Kathryn is Tangata Tiriti of European descent and the Founder of Engaging People, a consultancy that helps leaders cultivate high-trust work environments and communicate in a crisis.

Her commercial experience includes 16 years with Air New Zealand, including two with the Star Alliance in Germany, and 10 years in senior communications and engagement roles across the private and public sectors, including local and central government.

Kathryn’s specialist skillset includes team culture and experience design, complex stakeholder relationship management, change and crisis communication.

She is an active member of the Canterbury Branch of the Institute of Directors, received an Emerging Director Award in 2018 and became a Chartered Member in 2020. She is also a Trustee of Harmony Waitaha, a division of Barbershop Harmony New Zealand, and has more than 20 years' experience in community governance, including as a board advisor for EMPA, an Australian-based not-for-profit emergency communications organisation.

Kathryn holds a BBS and PGDipBusAdmin (Distinction) from Massey University along with several industry-leading qualifications in communications and engagement, culture design, and change leadership.

She is a lifelong supporter of the performing arts and sings in a barbershop harmony chorus.