Overview
While the chair is often described as “first among equals,” the role is rooted in influence, not authority. In an era of increasing governance complexity, stakeholder scrutiny, and global uncertainty, the chair's ability to guide, unify, and lead has never been more critical.
This session explores the evolving expectations of board chairs—from stewarding governance and shaping strategy to fostering trust, collaboration, and resilience. Learn how to navigate boardroom dynamics, build strong CEO partnerships, and lead effectively through challenge and change.
Key themes include inclusive leadership, governance under pressure, and succession planning to future-proof your board.
Join us for a dynamic discussion featuring Nathan Flowerday, Peter Crow and Debbie Ireland, moderated by Brian Staunton, as they share real-world insights and strategies for impactful chair leadership.
Whether you're an experienced chair or preparing for the role, this is a valuable opportunity to sharpen your governance capability and connect with peers.
Nathan Flowerday
MInstD
Nathan Flowerday has been a Director of Zespri Group Limited (ZGL) and Zespri International Limited (ZIL) since 2012 and was appointed Chairman in March 2024. He also serves as a Zespri-appointed Director on the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre (KBC).
Nathan’s career began after graduating from Massey University, with roles as a Rural Bank Manager in the Bay of Plenty and later as a Business Analyst and Management Accountant with Investment Managers in London. He returned to New Zealand in 2006 and has been closely involved in the kiwifruit industry ever since.
With his family’s first orchard purchased in 1997, Nathan now owns several orchards and operates an orchard management and contracting business. He is passionate about innovation, sustainability, and ensuring Zespri delivers strong grower returns while maintaining its global leadership in kiwifruit. Nathan also contributes internationally as a member of the NZ China Business Council and the New Zealand International Business Forum.
Peter Crow
CMInstD
Dr. Peter Crow is an accredited director and chair, and an advisor with an extensive record helping boards realise organisational potential. He has served on the boards of private and PE-controlled companies, family businesses and social enterprises; advised boards, chairs, institutional investors and governments; created and delivered director development courses; and spoken and written extensively. He has a doctorate in corporate governance and strategy and is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors.
Debbie Ireland
CMInstD
For the past 18 years, Debbie has grown her Tauranga-based business Digital Workplace Results (formerly ShareThePoint Ltd), a company which specialises in Microsoft 365; implementation, strategy and training. Debbie also organises the annual Digital Workplace Conferences in New Zealand and Australia. With an extensive project management background, Debbie enables businesses to understand that real change is achieved by empowering people and utilising technology as an enabling tool.
Debbie’s clients include local and international businesses across multiple industries. Debbie is well known for “making things happen”. Her experience as a small business owner brings valued perspective in board roles.
Debbie is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. She has been a Board Member/Chair for Youth, Search and Rescue, instrumental in scaling and strategy. Debbie is currently the Board Chair of the Tauranga Business Chamber.
Brian Staunton
CMInstD
Brian is an experienced Independent Director, Advisor, and commercial leader with more than 30 years across technology, property, fintech, aviation, and tourism. He brings governance and executive expertise spanning listed multinationals, high-growth ventures, and public-sector organisations, with a focus on strategy, commercial leadership, international expansion, and stakeholder engagement.
His current and recent governance and advisory roles include Trustee of Tourism Bay of Plenty / Tāpoi Te Moananui ā Toi and House of Science NZ / Te Whare Pūtaiao, Board Advisor to RealAML, Director of TheAtlas New Zealand Ltd., Investor Representative with Enterprise Angels, and active member of the IoD Bay of Plenty Branch Committee and the Irish Business Network NZ.
Brian has held senior leadership roles at WEX Inc. (NYSE:WEX), eNett, Travelport (NYSE:TVPT), and Atlas, supporting growth across 50+ markets. A Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and Certified Management Consultant, he is passionate about high-performance governance and export-led innovation.
Additional information
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.
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.
Contact
Megan Beveridge
Waikato and Bay of Plenty Branch Manager
+64 21 358 772
megan.beveridge@iod.org.nz
Our sponsors
The Bay of Plenty branch acknowledges the generous support of
