Forum Agenda

New Zealand’s demography – and therefore the workplace – is rapidly changing. The key term is “diversity” – driven by the changing composition of the community and workforce. By the 2030s, New Zealand will be a very different place with different challenges and opportunities as a result of these demographic changes.

Strategies which address diversity recognition, recruitment and retention will become even more critical as talent competition becomes a significant part of everyday reality as fertility declines (leading to fewer entering the education sector and then the workforce), as more exit the workforce (as the population age) and as international recruitment is critical in addressing shortages.

Unlock the potential of your future workforce with our session on Māori Workforce: Driving Positive Workplace Change. As Māori are projected to comprise 20% of Aotearoa’s future workforce, understanding their unique perspectives and contributions is not just beneficial—it's essential. 

In this session Dr Nimbus Staniland will discuss how Māori cultural insights can transform how we think about work, efficiency and productivity, and the changes required to sustain a thriving workforce. This is an opportunity to shape a workplace that resonates with the values and potential of tomorrow's diverse workforce.

A few words from Josh Marshall, General Manager of Crucial Dimensions, the exclusive licensee of Crucial Learning training across ANZ. He will share insights into globally proven, evidence-based training solutions that help organisations develop the speak up cultures necessary to deliver safer, more inclusive, and accountable work environments. He will also talk to the leadership skills required to influence positive behaviour change, and build future-ready workforces.

In this interactive session, featuring our four esteemed speakers from the previous discussion on changing demographics we want to hear your thoughts on transforming HR practices to meet future demands.

After gaining insights from our speakers, this workshop will focus on identifying the critical changes HR needs to implement today to be ready for tomorrow’s workforce. With our presenters as facilitators, we will collaborate, share ideas, and shape the future of HR together.

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on the workplace is undeniable.  Gain valuable insights from Annie into how AI is shaping our future and how your organisation can harness its power for success.

Annie will offer insights into the current AI landscape and the ethical challenges businesses face. She will also provide a pragmatic guide to leveraging tools like ChatGPT. This will be supplemented with real-world examples and effective prompting techniques that attendees can immediately implement in their organisations.

In an era marked by social, environmental, and economic challenges, organisations that lead with purpose are better positioned to navigate uncertainties and drive positive change. Purpose-driven organisations not only attract and retain top talent but also build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders. By adopting strategies driven by a strong sense of purpose, these organisations can create long-term value and make a meaningful impact on society. 

Join Izzy for an insightful session that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to lead with purpose and drive meaningful impact through your HR practices. Together, we can create a sustainable future where organisations thrive by putting people and planet first.

Moderator: Stefanie Boyer, Associate Director (HR Advisory), University of Auckland
Panelist: Dr Jo Mutter, Emerging Academic & Researcher on hybrid and remote work
Panelist: Gillian Brookes, Workforce Strategy & Flexible Work Specialist, & Author 
Panelist: Dr Ellen Joan Ford Speaker, Workshop Facilitator & Author
Panelist: Dr Amanda Wallis, Research, Development & Innovation Lead, Umbrella Wellbeing

Organisations are increasingly recognizing that the traditional industrial framework of work is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. To attract and retain top talent, it is essential to adapt work to fit life, rather than forcing life to fit into work. Although alternative working methods have existed long before COVID-19, the pandemic has highlighted the viability of models beyond the standard 9-5 office commute.

Our panellists will discuss strategies to maintain connection, culture, purpose, and performance while ensuring the well-being of your employees. They will explore the array of innovative approaches that enable a more flexible and sustainable work environment and how leading your people in this new way of working will require different management techniques from those of the past.

Presenter: James McIlvena, SVP, Managing Director - Australia, New Zealand + Singapore, LHH

In this session, James will use research data to explore the challenges and opportunities that HR leaders face today, offering practical strategies and insights to help navigate ongoing complexity. Key topics include:

• How HR can assist employees in staying relevant amid shifting job demands
• Agile workforce methodology and building vital skills required for a future-ready workforce
• Managing a multigenerational team and workforce
• Practical takeaways for HR professionals on leadership development and managing talent shortages

We’ll discuss transformation strategies and critical capabilities required to lead in the evolving world of work to ensure organisational sustainability.

Our final workshop is where we'll reimagine HR practices for a better future. Together, we'll reflect on everything we've discussed today to identify what to add, keep, or delete in your HR strategies. This is your chance to shape the evolution of HR, with all the minds in the room, ensuring that your practices are aligned with the latest insights and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Let’s plan our revolution and create an HR landscape that truly works for everyone.