Sara-Jane Elika is an award-winning business leader, strategic advisor, and governance specialist with a bold vision for transformational leadership in Aotearoa and the Pacific.
As Executive Director of Elika Consulting Group (ECG), she leads a consultancy that delivers evidence-based strategy, innovative engagement, and MERL accredited evaluation services for clients across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
A qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, Sara-Jane brings a unique blend of legal precision, cultural intelligence, and creative enterprise to every table she sits at. She is a trusted advisor to senior executives and boards navigating complexity, delivering evidence-based solutions grounded in Pacific values.
With over two decades of experience, her governance career spans sectors as diverse as sport, media, philanthropy, and social justice — including appointments to Foundation North, Moana Pasifika Rugby, Good Shepherd NZ, and Community Law Aotearoa. Her leadership was tested and proven during her tenure as Interim CEO of Pacific Media Network, where she guided the organisation through a pandemic crisis, digital transformation, and unprecedented growth.
A proud alumna of Leadership NZ, Global Women’s Breakthrough Leaders, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s CSC Global Leadership Conference in Canada (2023), Sara-Jane is also a 40 Under 40 University of Auckland Business Leader and Women of Influence finalist for Arts and Culture.
Beyond the boardroom, she is the creator of Soul Sessions — a celebrated music-chat TV series showcasing Pacific gospel artists, aired across New Zealand and the Pacific region. Sara-Jane is a wife and mother of four, a staunch advocate for inclusive leadership, and a passionate believer in the power of culture, connection, and courageous thinking to shape better futures.
Talking Points
Master of Ceremonies (MC)
Sara-Jane Elika is a dynamic and accomplished MC who brings energy, elegance, and cultural intelligence to every stage she steps onto. With a career spanning law, governance, media, and the performing arts, she is a natural connector—able to engage audiences, elevate speakers, and ensure a seamless flow from start to finish.Master of Ceremonies (MC)
An award-winning singer and producer, Sara-Jane's stage presence has been honed over decades of live performance, including international tours, television productions, and music awards recognition. Her creative background infuses her MC work with confidence, charisma, and a commanding presence that captivates diverse audiences. She was the inaugural winner of Best Pacific Female Artist at the NZ Pacific Music Awards and a Tui Award winner for Best Pacific Album.
Sara-Jane is a familiar face in both corporate and cultural settings, having hosted major forums, award ceremonies, business summits, and national events. She is especially valued for her ability to bring warmth, cultural relevance, and professionalism to every event—balancing precision with personality, and formality with authenticity.
With her ability to read the room, improvise when needed, and spotlight others with grace, Sara-Jane ensures your event is not only well-managed, but deeply memorable. Whether it’s a black-tie gala or a public sector panel, she brings style, substance, and soul to the mic.
Strategic Facilitator | Moderator | Governance Specialist
Sara-Jane Elika is a trusted facilitator with over 20 years’ experience across government, corporate, and community sectors. Known for her ability to lead courageous conversations and align diverse voices, she brings clarity, cultural intelligence, and strategic depth to every session.Strategic Facilitator | Moderator | Governance Specialist
Grounded in law, governance, and transformational leadership, Sara-Jane creates inclusive environments that support open dialogue and tangible outcomes. From boardroom planning to grassroots conversations, her facilitation style blends insight and empathy—ensuring sessions are focused, engaging, and outcome-driven.
She is particularly effective in high-stakes environments where trust, strategy, and stakeholder alignment are critical. Whether facilitating strategic plans, governance reviews, or DEI conversations, Sara-Jane ensures the process builds momentum and inspires action.
Future-Ready Leadership: Influencing Change, Inspiring Growth, and Building Vision-Driven Teams
In today’s rapidly evolving world of work, future-ready leaders must do more than manage change—they must shape it. In this session, Sara-Jane Elika explores how strategic influence, continuous upskilling, and clear vision-making combine to drive team performance and long-term impact. With a focus on motivating others and embedding learning into workplace culture, Sara-Jane shares tools for engaging your workforce, aligning people with purpose, and turning big-picture thinking into practical, measurable action.Future-Ready Leadership: Influencing Change, Inspiring Growth, and Building Vision-Driven Teams
Whether you're leading transformation, building capability, or shaping a new direction, this talk equips you to lead with clarity, inspire growth, and influence ethically in a future-focused environment.
I will rise! -Strengthening Through Setbacks
In this presentation, Sara-Jane will talk about how the lows in your career can create the resilience to celebrate the high achievements. She will explore how facing challenges head-on builds inner strength, empowering you to transform obstacles into stepping stones for future success."
I will rise! -Strengthening Through Setbacks
Becoming an Authentic and purpose driven leader
Sara-Jane shares her story for ethnically diverse and indigenous aspiring leaders who are on their self-discovery journey. She will delve into the power of embracing one’s cultural roots and values, highlighting how authenticity fuels resilience and meaningful impact in leadership
Becoming an Authentic and purpose driven leader
Video
WorkLife Balance CEO
International Womens Day
Diverse teams drive innovationCulturally attuned, outstanding communication and an excellent engagement ... keep reading University of Auckland
Your contribution went way beyond the introduction and thanking of speakers and managing the conference from the stage. You really added value with your Pacific cultural advice and innovations
