Board
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) is proud to have a such a diverse, senior and experienced Board. Each person plays a key role in governing implementation of the PNZ Strategic Plan 2021 – 2032.
Jana Rangooni, Chair
Jana joined the PNZ Board in October 2015 and since May 2021 has been Chair. Currently CEO of the Radio Broadcasters Association, Jana brings over 30 years’ experience in broadcasting and media both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom to PNZ, across all organisational areas including broadcasting, news, marketing and senior management. During the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Jana connected with PNZ to try and assist with ways of increasing broadcast coverage of the Paralympic Games and has played an internal advisory role as PNZ continues developing its relationship with TVNZ at Attitude. As well as her broadcast and media experience Jana has worked in competitive commercial settings and run organisations with complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Duane Kale, ONZM
Duane is an Independent Director, Banking profession, and Sports administrator. He has extensive international and national business experience in addition to global sports achievements, governance expertise, and sporting leadership. Paralympian #96 and New Zealand’s most decorated athlete at a single Paralympic Games (with 4 Golds, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze in the pool), Duane currently serves as the Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee having been on the IPC board since 2014, is a Director of Sport New Zealand and has previously held the role of Chef de Mission for the NZ Paralympic team to Beijing 2008 and London 2012. He is also on the IOC Paris 2024 coordination commission.
Dr. Catriona McBean
Catriona has been a PNZ Board Member since 2014 and is currently chair of the Governance and Audit and Risk Management Committees. In 2017, she managed the redevelopment and implementation of the new PNZ Constitution and is currently leading us in Governance Mark accreditation. Formerly Chief Executive Officer for national and regional sporting organisations including Swimming New Zealand, Sport & Exercise Science New Zealand and Orienteering New Zealand, Catriona brings more than 25 years’ senior leadership experience to her role. She has also sat on a number of other boards including New Zealand Outdoors Assembly as Deputy Chair and Recreation Aotearoa Wellington Branch as Treasurer. She was a Finalist in the Women in Governance Excellence in Governance Development Award and the Wellington Sports Awards Trish McKelvey Leadership Award. Catriona recently completed her PhD in Disability Sport at the University of Waikato. Her thesis “I forget I have a disability” presents an anti-ableist framework for improving disability sport opportunities in the New Zealand sport system.
Aaron Mills
Aaron joined the PNZ Board in January 2021. He is a member of the Institute of Directors (MInstD), since 2013. Previously he was an Elected Accuro Health Insurance Director for four years, and Chair of the Chief Executive Committee. Currently Manager, HR Planning and Reporting at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, Aaron brings extensive experience as a HR professional from his time in the University Sector, Public Service and Health Sector. He is a Chartered Fellow Human Resource Institute of New Zealand (CFHRINZ). Proactive in his leadership, organisation and representation, Aaron’s been involved with Association of Commonwealth Universities, Australian Higher Education Industrial Association, Shared Services & Outsourcing Network, and Universities New Zealand. Aaron, an everyday cyclist and runner, is actively involved in junior and youth football and futsal as a coach, referee and committee member with both schools and clubs.
Sian Ruth
Having a strong financial background covering a wide range of sectors including not-for-profit, commercial and investment, Sian brings a valuable skill set to the PNZ Board. Sian joined the PNZ Board in early 2021, however has been immersed in Para sport for a number of years. Sian is a member of the Parafed Network Leadership Group which aims to connect and grow the presence of Parafeds in New Zealand. She is also the Board Chair of Parafed Canterbury Inc. Sian is currently a Director of T & S Ruth Limited trading as S Ruth Consulting, a role which she has held since 2017. Prior to that, Sian’s career has included roles, both locally and overseas with a Large CA firm, a partner in an engineering business, and as an Authorised Financial Advisor in an Investment Advisory Firm. Outside of work, Sian dedicates a lot of time to volunteering and using her skill set to support and help grow a number of organisations.
Maria Clarke
Maria joined the Board following her election in May 2023. Maria is an experienced sports lawyer advising sports organisations and athletes nationally and internationally. She has acted for a wide range of sports and other not for profit bodies including previously advising organisations in the paralympic movement. As well as her legal background, Maria brings particular expertise in sports integrity, governance and human rights. She is a member of the Institute of Directors and having successfully established and managed New Zealand’s first ever sports law practice for many years, she brings sound business judgment as a business owner and advisor to her clients. Maria has been on many Boards and committees in sport in New Zealand and internationally including World Athletics, International Paralympic Committee, World Sailing, World Anti-Doping Agency, the IOC, the Association of National Olympic Committees and the International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport. She is currently a member of both the UCI (international cycling) Integrity Commission and the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s Integrity Committee. Maria is passionate about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate, enjoy and excel in sport and physical activity. She has two adult sons who play lots of cricket and a husband who loves cycling.
Pam Elgar
Pam Elgar (Ngāruahine) has led significant not-for-profits such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Diabetes Auckland, as well as holding sports organisation board positions. In 2022 she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hockey and women for over 20 years. Elgar was a foundation member of Women in Sport Aotearoa (WISPA), supporting women and girls to build careers in sport and recreation in New Zealand. She has chaired the Wahine Toa Kei Te Kokiri committee which supports WISPA’s bicultural journey.
