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Our People

Meet the HRNZ National Office Team

Nick McKissack CMHRNZ

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.

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

National Events Manager

With over 20 years' experience in marketing and event management, Tina brings a wealth of expertise to her role as National Events Manager. Tina leads the end-to-end delivery of key national initiatives, including the NZ HR Awards, Future Workplace Forum + Expo, Summits, the National Webinar and Podcast Programme.

Based on the Gold Coast, Australia, Tina works closely with stakeholders and the wider team to deliver high-impact, engaging experiences that support and connect Aotearoa’s HR community.

Outside of work, Tina enjoys life by the coast with her husband and three children.

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.

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 from Victoria University of Wellington at the end of 2021 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Information Systems. Nikita is responsible for overseeing all the Marketing, Communications, Advertising and Sponsorship at HRNZ.

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

Jacinta Schultz

Technology Transformation Lead

Jacinta is responsible for driving the ongoing digital transformation of HRNZ’s internal systems, working collaboratively with our selected support vendors. This role supports our internal processes and technologies to deliver a secure, innovative, and personalised experience for members, fully aligned with HRNZ’s broader organisational strategy.

Beyond managing internal systems, Jacinta actively engages with HRNZ members by educating them on evolving HR technology through newsletters, training sessions, whitepapers, and webinars. Additionally, this role performs dedicated one-on-one needs assessments through the Tech Assist offering, ensuring tailored support for members.

A key outcome of this member-focused work was the launch of the HRNZ Technology Channel — a dedicated platform designed to empower HR professionals to leverage technology more effectively in their roles.

Laura Cook

Membership Administrator

Laura joined HRNZ in November 2023.  She handles membership queries and is responsible for managing our Organisation Packages.  She assists with the member event experience and hosts our online events.

She has over twenty years experience in Business Support and enjoys helping others to succeed.

Laura enjoys eating out with friends and pottering around in her garden.
 
 

Louise Joe

Network Engagement Lead

Louise joined HRNZ in late August 2023 to provide project support on HRNZ’s digital technology transformation project. She then moved into a Branch Engagement Lead role utilising her background in Event Management and Executive administrative support.

Her main focus at HRNZ is to support our HRNZ Regional Networks and Regional Network committees with the management of their regional events.  She also works closely with the Membership Administrator to support our Members.

When not at work she is often baking or cooking up a storm to share at her extended family gatherings or trying to look coordinated at her dance classes. 
 

Chelsea Mapp

Professional Accreditation Manager

Chelsea Mapp, HRNZ’s Professional Accreditation Manager, Chelsea joined HRNZ in January 2025 and leads the Accreditation and Chartering programmes, supporting HR professionals on their path to certification.

With experience across both International and New Zealand roles, Chelsea brings expertise in areas including Mobility, Immigration, Recruitment, D&I, Employment Relations, and Te ao Māori. She has worked in both government and commercial sectors, offering a broad understanding of the HR landscape.

Georgia Wormald

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Georgia joined the HRNZ team in April 2025 as Marketing and Communications Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Victoria University of Wellington, graduating in 2022 with majors in Marketing and International Business. In her role, Georgia plays a key part in shaping and delivering HRNZ’s marketing campaigns, communications, and support initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and is always on the hunt for great places to eat.

Nadine Tarsa

Project Manager

Nadine joined HRNZ in November 2024 to work on implementing the changes to HRNZ’s new Constitution. She has a background in service delivery, CRM improvements, and governance of membership organisations.

When not at work she enjoys puzzles, trying out new restaurants, and going for walks with her whānau.

 

 

Vanessa Williams

HR Research Analyst

Vanessa joined the HRNZ team in February 2025 as an HR Research Analyst. She is in her final year of study at Victoria University of Wellington, completing a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resource Management and Employment Relations.

In her role, Vanessa focuses on researching HR trends, employment legislation and reforms, and innovative HR practices to provide insights and actionable recommendations to HRNZ members. She generates content for news articles, member updates, social media and email marketing. Vanessa is fascinated by the ever-changing regulations surrounding work relationships and the balance struck between the employer and employee.

Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys playing football, attending Pilates classes, and walking up Mount Victoria. When she’s not out for a coffee or spending time with friends and family, you can find her curled up with a good book.

Courtney King

Project Lead - Communications

Courtney joined HRNZ in 2021 as our marketing intern, before moving up the ranks and overseeing HRNZ's communications before leaving in 2023 for an OE.

After travelling around Europe and doing a ski season in Canada, she has returned to Wellington and come back onto the HRNZ team as Project Lead - Communications.
 

HRNZ National Office key contacts

Please direct your email enquires as follows;

Meet the HRNZ Board

Danni Ermilova Williams, CMHRNZ

Chair / Elected Director

Danni is an experienced HR professional, with deep expertise across employment relations, large scale change and organisational design. With a 17-year career spanning leadership, governance, human resources, and business consultancy, Danni brings a wealth of HR, business and leadership experience to the table. Formerly a Director at PwC, a global consulting powerhouse, she specialised in leading and advising on large-scale organisation and system transformations, workforce change, and advising on the future of work and workforces.

Danni is now Director of Danni Ermilova Williams, Change Coaching and Consulting which brings together her deep expertise and passions for people, change and action. She works alongside individuals, business owners and leaders in a coaching and consultancy capacity to enhance how people and organisations shape, navigate and transition through change with power, clarity, and success. 

Danni is a Chartered Member of HRNZ (CMHRNZ) and was HRNZ HR Professional of the Year in 2022. She is a trained member of the International Coaching Federation (IFC), and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in HR Management (HRM) and Management, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, majoring in HRM. 

Elena Calvert, CMHRNZ

National President / Elected Director

Elena brings a valuable mix of experiences across public, private and not for profit sectors, combining HR consulting, generalist and specialist HR functions.   Currently she is the Recruitment Manager at the University of Otago, after time with Deloitte NZ and Mitre 10 MEGA Dunedin.

Elena is a long-term member of the HRNZ Regional Network committee and is passionate about delivering value to HRNZ members no matter what part of the country they are based in.  She has also been a strong advocate of continually investing into our engagement with students.

Claire Walker, CMHRNZ

National Vice President / Elected Director

Claire Walker is an experienced executive leader and currently employed by Genesis Energy in the role of Chief People Officer, responsible for leading Genesis’ people focused initiatives that drive organisational performance as well as providing direction and leadership to the people and culture function. 

Claire has more than 20 years’ experience in human resource management and a strong background in sustainability. She was previously Chief People and Culture Officer for the SkyCity Entertainment Group, where she led the development and implementation of best practice human resource strategy and held executive responsibility for sustainability.  Prior, Claire was Chief People Officer at Sanford Limited where she led the organisation’s people, culture, and sustainability activities. She has also held senior HR roles with Carter Holt Harvey and Downer, after several years working in the education sector. 

Claire is a Chartered Member of HRNZ (CMHRNZ).  She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration.

In addition to her HRNZ governance role, Claire is Deputy Chair, on the advisory board of the Sustainable Business Council.

Kavita Khanna, CFHRNZ

Elected Director

Kavita Khanna has over two decades experience in leadership roles, having worked in professional services, construction and technology sectors in New Zealand and in India. In her current role as Executive Leader, People + Workplace in Tonkin & Taylor, she is responsible for shaping the people strategy, looking after a range of functions including Technology, HR and HSW and leading complex, transformational projects for the business. She has a broad skill set and expertise covering governance, leadership, strategic planning, managing a consulting business and people and culture. She managed her own consulting business and has been a board intern on the Regional Facilities Auckland Board.  She is a Chartered Fellow of HRNZ.

Karli Te Aotonga, CMHRNZ

Elected Director

Karli has iwi affiliations to Ngāti Awa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru and Ngāti Koata. She has leadership experience in strategic OD, HR and customer service-centered design and delivery. Karli is a Chartered Member of HRNZ (CMHRNZ), holds a Bachelor’s Degree in HRM, a master’s degree in arts (Māori and indigenous leadership) and is currently a PhD candidate researching on tikanga and employment relations in the Public Service. Karli is committed to the kaupapa of transformational change and culture within all workplaces of Aotearoa that directly enhances the quality of life and wellbeing for people and place. She is māmā to three boys, Cobey, Wiremu Te Awarua and Tūterangi-Te Ramaapakura, her life’s inspiration.

Melissa Crawford, CMHRNZ

Appointed Director

Melissa Crawford is a highly regarded expert in the future of work, with a rare blend of skills that span both people and technology. With 20 years’ experience in senior HR strategy roles across some of New Zealand's largest organizations, Melissa brings a wealth of experience from diverse industries including tech, airline, banking, FMCG, retail, education, and energy.

With an extensive HR career and two technology degrees Melissa brings a unique perspective to the impact of technology on the future of work. Melissa's contributions to the field have earned her several accolades, including as a previous HRNZ Leadership Award and HR Person of the Year Award winner in 2022. Melissa is a Chartered Member of HRNZ and the NZ Institute of Directors.

Currently the Director of Tech with Heart, Melissa works with future focused organisations on strategic technology and people projects as well as being a sought-after conference speaker. Melissa is passionate about keeping the HR field future focused.

Emma Watson

Appointed Director

Emma brings commercial, finance and strategy skills to the Board, gained from 20 years senior leadership experience in Corporates, SMEs and NFP's. She is currently a Business Consultant and Interim Executive helping organisations scale up operations or optimise commercial performance. She has previously held MD, COO, CFO and Strategy roles in global, Asia Pacific and local technology, professional services and publishing businesses. 

Emma is passionate about helping organisations and their people maximise opportunities, achieve their potential and thrive. 

She is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand and a UK qualified Chartered Accountant.

Amber Spence

Appointed Director

Amber Spence is a Chartered Accountant and Director of a boutique accounting firm based in Invercargill. With extensive experience advising small to medium-sized enterprises and local NFP’s, she is passionate about helping start-ups turn their ideas into thriving businesses and supporting established organisations to scale efficiently and sustainably.

Amber’s leadership philosophy is grounded in strong communication, honesty, and kindness. She believes that genuine relationships and clear direction are at the heart of effective governance and lasting business success.

Alongside her professional work, Amber is the Presiding Member of her child’s school board and Chair of the Southland local committee for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). Through these roles, she contributes to strengthening her local community and advancing professional excellence within the accounting field.

Amber brings to the HRNZ Board a practical, people-focused perspective, combining strong financial acumen with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by small business owners and regional enterprises.