Panel Discussion
2
CPD
Explore how cross-sector collaboration strengthens governance for climate resilience, capital and resource security.
As organisations face increasing pressure to respond to climate change, evolving capital markets and growing resource constraints, collaboration across sectors is becoming a governance imperative.
Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring how directors can foster partnerships across business, government, iwi, the not-for-profit sector and academia to address complex, interconnected challenges. Panellists will examine the governance opportunities and risks that arise when organisations work together to build resilience, strengthen long-term value and support sustainable outcomes.
The discussion will explore how boards can navigate competing priorities while supporting innovation, responsible resource use and strategic decision-making in an increasingly interconnected environment. Attendees will gain practical insights into the role of governance in enabling effective cross-sector collaboration and creating value for organisations and communities alike.
Carolyn Mortland is Executive Officer Sustainability at Zespri International, where she leads the company’s global sustainability strategy and programmes, helping advance Zespri’s Grown for Good purpose by connecting the health benefits of kiwifruit with resilient growing systems and positive outcomes across the value chain.
Zespri is the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit, supplying consumers globally through grower, post-harvest, distribution, wholesale and retail partnerships. In 2025/26, Zespri recorded NZ$6.13 billion in global operating revenue and sold a record 248.1 million trays.
Carolyn is passionate about food and horticulture helping people, communities and the environment thrive. She was formerly Global Director Sustainability at Fonterra, co-created a purpose-led start-up and a sustainability advisory in food and fibre exports. Carolyn has a background as a corporate lawyer and is a member of the New Zealand XRB Sustainability Reporting Board.
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Brett is an internationally experienced director and senior executive with a strong track record in governance, leadership and international business. From 2005 to 2025, he held multiple roles at Comvita Ltd (NZX:CVT), including three terms as CEO, Director from 2017 and Chair from 2020 to 2024. He played a key role in developing Comvita’s integrated value-added business model, strengthening its consumer focus and championing science as an international differentiator. In 2013, Brett was named Outstanding International Business Leader of the Year at the NZ International Business Awards.
His governance experience includes Quayside Holdings, BlueLab Corporation, Derma Sciences, SeaDragon and Priority One, alongside advisory roles with Enterprise Angels, NZTE, Callaghan Innovation and the University of Waikato.
Brett holds a Bachelor of Food Technology from Massey University and an MBA from IMD, Switzerland, and has completed advanced management programmes at Stanford and MIT Sloan. He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
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Hayden (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Konohi, Te Aitanga a Mahaki) is an experienced director with more than 25 years in Māori governance. His experience spans Māori agribusiness, whenua-based development, education, environmental stewardship and food systems.
Hayden holds a range of agricultural and governance roles. He is Chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Kāhui Māori Agribusiness, Whangara Farms and Mangaotane Farm Trust, and Deputy Chair of Pou Herenga, an advisory body to the Climate Change Commission.
He is also a trustee of Tairāwhiti Whenua, the largest collective of Māori landowners in Aotearoa, an Executive Committee Member of the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA), and a director of Ngāti Porou Forests Limited.
Through these roles, Hayden brings extensive experience in governance, Māori economic development and the stewardship of whenua and natural resources, with a strong focus on supporting sustainable outcomes for future generations.
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Fiona Carrick is an experienced independent director and senior executive with expertise across Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary industries. Her governance portfolio spans food and fibre, regional economic development and kaupapa Māori investment entities.
She is Independent Chair of Vet Services Hawke’s Bay and Hatch Student Living, and a director of Kiwifruit Vine Health, Maungaharuru-Tangitū Ltd, JerseyNZ, Telarc Ltd and the Home of Cycling Charitable Trust. She also serves on Te Nehenehenui Trust’s Group Investment and Audit & Risk Committees.
Fiona brings more than 17 years’ commercial and governance experience across agribusiness, risk management and strategic investment. Her previous roles include General Manager of Risk at Fonterra and Chief Executive of Te Waka, the Waikato region’s economic development agency.
Her governance approach combines disciplined risk oversight, stakeholder engagement and long-term value creation, with a focus on intergenerational stewardship, innovation and sustainability.
Fiona holds an MBA and MSc and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.
By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.
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.
Megan Beveridge
Waikato and Bay of Plenty Branch Manager
+64 21 358 772
megan.beveridge@iod.org.nz
The Bay of Plenty branch acknowledges the generous support of
National partners |
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Branch sponsors |
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Members — $30.00
Non-members — $45.00
