Our People
Meet the HRNZ National Office Team
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. Joining in 2017, 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 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.
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
Branch 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 regional HRNZ Branches and Branch 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 Hastings
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.
HRNZ National Office key contacts
Please direct your email enquires as follows;
- Membership to: [email protected]
- Accounts to: [email protected]
- PD and Webinar to: [email protected]
- Branch Events to: [email protected]
- HR Virtual Summits to: [email protected]
- NZ HR Awards to: [email protected]
- Forum to: [email protected]
- Advertising enquiries to: [email protected]
- For all other general enquiries please contact: [email protected]