Human Resource Assistant

Ready to launch your HR career?

Gain broad, hands-on people and capability experience in a large and dynamic organisation.

Join the University of Waikato's People and Capability team and play a key role in supporting our people, from attracting great talent and welcoming new employees through to providing HR support across the University. This is a varied, people-focused role, offering a strong foundation for a long-term career in HR.

Why join us?

• Gain exposure across HR operations and talent acquisition
• Work with experienced HR professionals who are invested in your development
• Enjoy additional leave provisions and a range of excellent staff benefits

Nga korero mo te turanga - About the role

As our Human Resource Assistant, you'll play a key role in supporting the employee and candidate experience across the University. Working alongside HR Administrators, HR Business Partners and the Talent Acquisition team, you'll gain exposure to a broad range of Human Resources activities while building practical experience across both HR operations and talent acquisition.

Through involvement in a wide range of people processes, you'll develop an understanding of the full employee lifecycle. You'll work closely with experienced HR professionals, gaining exposure to different areas of the division and building skills that can support future career growth within HR.

You'll provide support across talent acquisition and employment processes, prepare and maintain employment documentation and records, respond to HR and talent acquisition enquiries, and help ensure employee information is managed accurately and professionally. You'll also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the experience of candidates, staff and managers across the University.

This is a full-time role working 37.5 hours per week, based at our Hamilton campus. Salary will be in the range of $60,046 to $72,636 per year, depending on skills, knowledge, and experience.

For more information on the role, please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Ali Wilkinson, Associate Director Organisational Development, at [email protected]

All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

You're someone who enjoys helping people and takes pride in delivering great service. Whether you're a recent graduate from an HR or related discipline looking for your first opportunity or returning to HR after some time away, you'll be excited by the opportunity this role offers to learn and grow.

You'll be a clear communicator with strong organisational skills and an eye for detail. You're comfortable managing multiple priorities, enjoy learning new systems and processes, and can be trusted to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. Most importantly, you'll bring a positive, collaborative approach and a genuine interest in supporting people.

You'll also bring:

• Previous administration experience and a strong customer-service mindset
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and information systems
• The ability to quickly learn new processes and technologies

Experience in HR administration and familiarity with HR systems, including Oracle, would be an advantage, but we're equally interested in candidates who bring transferable skills and a willingness to learn.

Ko wai matou? - Who are we?

The People and Capability division delivers professional and responsive people services across the University, including HR operations, talent acquisition, organisational development, and health, safety and wellbeing.

Our team partners with managers and staff to support every stage of the employee experience, helping create an environment where people can thrive and contribute to the University's success.

He aha nga take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

At the University of Waikato, you'll be part of an organisation recognised for its world-class teaching, research excellence, and commitment to creating positive outcomes for communities in New Zealand and around the globe.

Whether you're starting your HR career or returning to the profession, you'll find meaningful work, ongoing learning opportunities, a supportive team environment, and benefits that support your wellbeing and work-life balance.

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with NZ Immigration regulations, which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wananga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitu orite ki nga tangata katoa.

Applications close on Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Requisition number: 1003958