Diane Clayton
Secretary of State for Forestry of Timor Leste
Auckland
3
Languages
1
Certification
24
years of professional experience
Strategic international partnerships and market development expert with 20 years of experience linking New Zealand organizations with global markets and key stakeholders in tourism and sustainability. Skilled in executing initiatives that enhance brand reputation, foster commercial opportunities, and promote sustainable growth.
Work History
Destination Management Advisor of Nino Konis Santana National Park/ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
1 Year- Advised government stakeholders on sustainable destination development, integrating conservation and community enterprise to align with international best practices.
- Supported the positioning of Timor-Leste’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as an internationally recognized nature-based destination through destination strategy, storytelling and stakeholder engagement.
Tourism and Hospitality Advisor
1 Year- Designed and delivered workshops on hospitality operations, customer service excellence, health & safety, tourism storytelling, sustainable tourism, ecotourism development, and media hosting for tourism operators, hospitality staff, community organisations, and youth groups to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Led partnerships with Red Cross and Asia Foundation to implement capability-building workshops, strengthening community engagement and support for tourism operators.
Partnership Manager & Head of Business Development
5 Years 2 Months- Led partnerships with international organisations such as Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), ACCOR, Booking.com, and Orbit Group, alongside national partners like NZ Winegrowers and Māori Tourism, to enhance collaborative efforts in sustainable tourism.
- Led the successful achievement of GSTC-recognised status for the Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Criteria, reinforcing New Zealand’s leadership in sustainable tourism.
- Represented Qualmark internationally, presenting New Zealand’s quality assurance and sustainability framework to tourism organisations in Tahiti, Hawai‘i, Québec, and Iceland, strengthening global awareness of New Zealand's commitment to sustainable tourism.
Public Relations Executive – Europe & North America
4 Years 7 Months- Directed international PR campaigns, resulting in coverage on BBC, France 2, ITV, and other major outlets.
- Organised and hosted familiarisation tours for European media (TV crews, travel writers, social influencers, video content creators, KOLs) to highlight New Zealand’s premium and sustainable visitor experiences.
Business Development Manager & Editorial Manager - New Zealand and Pacific Markets
3 Years 4 Months- Led business development and editorial strategy for New Zealand and Pacific markets, enhancing Le Petit Futé’s regional presence through targeted initiatives.
- Developed strategic partnerships with tourism organisations and industry stakeholders, creating destination content that promotes authentic and sustainable travel experiences.
International Cooperation & Medivac Programme Lead
9 Years 5 Months- Led international medical evacuation programme between French Polynesia and New Zealand, facilitating cross-border healthcare services and ensuring safe patient transfers.
- Established and nurtured strategic partnerships with New Zealand District Health Boards, government agencies, and international stakeholders, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Honorary Consul
3 Years 5 Months- Represented French Embassy in Auckland, enhancing diplomatic, business and cultural relations.
- Facilitated partnerships between New Zealand organisations, government stakeholders, and French business community, fostering collaboration.
- Provided consular services and protocol support for French nationals and delegations, ensuring effective communication and assistance.
Education
Master’s - Modern Literature
Thesis: The Kanak Narrative in New Caledonia
Bachelor of Arts - Modern Literature
Skills
Written communication
Analytical thinking
Sustainable tourism development
Relationship building
Strategic planning
Problem-solving
Critical thinking
Time management
Certification
- GSTC Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Training – The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (2023)
- FIRST AID COURSE – St John Ambulance – 2025
- TE KETE TAURUA- Te Reo Māori Course- 2024
LANGUAGES
French (Fluent)
English (Fluent)
German (Intermediate)
Timeline
Destination Management Advisor of Nino Konis Santana National Park/ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Secretary of State for Forestry of Timor Leste
07.2025 - 07.2026Read More
Tourism and Hospitality Advisor
Timor Leste Ministry of Tourism and Private Agencies
07.2025 - 07.2026Read More
Partnership Manager & Head of Business Development
Tourism New Zealand / Qualmark
04.2020 - 06.2025Read More
Public Relations Executive – Europe & North America
Tourism New Zealand
09.2015 - 04.2020Read More
Business Development Manager & Editorial Manager - New Zealand and Pacific Markets
Le Petit Futé- French Travel Guide Publisher
04.2012 - 08.2015Read More
Honorary Consul
French Embassy in New Zealand
03.2005 - 08.2008Read More
International Cooperation & Medivac Programme Lead
Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale de Polynésie Française & New Zealand District Health Boards
03.2002 - 08.2011Read More
Sorbonne Paris IV
Bachelor of Arts from Modern Literature
Read More
Sorbonne Paris
Master’s from Modern Literature
Read More