Sonia Morrison CMHRNZ

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

I’ve always been drawn to roles that centre around people - solving problems, building relationships, and keeping things running smoothly. That naturally led me into HR, where I discovered the real impact we can have, not just on processes, but on how people experience work.

Over time, I’ve taken on senior leadership roles, and today, as Head of People & Culture – New Zealand at The a2 Milk Company, I’m proud to work alongside a team whose energy and passion inspire me every day. Together, we’re shaping a culture that champions growth, connection, and high performance and that’s what makes the work so rewarding.

What do you love about working in HR?

What I love about working in HR is the opportunity to connect with people across the business and be part of their journey, their growth, challenges, and successes. No two days are the same and I really enjoy the mix of strategic thinking and hands on problem solving. I especially love working with individuals and teams to find practical solutions that help people thrive. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating outcomes that not only support personal and team development but also align with the broader commercial goals of the business. That connection between people and performance is what makes HR such a great space to work in.

Are there any specific highlights of your career that you wish to share?

One of the most meaningful projects I have worked on was leading the rollout of a Māori Masterclass programme at The a2 Milk Company, in partnership with Andrew Baker from Tika Learning. As a New Zealand founded business, we wanted to honour our heritage and deepen our team’s understanding of Māori culture and its connection to our values.

The programme explored concepts like Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), Manaakitanga (care and respect), and Mahi Tahi (collaboration) which are all values that truly resonate with how we work. 

This was a great experience that helped strengthen cultural awareness and connection across the business.

What are your thoughts on Chartered Membership? How do you feel about being a Chartered Member?

I think Chartered Membership is a great way to recognise the depth of experience and the impact HR professionals have. For me, it’s not just a title, it’s a reflection of the journey I’ve been on and the work I’ve put in. I’m proud to be part of a community that values growth, ethics, and professionalism. It’s also a nice reminder to keep learning and stay connected to others in the industry.

What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?

I saw it as a great opportunity to reflect on everything I’ve learned and achieved over the years. It was a chance to recognise the impact I’ve had, especially in strategic roles, and to back myself professionally.  I also wanted to set an example for others in HR, showing that growth doesn’t stop, no matter how far along you are in your career.

What are your next steps in terms of your career now that you are a Chartered Member?

Now that I’m a Chartered Member, I’m focused on continuing to grow as a strategic leader. I’m particularly interested in expanding my influence across the business, mentoring emerging HR professionals, and contributing to thought leadership in areas like workforce strategy and organisational culture. I also see this as a platform to stay connected with the wider HR community and to keep learning from others who are passionate about making a difference.