AUT University Business School has launched a new combined major in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations in its Bachelor of Business degree (BBus). The new major will provide graduates with the skills to foster cooperative workplace relationships and avoid the pitfalls of mismanaged and negligent employment relations.

Human resource management has become increasingly important as part of a more strategic approach to management and deployment of human resources. In the New Zealand environment post the Employment Relations Act (2000), an understanding of employment law and the role of actors external to the organisation, such as trade unions, have also become critical for managers.

There is increasing recognition in business of the need for a holistic approach to people management by combining Human Resource Management and Employment Relations/Industrial Relations disciplinary paradigms.