“Inside an ER Case” Practitioner Interactive Chat

This Tertiary student focused event is aimed at those studying business or any other course with an interest in business, business law, people and culture or HR/ER.

What does Employment Relations work look like when the facts are unclear, the stakes are high, and there is no perfect answer?

Join HRNZ Auckland and AUT for an engaging, interactive practitioner session that takes students behind the scenes of a real-world, de-identified Employment Relations case. An experienced ER professional will unpack a case from beginning to end; covering the initial issue, investigation process, difficult decisions, final outcome, and the lessons learned along the way.

This is not a textbook case study or a polished corporate success story. It is an honest conversation about the ambiguity, people dynamics, procedural challenges, and professional judgment involved in managing sensitive workplace matters.

What to expect:
During this 75-minute session, our guest speaker will walk through one Employment Relations case in narrative detail, exploring:
•   The workplace context, key people involved, and relevant policies or legal considerations.
•   How the issue first emerged; whether through a complaint, performance concern, misconduct allegation, or workplace change.
•   The investigation and decision-making process, including interviews, evidence, conflicting accounts, time pressures, and difficult judgment calls.
•   How fairness, natural justice, organisational risk, employee wellbeing, and cultural considerations were balanced.
•   The eventual resolution and what happened afterwards.
•   What the practitioner would do differently with hindsight, and their advice for students considering a future in ER, HR, or People & Culture.

Following the case presentation, there will be a facilitated Q&A and an opportunity for students to ask their own questions in an open, supportive setting.

Why attend?
Employment Relations is where HR theory meets real people, real consequences, and complex decisions. This event will help you move beyond legislation and case law to understand how ER professionals apply principles such as procedural fairness, good faith, workplace policy, collective bargaining, and personal grievance processes in practice.

You will gain practical insight into:
•   What an ER investigation can look like from the inside.
•   The role of HR professionals, managers, employees, unions, legal advisers, and external investigators.
•   How to approach difficult conversations and sensitive workplace situations.
•   The human and ethical side of Employment Relations practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
•   The skills, resilience, and judgment needed for a career in HR and ER.

Whether you are studying HR or Employment Relations, considering law or People & Culture as a career path, or simply want to understand how workplace issues are handled in practice, this session is for you.

Come prepared with your curiosity and your tough questions! This is your opportunity to hear what Employment Relations really looks like beyond the classroom.

Pricing
⦁  HRNZ Student Member = FREE
⦁  Non-Member Student = FREE
⦁  HRNZ Member = FREE (for a limited number)
To Register
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For all queries relating to this event email [email protected] 
Cancellations
Appropriate substitutes are welcome - please email [email protected] with their details