Elena is a senior corporate and transactional lawyer practising in Tāmaki Makaurau. Elena has extensive experience in the not for profit governance and strategy space. Elena also regularly represents New Zealand as a legal expert and also as a leader in not for profit governance on a number of international speaking engagements, including across Europe and the Asia-Pacific. 

She is the first New Zealander to be named an International Bar Association scholar and has been named Excellence Awardee for Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year numerous times, is named in the NZ Lawyer Elite Women report for her influence and leadership in the legal profession, and is the only private practice lawyer to be named a finalist in the INFINZ Emerging Leader Awards.

Elena has a special relationship with Te Araroa, having discovered many adventures on many of its sections through her trail runs across Aotearoa. As an ultrarunner who competes in 100km and 100 mile races, Te Araroa has given Elena many opportunities to train across extra-long distances, across some of the most spectacular terrain in Aotearoa. Working to achieve a sustainable and bright future for Te Araroa is an integral part of Elena’s vision for the Trust, so that others can enjoy this iconic and special trail for many years to come.