Insights from Air New Zealand’s real-world implementation of SmartRecruiters

Air New Zealand faced complex recruitment challenges, including high agency dependency, inefficient processes, and the need for scalable, futureproof talent strategies. By adopting SmartRecruiters they aimed to simplify hiring, reduce costs, and supercharge recruiter capabilities, setting a blueprint for innovation and measurable business impact.

3 Key Learnings

1. Insights into the practical implementation of advanced recruitment technologies in a large, complex organisation.
2. Real-world examples of how AI and automation can address talent challenges, reduce reliance on agencies, and deliver business impact.
3. Actionable lessons for attendees seeking to drive innovation in their own HR or talent functions, with a focus on digital transformation and candidate experience

About Steven

Originally from Ireland, I have been living and working in New Zealand since 2012. Having begun my career in Financial Services, I started my recruitment journey upon arriving in NZ and joined Michael Page where I spent 4 years recruiting and later leading the Finance recruitment team. I then made the move internal and spent a year at Sovereign (now AIA) before joining Air New Zealand in 2018. Over my time here I have led both our Corporate and Operations recruitment teams while also working on a number of product and platforms projects including our recent SmartRecruiters implementation.