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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

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.

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.
 
 

Alice Croucher 

HR Research Analyst

Alice joined HRNZ in September 2023. As an HR Research Analyst, she specialises in gathering and evaluating research related to human resources practices and trends. Her role involves analysing qualitative and quantitative data (as well as case law and statutory changes) to provide insights and recommendations for optimising HR practices to our members.

She is in her final year of her conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts with Honours majoring in Sociology and Social Policy.

Emma Waine 

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Emma joined HRNZ in November 2023 as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator. She graduated from Victoria University of Wellington at the end of 2023 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Human Resource Management and Employment Relations. Emma is responsible for assisting with the delivery of Communications, Marketing and Advertising outcomes for HRNZ.  

Emma enjoys spending time with her friends and family, physical activities and going for walks.  

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 joined HRNZ in January 2025 as the Professional Accreditation Manager, where she is responsible for overseeing the Accreditation and Chartering programs to support HR professionals on their journey to certification.

With a diverse background spanning both international and New Zealand-based roles, Chelsea brings a wealth of experience across various HR disciplines. Her career includes expertise in Mobility and Immigration, Recruitment, Diversity & Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing, Payroll, Employment Relations, Te Ao Māori, Performance Management, and Policy Development. Chelsea has worked in both commercial and government sectors, offering her a comprehensive understanding of the HR landscape and a strong commitment to supporting HR professionals' growth and development.

Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys quality time with her whānau and is passionate about staying active.

HRNZ National Office key contacts

Please direct your email enquires as follows;