Panel Discussion
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CPD
Building strong, values-driven governance in Whakatāne through local leadership and community collaboration.
Eastern Bay of Plenty is home to a growing network of organisations, iwi, and community groups committed to strong and effective governance. Across the rohe, there is a focus on building capability that aligns with both local values and best practice standards. Governance in Eastern Bay of Plenty emphasises strategic thinking, accountability, and the ability to balance social, cultural, and economic priorities. Boards and advisory groups are increasingly seeking members with diverse skills in finance, strategy, sustainability, and Māori development, reflecting the region’s unique cultural and economic landscape.
To explore these themes, a panel discussion will bring together local leaders, experienced directors, and governance experts to share insights, lessons, and practical strategies for strengthening organisational capability. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on building resilient boards, empowering rangatahi and whānau, and navigating complex challenges. By fostering governance capability at all levels, Eastern Bay of Plenty is ensuring its organisations are well-equipped to deliver meaningful results and support the aspirations of hapū, iwi, and the wider community.
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David has been a member of the IoD since 2007, a Chartered Fellow since 2023 and is a member of the Policy and Practice Committee and Chair of the People, Culture, Health and Safety Committee. David brings strong expertise in the areas of business transformation, brand development initiatives, business and tertiary education (including both digital and face to face activities) and digital technology strategy development.
David is a collegial team player with strong leadership and strategic experience. He has broad industry knowledge and has been involved with commercial, not for profit and membership organisations.
David is based in Whakatāne and has the current governance roles:
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Nándor Steven Tánczos is the newly elected mayor of Whakatāne and a chartered member of the Institute of Directors. He has held a number of governance roles in the private sector, NGO’s, government advisory boards and co-governance organisations. He is a co-founder of The Hempstore Aotearoa and He Puna Manawa Ltd and describes himself as a social ecologist and permaculturalist.
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Regan Doherty is the Executive Director of Ngāti Awa Group Holdings, based in Whakatāne. He holds directorships across several Ngāti Awa commercial entities, including Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited, Ngāti Awa Farms Limited, Ngāti Awa Forests Limited, Ngāti Awa Asset Holdings Limited, and Ngāti Awa Properties Limited. Regan also serves on the Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Council, chairing its Finance, Audit and Risk, and Investment Committees. He is Chair of Kiwinui Trust and a trustee of the Rotoehu Forest Trust.
His governance experience spans multiple agribusinesses, including Ngakauroa Dairy LP, Omataroa Orchard LP, and Tumurau LP. With over a decade in agriculture and management, he is also founder and owner of Doherty Studer Limited, a leading maize grain producer in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Regan holds a Bachelor of Business and MBA from the University of Waikato, a Diploma in Te Tohu Paetahi, and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
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Anne Tolley has more than 30 years of experience in both local and national politics. She served as a Government Minister for nine years (2008–2017), holding a range of senior portfolios including Education, Police, Corrections, Social Development, Children, and Local Government. From 2017 to 2020, she was Deputy Speaker of the House.
Anne began her public service on the Napier City Council in 1986, serving six years as Deputy Mayor and one term on the inaugural Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Elected to Parliament in 1999 as a National Party List MP, she later represented the East Coast Electorate until retiring from national politics in 2020.
In 2021, Anne was appointed Chair of the Commission overseeing Tauranga City Council, a role she held until July 2024. She is currently Chair of the Horizon Energy Group Board and the New Zealand Chapter of Transparency International.
Peter Vitasovich is a respected leader in New Zealand’s aquaculture industry, with more than 40 years’ experience across business ownership, consultancy, and sector leadership. Appointed CEO of Whakatōhea Mussels (Ōpōtiki) Limited in 2017 after joining the Board in 2014, Peter has been instrumental in guiding the company’s growth and strategic direction.
He is recognised for his commitment to environmental sustainability, iwi and community partnerships, and collaboration across government and industry. Peter has held prominent governance roles including Chair of Aquaculture New Zealand and Director of Seafood New Zealand, and currently serves on the Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce Board and the Bay of Plenty Aquaculture Group management committee.
A strategic thinker with international experience in the seafood and food sectors, Peter combines commercial insight with innovative, values-driven leadership—helping advance sustainable aquaculture and regional prosperity.
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
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Members — $25.00
Non-members — $40.00
