Sophia Hardie, mid-heartbeat-skip, receiving her second trophy at the HRNZ Awards in Auckland.
“It still feels a bit surreal to be honest”, says Sophia Hardie of her double win at the 2026 Human Resources New Zealand (HRNZ) Awards.
‘Surreal’ because her name was called out not once, but twice – she didn’t just scoop the HRNZ HR Student of the Year Award, she was also crowned HR Person of the Year.
“It was quite overwhelming – in the best way”, Sophia says. “Hearing my name the first time was already a huge surprise, and I was just trying to take that in. When it was called again, I honestly needed a moment to process what was happening. It definitely felt like my heart skipped a few beats. I wasn’t expecting the Person of the Year award at all, so it was a mix of shock, excitement, and a lot of gratitude. It feels very humbling to be recognised in that way, especially within a profession I have so much respect for.”
Sophia, who is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce in Human Resource Management and Sociology, was recognised for her outstanding work in connecting and inspiring the next generation of HR professionals.
As HRNZ's Student Ambassador at the University of Otago, she’s strengthened connections between students and the HR profession through workshops, networking events, and initiatives. Her work has also supported emerging HR professionals to build practical skills, explore career pathways, and engage with the wider HRNZ community.
Associate Professor Paula O’Kane (Department of Management) was thrilled at Sophie’s success.
“What an outstanding accomplishment! To reach this level while still studying is truly remarkable. Sophia’s dedication, talent, and passion for HR are clearly setting her apart as a future leader in the field,” Paula says.
Associate Professor Lynnaire Sheridan (Department of Management) agrees, describing Sophia as “a warm, friendly and astute HR professional in the making”.
“She has the ability to examine complex HR issues from different angles to blend her signature compassion with good reason to propose effective, fair, outcomes – this is a critical for effective HR practice,” Lynnaire says.
Sophia Hardie with her trophy haul.
This is the third successive year that the HR student award has gone to an undergraduate from Otago’s Department of Management. Sophia says this is no mere coincidence.
“I think it speaks volumes about the dedication of the Human Resources Management (HRM) staff at Otago. They are incredibly invested in their students and go beyond just delivering course content. The teaching is highly practical and grounded in real-world application, which helps build both capability and confidence. There is also a strong sense of support and encouragement to step into opportunities, which makes a real difference. You never feel like just another student, and that level of care and engagement stands out.”
Asked what attracted her to studying HRM, Sophia says, “I’ve always been interested in working with people, so Human Resource Management felt like a natural direction. But what really drew me in is the impact HR can have on people’s experiences at work. It sits at the intersection of people and business, which I find both challenging and rewarding. I particularly value the opportunity to contribute to workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and able to perform at their best.”
- Kōrero by Claire Finlayson, Communications Adviser (Otago Business School)
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