Ziena joined Hato Hone St John in September 2025 and leads the Strategy and Executive Operations Directorate - responsible for leading our organisation's strategy, direction setting, advocacy, and executive support functions. This directorate brings together key areas that shape our future, honour our history, strengthen alignment across the organisation, and ensure we deliver on our organisation's priorities.

Ziena is a strategic and influential executive leader with over 20 years of experience across diplomacy, business, and public sector leadership in Aotearoa and Asia. With significant experience in large, complex organisations, she has led major initiatives and high performing teams across a multitude of sectors.

Prior to joining Hato Hone St John, Ziena was Deputy Chief Executive of Te Pūkenga and served on the boards of the Natural Hazards Commission, Education New Zealand, DNA, Asia New Zealand Foundation, ATEED and the Cancer Society. She has also received several international awards for her work advancing New Zealand’s profile and partnerships in Asia, where she was based for ten years.

A member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, Global Women and Asia 21, Ziena is an internationally recognised speaker, MC and facilitator, and brings a strong commitment to leadership, equity and purpose.