Queenstown Lakes District Council HR Advisor, Kirsten McLennan, is the recipient of the inaugural AskYourTeam Emerging HR Professional Prize.
The Prize was initiated by the Taituarā Workforce Committee to recognise an HR professional in the early part of their career, and relatively new to the local government sector.
Taituarā General Manager System Capability, James Lord, said that there were a number of very high-quality applications for the prize, but Kirsten’s impact across her Council ultimately stood out.
“Kirsten has taken a lead role in the design and implementation of Queenstown Lake’s engagement programme, a piece of work that has had a significant impact on the organisation.
“She was also the technical lead during road show presentations with the Chief Executive and took a lead role in designing and delivering workshops across the Council to promote and advocate for workplace engagement.
“Kirsten’s mahi demonstrates the important role HR plays in leading organisational change projects. Her work demonstrated a depth of thought and consideration in how to ensure these changes became sustainable over the long-term.“
AskYourTeam’s Manager Public Sector and Local Government, Mike Russell, said that he was delighted to present the prize to Kirsten.
“AskYourTeam is proud to work with councils across the country to build cultures of involvement that harness the passion, energy and ideas of council staff, to enable them to make a difference to the day to lives of all New Zealanders.
“We are equally proud to support HR professionals across the sector who, like Kirsten, do so much to support council staff to deliver these outcomes.”
Kirsten will use her prize to continue formal HR study through Massey University | Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa.
“I want to continue growing my HR knowledge and skills so I can develop further in my career, continue to provide innovative HR solutions and advice to my council.
“I am grateful for all the support, opportunities and encouragement the team at Queenstown Lakes District Council have given me over the years, and of course to Taituarā and AskYourTeam for the prize.”