The Misunderstood Gen Z Workforce: Myth vs Reality
- Start: 4:30pm
- End: 6:30pm
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Category: Network Events
- Region: Canterbury
- Dynamic Controls
- 39 Princess Street
- Riccarton
- Christchurch 8041
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This is a Member & Student Member only in-person event
Gen Z is entering the workforce at a time of significant economic uncertainty, changing workplace expectations, and rapid technological disruption. Yet despite being one of the most talked-about generations in today's workforce, they are often one of the least understood.
Many employers describe Gen Z employees as difficult to manage, overly focused on work-life balance, or lacking commitment compared to previous generations. At the same time, many young professionals are highly ambitious, purpose-driven, and willing to invest significant energy into organisations that align with their values and provide meaningful opportunities for growth.
So what's really going on?
Join Human Resources New Zealand (HRNZ) Christchurch Network for an engaging panel discussion exploring the realities behind the headlines. Together, we will discuss the perceptions, misconceptions, and opportunities surrounding the next generation of talent entering our workplaces.
Our panel will bring together leaders, HR practitioners, and Gen Z professionals to discuss:
Common myths and stereotypes about Gen Z employees
• What younger workers are really looking for from employers
• The impact of today's graduate job market on career expectations and engagement
• How organisations can attract, retain, and develop early-career talent
• Practical strategies for leading multi-generational teams effectively
• What employers may be getting wrong—and what Gen Z may be getting wrong too
Whether you're an HR professional, people leader, business owner, or anyone responsible for attracting and developing talent, this event will provide valuable insights into one of the most important workforce conversations facing organisations today.
The discussion will be followed by audience Q&A, networking drinks, and light refreshments.
This is an Alcohol-free event.
Pricing
HRNZ Member: FREE
HRNZ Student Member: FREE
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Cancellations
Appropriate substitutes are welcome, please email [email protected] with their details
Presenter Details
Ekant Veer - Professor of Marketing & Director, MBA Programmes, University of Canterbury
Ekant is a Professor of Marketing and Director of MBA Programmes at Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, Christchurch. He is a multi-award winning teacher and researcher having been named in the Top 40 under 40 Business School Professors worldwide (2017); an Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award winner (2018); UC’s Teaching Medal awardee (2017) and six times winner of a UCSA lecturer/staff of the year award. His work looks at the role that marketing can play in both driving social change and community wellbeing as well as what impact digital technology plays in consumer interactions and their sense of identity
Kirsty Trolove - Owner & Director, Only Human Ltd & Founder, GradLab
Kirsty holds a Master of Science (Honours) in Industrial and Organisational Psychology and is the Owner and Director of Only Human Limited, a successful HR and recruitment consultancy supporting small and medium-sized businesses across New Zealand. Kirsty is also the founder of GradLab, a specialist graduate business created to bridge the gap between talented graduates and meaningful career opportunities. Kirsty’s passion for supporting graduates is driven by both professional expertise and personal experience. As the mother of three children—one successfully employed at a Big Four professional services firm and two currently completing university degrees—she has witnessed first-hand the challenges young people face when entering today’s competitive job market. After coaching her own son and many of his peers through CV preparation, psychometric assessments, assessment centres, and interviews, she recognised a significant gap in the market. Through GradLab, Kirsty is committed to helping graduates develop the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed to secure rewarding careers, while also helping employers better understand and engage the next generation of talent.
Hazel Fernando - Board Member, Graduate Women Canterbury
With 16 years of experience in the tertiary education sector, Hazel brings a diverse background spanning people leadership, employee engagement, marketing, and education. Alongside a successful career in the not-for-profit sector, she has spent 16 years teaching dance to young adults. Her qualifications include an MBA, Graduate Diplomas in Teaching & Learning (Secondary) and Sales & Marketing, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Geography. She also serves as a Board Member for Graduate Women Canterbury and the Grace Butler Memorial Foundation, reflecting her passion for leadership, community impact, and empowering people to thrive.
Luke Campbell - CEO & Co-Founder, VXT
VXT is a fast-growing software company led by CEO and Co-Founder Luke Campbell. The business has surpassed $10 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and continues to grow at approximately 10% month-over-month. At VXT, the goal is simple: to be the best place you've ever worked. The company has intentionally built a culture centred on transparency, accountability, and moving quickly together. Protecting that culture is a core priority, and VXT hires exceptional people who genuinely care about one another and the success of the team.
Sponsor Details
Dynamic Controls
With thanks to our event sponsor Dynamic Controls
Proudly based in Christchurch, Allient New Zealand (formerly Dynamic Controls) is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of electronic control systems for power wheelchairs and mobility scooters. For more than 50 years, the company has been dedicated to enhancing mobility and independence for people around the world through innovative technology, quality engineering, and a commitment to improving lives. We are grateful for their support in helping make this event possible.
GradLab
With thanks to our event sponsor GradLab
A one-on-one highly experienced and insightful service to help university graduates secure employment. Students gain confidence in: CV and cover letter prep, online one way interviews, two way in person interviews, psychometric assessment, personality assessments, business case prep, assessment centres, career advice and skills on negotiating. GradLab can also search numerous job sites and identifying relevant job opportunities to send directly to the student - saving time.
