Panel Discussion
2
CPD
From climate to culture, the next 20 years will transform Tairāwhiti. What role will governance play in shaping the future?
As the region’s economy continues to evolve, boards and leaders will face both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. Demographic change, workforce shifts, climate pressures, emerging industries, and growing community expectations all highlight the importance of the decisions being made today.
Join an expert panel featuring Susan Huria, Doug Jones, and Whaimutu Dewes, facilitated by Carla Muller, as they explore the skills, perspectives, and approaches governors will need to navigate the decades ahead. The discussion will consider how governance in Tairāwhiti can adapt to support sustainable growth, leverage the region’s unique strengths, and ensure organisations remain relevant and resilient.
Whether you already serve on a board or are aspiring to governance, this session offers the chance to reflect on what the future may hold—and how you can play a part in preparing Tairāwhiti for the next 20 years.
CFInstD, ONZM
Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tuahuriri
Susan is the Chair of Leaderbrand, the Gisborne-based privately owned company supplying produce and pre-made salads to supermarkets with farms across New Zealand. She is Chair of Leaderbrand Future Farms, the 11 ha. covered growing house. She is a director of Trust Investments Management Limited and chair of the People and Culture Committee. Susan is also a director of Ospri, the farmer-owned animal disease management agency, and Chair of the People and Culture Committee, and is a Director of Accessible Properties, the property arm of IHC.
Susan is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors. Previous roles include Chair of Ngāi Tahu Property, Veterinary Enterprises, and an independent director on the Royal College of General Practitioners. Susan has completed numerous governance reviews for Māori trusts, incorporations, iwi entities, and their subsidiaries and holds a Master's of Māori and Indigenous Leadership from the University of Canterbury.
Doug Jones (Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Kahungunu) has extensive governance and executive experience, a deep understanding of Te Ao Māori, and a passion for rugby and community development.
Doug is currently Chief Executive of Trust Tairāwhiti, where he leads regional economic development and tourism, and oversees major assets such as Eastland Generation, Eastland Port and Gisborne Airport. In this role, he has refreshed the organisation’s strategic direction and driven cultural and operational transformation.
CFInstD
Whaimutu Dewes is an experienced director and leader with deep governance and commercial expertise. He currently serves on the board of Contact Energy and chairs Ngāti Porou Forests and Sealord Group. He is also a board member of Ngāti Porou Holding Company and sits on the Department of Corrections’ Major Outsourced Contracts advisory board.
His previous governance roles include directorships with Ngāti Porou Seafoods, Housing New Zealand, Television New Zealand, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Porou, and advisory boards to the Treasury and AMP. Earlier in his career, he held senior management positions at Fletcher Challenge and the Department of Māori Affairs.
Whaimutu has played a pivotal role in New Zealand constitutional law, particularly advancing recognition of Māori property rights under the Treaty of Waitangi. He has also led significant joint ventures between Māori and international companies in forestry, carbon sequestration, and global seafood ventures.
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Carla Muller won the Waikato IoD Emerging Director Award in 2018 and has been actively involved with the Institute of Directors since, first through the Waikato branch committee and, following her family’s move to Whakatāne, the Bay of Plenty branch committee from 2024.
Her governance journey began in 2015 with the Life Education Trust in Hamilton. She went on to serve two terms on the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management board, including two years as president. Her award placement included an associate role on the Wintec Board, and she later joined the Primary ITO board through to its transition into Te Pūkenga. Carla has also contributed as a Trustee of Te Waka, Associate Director of Perrin Ag Consultants, and Board Advisor for CyclingNZ.
Professionally, Carla is a Principal Consultant at Perrin Ag Consultants, recognised nationally for her expertise, leadership, and advocacy, including awards and her rural wellbeing podcast.
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 — $0.00
Non-members — $0.00
