Why Auckland matters: National strength through regional connection

Presentation

Speaker(s): Justine Smyth, Mark Verbiest
Date: 5:00pm — 7:00pm, 2 September 2025
Venue: The George
Location: 50 Park Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Price members: $40.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $60.00 incl GST

Overview

To compete on the global stage, it's proven that New Zealand needs a strong, connected Auckland. However, it's clear that Auckland needs to understand the rest of the country. Yet the differences in scale, pace and influence between our largest city and the rest of the country can be a source of both tension and opportunity.

Join leading directors Justine Smyth CNZM CFInstD and Mark Verbiest CFInstD as they share their insights from working across regions and sectors. With extensive governance experience at the highest levels — including in Auckland-based roles — both speakers bring a national perspective shaped by deep regional understanding.

This event will explore how Auckland’s influence shapes outcomes for the rest of Aotearoa, how directors can bridge regional divides, and what all of us can do to ensure that New Zealand succeeds together.

Justine Smyth

CNZM, CFInstD

Justine is a professional director and is currently the Chair of Spark New Zealand, Chair of Mondiale VGL, and Chair of the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Her previous directorships include Auckland International Airport and the Financial Markets Authority. She has extensive experience in governance, mergers and acquisitions, and the financial performance of large corporates and medium-sized enterprises. Her background is in finance and business management, having been a Partner at Deloitte and Group Finance Director at Lion Nathan Ltd.

Justine holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland and is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants NZ, as well as a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors. She is a strong and vocal advocate for gender diversity in leadership and is passionate about women’s health. In 2020, Justine was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to governance and women.

Mark Verbiest

CFInstD

Mark is an experienced company director, having served on the boards of several major companies and organisations. He has had significant involvement and experience in the energy and technology sectors, as well as capital markets.

Mark is currently Chair of Meridian Energy and Summerset Group Holdings Limited. He has previously been Chair of Spark New Zealand, Freightways Limited, Transpower New Zealand, and Willis Bond Capital, a director of ANZ NZ, a board member of the FMA, and a former member of the Advisory Board to New Zealand Treasury, among others. A lawyer by training and in practice for several years in the corporate advisory area, Mark was a member of the senior executive team of Telecom NZ, leading a number of corporate groups and two profit centres.

Mark was the Deloitte Top 200 Chairperson of the Year in 2022, and was awarded the NZ Shareholders Association Beacon Award for Corporate Governance in 2023.

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.