What drives NZ’s HR Manager of the year?

Katrina Van de Ven (centre) and the Wintec team at the HRNZ Awards.

Wintec’s Katrina Van de Ven is quite adamant she wouldn’t have been awarded New Zealand HR Manager of the Year if it wasn’t for the team around her.

Last week Katrina was honoured as the 2019 New Zealand HR Manager of the Year by the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRINZ). The HRINZ annual awards acknowledge individuals who exhibit excellence in the field of human resources and highlight the importance of the profession in their workplaces.    

Katrina, who is Wintec’s executive director People and Culture, says she is honoured by the award.

“Our People and Culture team surprised me with the nomination for this award. I feel very grateful that I work with passionate and talented people as I wouldn’t have received this award without the Wintec team supporting me.”

HRINZ chief executive Nick McKissack stated that the quality of this year’s submissions to the award categories were outstanding and clearly demonstrated the talented HR professionals the industry has in New Zealand.  He also mentioned there was a diverse range of individuals and organisations as winners.

Katrina has been at Wintec for six years, with three years as executive director of People and Culture. 

“I’m driven by what we do here at Wintec,” she says. “To be part of a team that has a meaningful purpose, to develop our future workforce and create work-ready graduates – that’s what really excites me about my role.”

“What drives excellence in human resources, and is key to my approach in my profession, is ensuring you are kind and always valuing people.”

Wintec acting chief executive David Christiansen says the national award is a fantastic acknowledgement of what Katrina, and her team, have achieved in championing wellbeing opportunities, safe practice and workplace excellence for staff at Wintec over recent years.

“They have achieved a tremendous amount, across many fronts, particularly over the last couple of years.

“Katrina is widely-respected across Wintec and amongst her many networks. News of her national award and success has been well received, with numerous messages of congratulations coming through over the past week. We are all very proud of her achievement,” says Christiansen.  

To view all 2019 winners at the HRINZ awards click here.