The 21-year-old studies human resources management and sociology as part of her University of Otago bachelor of arts and commerce degree, and was surprised when she won the HRNZ Human Resources Student of the Year Award.
But she was totally blind-sided when she was also crowned the overall Human Resources Person of the Year.
She said the student award was a long shot, but the top award was totally unexpected.
"I had a 50-50 chance of winning the student award because there was only one other finalist, and they had a career in HR and gone back to study, whereas I’m like an actual student.
"But yeah, the person of the year, I had no idea.
"It feels kind of like — I don’t know — you get that imposter syndrome, and it feels like you don’t deserve it.
"It still feels a bit surreal to be honest."
She believed her youth, and her work connecting and inspiring the next generation of human resources professionals, may have swayed the judges in her favour.
"I think that’s something they haven’t really seen a student be super keen on before."
As HRNZ’s student ambassador at the University of Otago, she has 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.
Miss Hardie said human resources came naturally to her.
Right since kindergarten, she had always been the person that looked after all the other children.
"I think I’ve always been a people person. In group settings, that’s where I thrive.
"So, through high school and through university, my people skills have just carried on through, I guess."
Many of her friends and family said she seemed to care more about other people than herself.
"To an extent, I do.
"My attitude to life is ‘if you’re not happy, I’m not happy’.
"I definitely enjoy seeing people thrive, and if I can play a part in that, it’s just so rewarding to me.
"It really gives me that boost — it drives me to keep doing it."
Miss Hardie said she was in her fourth and final year of her degree, and planned to work in human resources next year.
Given her recent success, she has already had some major New Zealand companies knocking on her door.
"It feels awesome.
"But it [finding a job] is still a while away.
"I’d like to move into an HR co-ordinator role to start off, so I can get that general experience, and then I want to specialise later on."
"It’s good to have options at the moment."
