Panel Discussion
2
CPD
Ahead of Waitangi 2026, join IoD & Tupu Tonu in Paihia to hear how experienced directors built their governance careers.
Stepping into governance is an important milestone, whether you are beginning your journey or looking to deepen your contribution.
We are excited to partner with Tupu Tonu to deliver a First Break in Governance panel discussion and networking event at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Facilitated by Ripeka Evans MInstD, learn from Tania Simpson ONZM CFInstD, Mark Trigg and Julian Smith CMInstD, on how they approach governance, got their first roles, and developed their careers.
Tupu Tonu is an independent Crown-owned investment company, whose purpose is to establish and manage an investment portfolio which is intended to support any future agreements between Ngāpuhi and the Crown in historical Tiriti o Waitangi settlement negotiations.
In 2025, Tupu Tonu launched Te Uranga Anamata – a leadership programme aimed at building Ngāpuhi governance capacity and capability. Te Uranga Anamata is being delivered in partnership with IOD to create a pipeline of future Ngāpuhi directors ready to serve across commercial and asset holding boards of post-settlement governance entities.
CFInstD
Ngāi Tahu, Ngā Puhi, Tainui
Tania is currently a Director of Meridian Energy, Auckland Airport and Waste Management NZ. She is also the first woman Chair of the Waitangi National Trust and a continuing member of the Waitangi Tribunal. Tania is a published author, a Distinguished Alumna of Waikato University and a member of Global Women. She is a Dame Commander of the Order of St Lazarus and founder of children’s charity Tui Trust.
Her past roles include Chair of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge and Maniapoto FM, Deputy Chair of the Reserve Bank and Landcare Research, Director of Tainui Group Holdings, AgResearch, Waikato Endowment College, Mercury Energy, and member of the Deep South National Science Challenge board.
Tania is committed to improving outcomes for Māori and supporting Te Tiriti based relationships. She represents the descendants of Pomare on the Waitangi National Trust. She actively mentors iwi members who are current and aspiring directors and is a mentor for the Board of her Ngāi Tahu Runaka – Taumutu Ltd.
Mark has over 11 years of governance experience, following a 20-year career in the energy industry, primarily within the electricity sector.
He currently serves as Chair of three companies within the energy sector, each operating in distinct areas of the industry - Northpower is an electricity and fibre network company with a substantial contracting arm and growing investment in renewable generation; Liquigas is a customer-owned LPG wholesale and infrastructure business; and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets Limited (NTGA) is a geothermal energy company that develops, operates, and manages infrastructure to supply geothermal steam and fluid to a range of customers in Kawerau.
In addition, Mark is a Director of Ngāti Tūwharetoa Holdings Limited, which oversees the commercial interests of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau Settlement Trust.
Mark resides in Kerikeri, enjoying the opportunity to return to the region where he was raised.
CMInstD
Julian is an independent director and currently sits of the boards of Watercare Services Limited, Northport Group Limited, MetService and the Look Good Feel Better Trust. He chairs the Institute of Directors (IoD) committee for Te Tai Tokerau and is the Group Secretary for the Northland Corporate Group.
Julian has 16 years governance experience in technology, infrastructure and NFP sectors with specialist skills in digital/business transformation, customer management and corporate affairs. He is a chartered member of the IoD and has recently completed a certificate in cybersecurity with Harvard university.
Throughout his executive career, Julian held senior executive roles in the utilities, internet/digital, financial services, telecommunications, and government sectors. He has worked in a range of international markets across Asia, the Middle East, the Uk and Australasia.
MInstD
Ripeka Evans is Deputy Chair of Television New Zealand Limited and a director of Tupu Tonu, Wellington Regional Council Holdings Limited and Greater Wellington Rail Limited. She is Chair of the Courageous Conversation Aotearoa Foundation and a trustee of Tai Tokerau whenua trusts. She was a director of Te Aupōuri Fisheries and a trustee of Te Rūnanganui o Te Aupōuri. She was a director and Chair of NorthTec Limited, Deputy Chair of Toi Ohomai Limited, and a member of the Te Ao Māori Panel of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
Ripeka is a member of the Super Diversity Board Ready Chairs and Directors and a lead claimant and Chair of the Join Research Committee for the Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry to the Waitangi Tribunal. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Massey University and is a member of the Australian Institute of Corporate Directors. Ka mua, Ka muri – Ancient values, contemporary idiom is a whakataukī that aligns with her intentions.
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.
Litia Brighouse-Fuavao
Diversity Programmes Manager
+64 274 447 371
Litia.Brighouse-Fuavao@iod.org.nz
The Institute of Directors acknowledges the generous support of national partners and sponsors
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Members — $50.00
Non-members — $75.00
