplaces where people and performance can thrive together. Most importantly, I want to keep learning, growing and contributing positively to the HR profession in New Zealand.