Morgan Kibble APHRNZ

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

My whānau are entrepreneurs and small business owners, and I carried that with me as I entered study towards a Bachelor of Commerce. I stumbled into Human Resources after joining an HR201 course to fill a gap in my trimester at university, and fell in love almost instantly, eventually graduating with a degree in Human Resources and Commercial Law. I joined Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington in the role of Kairuruku Pūmanawa Tāngata | People & Culture Coordinator straight out of university and was eventually promoted to the senior role of Kaitohutohu Pūmanwa Tāngata | People & Culture Advisor.

What do you love about working in HR?

It’s an intersect of things I love and excel at, especially at my organisation. I get to work in a people-centric area of business and law, while still being close to the creativity and communities my organisation celebrates and serves. I also enjoy how transferable HR skills are, both from workplace to workplace but also across industries and careers. It feels like my options are endless!

What is an achievement so far in your career that you are proud of?

My organisation took a huge chance on me with my promotion less than 6 months into my career, in fact I became aware about the opportunity the day after my university graduation ceremony. It was a big step up and learning curve for me, and I remain grateful to the individuals who both gave me that opportunity and then set me up for success through coaching, L&D investment and giving me a safe space to make mistakes while still holding me accountable. The fact I was able to make that step up as quickly and smoothly as I did is something I still look back on with pride and confidence.

As a young wahine Māori, I also take great pride in being the senior HR specialist within my organisation, and it drives me to continuously learn and improve so I can repay those who took a chance on me and honour those I carry with me.

What are your thoughts on the Accredited Professional Member process?

It’s awesome to see something like this in Aotearoa, and I really enjoyed the process of stopping and reflecting on my journey so far so I could properly celebrate my skills and achievements. I am now currently supporting the kaimahi I work with to obtain their accreditations as well.

Do you plan to now work towards becoming a Chartered Member?

This is absolutely on my radar, but I also plan to get my feet underneath me as an Accredited Professional first!

What are your next steps in terms of your career?

I still have a lot to learn in the role I currently hold, so I am currently focussing on honing and refining the skills I’ve picked up so that when my journey takes me down another path, I can hit the ground running.