Be the change you want to see.
With an award-winning career ranging from diplomat and international keynote speaker to business and public sector leader, Ziena has helped some of New Zealand’s largest businesses build their reputation and revenue, advised Ministers, led large-scale change and transformation programmes, and supported Māori, Pacific and ethnic women and young people into leadership roles.
Her current portfolio includes leadership and governance roles across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors including as Commissioner for the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake and Deputy Chief Executive at Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
Recognised by Campaign Asia Pacific as part of its 2020 Women to Watch, a group of 40 outstanding women in the Asia Pacific, Ziena has received several international awards for her work promoting New Zealand trade, investment and education in Asia, where she was based for ten years including as Education New Zealand Regional Director for South and Southeast Asia, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Singapore and Head of North Asia Marketing and Communications for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. She holds a Master of Arts (First Class Hons) in International Relations and Politics from the University of Auckland, a Bachelor of Communication Studies, and Diploma of International Trade.
Talking Points
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Moving beyond reporting diversity, to fostering equity and inclusion. Ziena helps organisations benefit from the why� of diversity through practical hows�.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Leadership
Ziena shares her own experiences of leading diverse teams across multiple timezones, in an authentic and empowering way.
Leadership
Governance
Ziena's focus is on demystifying governance to inspire a new generation of directors, demonstrating that this can be an accessible and rewarding career path for people of diverse backgrounds, age, abilities and experiences.
Governance
MC and Facilitation
Ziena is an experienced and gifted MC and Faciliator. She is particularly well placed to host events and facilitate conversations on the following themes:MC and Facilitation
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Leadership and governance
- Economic development, including regional development
- Education vocational, international
- Future of work
- International relations
- Asia business
- Politics
