Board

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 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.

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 is also half way through her PhD studies in Disability Sport at the University of Waikato.

Mary was elected as a PNZ Board Member in 2019. London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic gold medallist Mary Fisher was elected to the PNZ Board in April 2019. Mary is well known for winning 5 Paralympic medals and 8 World Championship titles throughout her sporting career and retired from Para swimming in November 2018. She is currently a Trustee with the Henderson Trust and a Wellington Trustee for the Halberg Foundation. She is a part-time Volunteer and Recreation Coordinator at Blind Low Vision NZ, learning Te Reo Māori, is a regular with the Glamaphones and Wellington Community Choir and mentor for youth with vision impairment and their families.

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.

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.