IoD Northland Christmas Connect

Networking

Speaker(s): Lindsay Faithfull , Julian Smith
Date: 4:00pm — 6:00pm, 3 December 2026
Venue: McKay Stadium
Location: 97 Western Hills Drive, Whangarei
Price members: $0.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $0.00 incl GST

Overview

Join the IoD members and local governance, business and iwi leaders in Northland/Te Tai Tokerau at our end-of-year networking function and Christmas celebration.

Lindsay Faithfull, Managing Director of McKay, will be delivering the keynote message focusing on:

The importance of Northland to the rest of the country
The need for infrastructure
Challenges and opportunities of running a large company from Northland
The electrification of everything
McKay’s growth story

Julian Smith, IoD Northland Sub-committee Chair, who also share reflections on the year that has passed and what directors and organisations should look out for in 2027.

You will have an opportunity to ask questions and network with IoD members and our local committee over drinks and canapés.

Lindsay Faithfull

Lindsay Faithfull is Managing Director and majority owner of McKay, one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned electrotechnology companies with around 900 staff and operations across New Zealand and an exporter to the Pacific and beyond. An electrical engineer, Lindsay has led McKay’s expansion into renewable energy, infrastructure and electric marine propulsion.

He is also a director of Naut, an electric propulsion company, Northport Group Ltd, and Deputy Chair of Tupu Tonu, the Ngāpuhi Investment Fund. Lindsay is a finalist in the 2026 EY Entrepreneur of the year awards and is the EY 2026 Master Entrepreneur of the year.

Julian Smith

CMInstD

Julian is an experienced professional director, currently serving on the boards of Watercare, Northport Group, MetService, CDL Investment and the Look Good Feel Better Trust. He chairs the Institute of Directors (IoD) Te Tai Tokerau Committee and is a member of the Northland Corporate Group. He is also a member of the advisory board for the Ministry for Environment tasked with reforming NZ's planning and consenting regime to replace the RMA.

With over 16 years of governance experience across the technology, utilities, and not-for-profit sectors, Julian brings specialist expertise in digital and business transformation, customer strategy, and corporate affairs. He is a Chartered Member of the IoD.

Additional information

By registering for this event, you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.

Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.

Accessibility and companion tickets

If you have a disability or accessibility requirement, we can provide a complimentary ticket for a support person to attend with you. Please register as usual through the IoD website, then email the Auckland Branch team at auckland.branch@iod.org.nz to arrange your companion’s complimentary registration.

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event. See our standard terms and conditions for more information.