Tammy Hebditch CMHRNZ

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

After completing a psychology degree in Canada, I travelled overseas and found myself working within recruitment teams. It turned out to be a natural fit. When I moved to New Zealand in 2000, I started as a receptionist in the hospital recruitment team and built my HR career from there. While working and raising a family, I completed a graduate diploma in HR management.

Today, I am the General Manager - People and Planet for Pinnacle Midlands Health, a role that allows me to broaden my influence and contribute across a wide range of people-focused and organisational initiatives.

What do you love about working in HR?

First, I enjoy the investigative side - getting to the root causes of issues and understanding what’s really going on. I value the opportunity to develop pragmatic solutions that genuinely help people and the organisation move forward.

Second, I enjoy seeing, hearing, and feeling organisational culture thrive, knowing I play an active role in shaping and supporting it.

Third, I appreciate the wider HR community. Our roles can be tough at times and it is incredibly valuable to have a supportive tribe to connect with and learn from.

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

I like to think my best achievements are still ahead of me. There have been many highlights so far, and the most rewarding have been achieved alongside a great team.

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

Being a Chartered Member is a valuable acknowledgement of the experience and capability I have built in the profession. It is affirming to receive this recognition and to be part of a community that upholds strong professional standards.

What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?

I sat with the decision for a long time before committing to it. Ultimately, I was motivated by the opportunity to widen my professional networks and to give back to others in the HR community.

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

I plan to keep growing in my position while making sure that sustainability becomes an integral part of both HR and operational processes. Creating workplaces that have a long-term positive impact means we must look after both people and the environment. I am determined to put this approach at the heart of how we operate.