Governance through a global lens

Panel Discussion

Speaker(s): Sarah Ottrey, Jonathan Mason, Peter Crow
Date: 5:00pm — 7:15pm, 19 October 2026
Venue: The George
Location: 50 Park Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Price members: $40.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $60.00 incl GST

Overview

As global forces increasingly shape local decision-making, boards are being challenged to lead with a broader, more internationally informed perspective.

Boards today are operating in an environment shaped by interconnected global forces. Geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, technological acceleration, shifting workforce dynamics, and rising stakeholder expectations are reshaping the governance landscape across every market and sector. Effective governance requires directors to look beyond domestic conditions and adopt a broader, internationally informed perspective.

This discussion-style event brings together experienced governance leaders to explore how New Zealand boards can remain resilient, forward-focused, and effective in a changing world. Drawing on both local governance experience and international perspectives, the conversation will examine the implications for directors, board culture, strategy, risk oversight, and long-term organisational sustainability.

Following this event, an invitation-only dinner will be held for IoD Distinguished Fellows and Chartered Fellows. For more information and to register for the dinner

Sarah Ottrey

CFInstD

Sarah is a prominent figure in New Zealand’s business and governance landscape. She has held senior marketing roles in New Zealand and off-shore with Unilever and DB Breweries/Heineken. Sarah currently chairs Christchurch International Airport and Whitestone Cheese, is the New Zealand member on the APEC Business Advisory Council and is a director of Skyline Enterprises, Oceania Healthcare, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, NZ China Council, NZTE NZ Story Reference Group and Sarah Ottrey Marketing Ltd. She was formerly a director of listed companies EBOS Group, Comvita, and Blue Sky Meats, Crown Enterprise, The Public Trust, and an external member of the Inland Revenue Risk and Assurance Committee.

Jonathan Mason

CFInstD

Jonathan is Vice President of the Institute of Directors, a Chartered Fellow and sits on the IoD National Council. Jonathan’s experience in financial markets over the past 30 years has had a strong emphasis on emerging markets and he has extensive governance experience in New Zealand and the United States. Previous directorships include Air New Zealand and Vector Ltd. He is currently chair of Dilworth School for Boys, NZ US Council and a director on the board of Zespri Group Ltd.

Dr Peter Crow

CMInstD

An internationally experienced governance advisor, educator, and keynote speaker, Peter brings deep insight into strategic leadership and the global forces shaping governance today. He is currently chair of SLEC Holdings, a health-technology company, and a director of Ka Ora Telecare. Previous appointments include Riverlock Group Holdings and Hutt International Boys’ School, and the MPI Risk and Assurance Committee.

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.