Panel Discussion
2
CPD
Public sector governance renewal is creating new opportunities as water reform drives demand for skilled directors.
Public sector governance is entering a period of significant renewal, with major change underway in the water services sector. From 1 July 2026, up to 25 new water entities will require capable, independent boards with the right mix of skills to govern complex, high trust public assets.
This session explores what this moment means for directors and for the wider governance ecosystem. With demand focused squarely on experienced governors, the establishment of new water boards is expected to trigger movement across the public sector, creating opportunities for emerging directors to step into existing board roles as others transition.
Our panel will reflect on the critical role of skills matrices, independence, and judgement in building fit for purpose boards at pace. Drawing on practical experience and a system wide view, speakers will consider how boards can be structured for resilience, credibility and long term performance.
This is a timely discussion on how governance change, done well, can strengthen the entire public sector.
Dr Kevin Lavery is an experienced chief executive with a background across public and private sectors, spanning strategy, business development, change management and major infrastructure. He holds degrees from the University of Manchester and the University of Kent and has led three major local authorities in the UK and New Zealand. His experience includes senior roles in consulting, digital start-ups, FTSE-listed companies and the NHS, with a strong focus on integrated care, social housing, regeneration and organisational turnaround.
He is the Establishment CEO of Tauranga and Western Bay Water Entity and Chair of IAWAI, Flowing Waters, the water company for Hamilton and Waikato District. He also sits on the Board of Sanctuary Group, a large social housing and residential care provider in the United Kingdom.
CMInstD
Sam is a senior public sector leader, director, tribunal member and lawyer. He is currently Group Manager – Organisational Performance & Innovation at Rotorua Lakes Council, where he leads strategy, governance, performance reporting, communications, legal services and organisational transformation.
Sam is Chair of the Bay of Plenty Branch Committee of the Institute of Directors and sits on the IoD National Council, with a strong focus on developing emerging governance talent. He previously served as Deputy Chair of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and continues to be heavily involved in sport governance as a member of the New Zealand Sports Tribunal, New Zealand Rugby Judiciary and a Trustee a Sport Bay of Plenty.
His governance roles span the small business, not‑for‑profit, education and sporting sectors, and he is a passionate advocate for practical, values‑led governance.
Dave Chambers is the former Chief Executive of Watercare Services and former Managing Director of Progressive Enterprises (Countdown/Woolworths New Zealand), bringing more than 40 years’ experience leading large, complex and customer-focused organisations.
MInstD
Paula Southgate has more than 20 years’ experience in local government leadership across regional and city governance. Following postgraduate study at the University of Waikato, she worked in counselling and teaching before being elected to the Waikato Regional Council in 2001. Over the next 24 years, she held several senior governance roles, including Chair of the Environment Committee and Chair of the Policy and Strategy Committee, and became a trained Ministry for the Environment Commissioner, chairing numerous plan changes and resource consent hearings. She was elected Chair of the Waikato Regional Council in 2013 and appointed to the Waikato River Authority in 2014.
In 2016, Paula became Mayor of Hamilton, while also serving in national leadership roles with Local Government New Zealand and the Upper North Island Strategic Alliance. She is recognised for her collaborative governance style, strategic leadership, and strong focus on practical, community-centred solutions to complex policy and reform challenges.
CMInstD
Originally from the UK, Gillian came to NZ to work on electricity reform in the mid 1990s. Gillian worked on the design of competitive wholesale market, the split of ECNZ, and then spent 20 years at Meridian Energy in senior leadership positions across strategy and regulatory affairs. Gillian joined Water New Zealand in July 2020.
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 |
|
|
Branch sponsors |
|
|
Members — $40.00
Non-members — $65.00
