Our People

Nick McKissack CMHRNZ

Chief Executive

Nick has been the Chief Executive of HRNZ since July 2018. He’s been leading the organisation through a period of change and modernisation since his appointment.

Nick started his career in human resources roles at New Zealand Post before moving into general management roles with QV and Te Tumu Paeroa. His interests lie in the development and implementation of strategic change.

Kathryn Jennings

Operations Manager

Kathryn is responsible for the overall operations of the HRNZ office by ensuring systems and processes are in place for its efficient functioning.

Kathryn is also responsible for the provision of efficient and effective administration support services to the CE, and Governance support to the HRNZ Board. Kathryn has been with HRNZ since 2017.

Steve Mooney

Membership & Sponsorship Manager

Steve joined HRNZ in late 2017 to create and deliver a national and branch based membership growth and retention strategy, including research, development and trialling of new and innovative ways to engage with HRNZ Members.

With a strong sales and relationship management background and having managed Spark’s Association Sponsorship Channel for over 10 years, Steve understands the challenges faced by Membership Organisations and the need to better engage with members and sponsors.

Lynnette Smith

Finance Manager

Lynnette joined HRNZ in November 2019 to improve the delivery of financial services to members with a focus on customer-service to simplify the payment processes.

Lynnette has a strong background in financial accounting and payroll.  She is responsible for all aspects of financial reporting.

Tina Berry

Regional Events Manager

Tina joined HRNZ in late 2017 to assist all HRNZ Regional Branches with the event marketing and management of Branch events and activities, and the event management of the HRNZ Awards Ceremony and HRNZ Summits.

Tina is an energetic and determined event manager with a strong background in event creativity, strategic planning and relationship building. 

Tina is based in Auckland.

Natalie Rooker

PD Programme Manager

Natalie started with HRNZ in June 2018 as the Events Coordinator, focusing on the PD (professional development) programme. She coordinates the short courses and webinars as well as assisting on the national events.

Originally from the United States, she has lived in Wellington for the past ten years and is passionate about delivering the best PD experience possible for our members and all HR professionals seeking career development. Natalie also enjoys baking and the occasional burger.

Amy Clarke CMHRNZ

Manager Professional Standards and Development

Amy joined HRNZ in July 2021 and has a broad background in generalist HR across the private and public sector. At the recent NZ HR Awards, Amy was a finalist for the HR Generalist of the year category, Winner of the Leadership Award and named HR Person of the Year for 2020. Amy has a passion for diversity and inclusion and supporting the LGBTTQI+ community.

As the Manager, Professional Standards and Development, part of Amy’s role will be overseeing our professional standards and development framework and ensuring we deliver good quality content to our members through all our channels.

Thao Vo EPMHRNZ

HR Resources and Events Coordinator

Thao joined the HRNZ team in May 2022 as her first role that specialises in Human Resources ever. She had worked in Hospitality industry for over 4 years before joining the team.

She supports Tina in organizing branch events, assisting with members’ inquiries and coordinates HR resources projects.

Thao enjoys writing the same way she enjoys food! She only loves cooking if someone else helps with the cleaning.

Nikita Barends

Senior Communications Advisor

Nikita joined the team in March 2023 as a Senior Communications Advisor after spending a year in the Sales Industry. She graduated at the University of Victoria at the end of 2021 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Information Systems. Nikita is responsible for overseeing all the Marketing and Communications at HRNZ.

Nikita loves spontaneous activities and spending time with family and friends.

Ella Corner

Māori Programme Coordinator

Ella joined HRNZ in March 2023. She works part time, alongside studying full time in her final year at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University. Ella is studying towards a commerce degree, majoring in marketing and management. As a programme coordinator, part of Ella’s role will be working with rangatahi, encouraging them to go into HR roles, and looking for further ways to incorporate Te Ao Māori in the workplace. 

Ella loves to travel, experience other cultures, go out to restaurants, and spending time with whānau and friends.

Jacinta Schultz

Technology Transformation Lead

Jacinta joined HRNZ in September 2022 to lead the digital technology transformation which will ensure we offer an innovative, personalised experience for members that aligns with our overarching Organisation strategy.

Jacinta is a delivery professional and has over 15 years experience in roles focusing on enabling process improvement via delivery of future proof technology whilst ensuring business benefits are met.

Her interests are leading meaningful change via innovation and continuous improvement.