Panel Discussion
2
CPD
Curious about Crown boards? Get the inside scoop on what it really takes to govern in the public sector.
Public sector boards operate in a world of their own—where strategy, politics and public scrutiny collide. So what’s it really like at the table?
At this Young Directors' Network event, we’re lifting the lid on public sector governance. You’ll hear from seasoned director Robin Hapi CNZM DFInstD, emerging governance leader Madison Burgess-Smith, and Stella Kotrotsos, Manager of Governance & Appointments at The Treasury. Facilitated by Cullum Peni-Wesche MInstD, the panel will explore what sets public boards apart—and how young and aspiring directors can break in.
Expect real talk on:
The session includes a panel conversation, live Q&A and a hands-on workshop to help you prep for your first—or next—public board role.
Whether you’re just starting your governance journey or eyeing a ministerial appointment, this is your chance to understand the space and sharpen your edge.
Note: Our Young Directors’ Network events are targeted at new and emerging directors. However, they are open to any and all members of the IoD with an interest in the topic and in networking with our young directors.
CNZM, DFInstD
Robin Hapi (Ngāti Kahungunu) is a prominent Māori leader and professional company director with an impressive record of significant governance roles with successful businesses. Robin received the Insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for services to Māori, the community, and governance.
Robin is currently the Deputy Chair of the Tertiary Education Commission and the Chair of Tū Ātea Ltd, the Māori enterprise that delivers communication technology services across Aotearoa. He is the immediate past Chair of Te Mana Whakahaere (Governing Council) of Te Wānanga o Raukawa. A former member of the board of Kainga Ora and Chair of its Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, and a former member of the board of WorkSafe NZ.
Robin’s many governance roles have included directorships with Callaghan Innovation, the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board, NZ Trade & Enterprise, and Serco, to name a few.
Robin is an Old Boy of Hato Paora Māori Boys College, which he says was a life-changing moment that set him up for his future. He started his work career within Māori Affairs and became the CE of the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission in 1994. Rising to eventually become Chair of Aotearoa Fisheries and Chair of the Sealord Group Ltd.
Robin is a strong advocate for Māori and is actively involved with voluntary, social, cultural, and environmental issues in his hometown of Foxton. He was President of the Foxton Rugby Club, Chairman of the Foxton Save our River Trust, and continues to contributes to many other governance roles within his community. He has an MBA with Distinction from Massey University and, in 2022, was the recipient of the Dame Mira Szaszy Lifetime Award from the Auckland University Business School. Robin lives on his lifestyle block that he and his now deceased wife set up in their hometown of Foxton.
Stella is the Manager, Governance & Appointments at The Treasury, a role she has held since 2022. She leads a team of dedicated professionals focused on supporting Crown board appointments and governance processes across the public sector.
Since joining Treasury in 2020, she has drawn on extensive experience in strategy, communications, professional services procurement, programme and staff management, and stakeholder engagement. Her career spans both the public and private sectors, with key roles including Programme Manager at the Institute of Directors, Branch Manager at Manpower Recruitment, and GM and Operations Manager at Haines, a recruitment and talent communications agency. She has also held senior roles within the procurement teams at MBIE and the Department of Internal Affairs.
Stella is passionate about supporting candidates on their governance journey and takes great satisfaction in seeing them succeed in Crown board roles.
Madison Burgess-Smith is a Public Policy Consultant with expertise in corporate partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. A skilled leader and advocate, she has served as a political campaign director and regularly advises boards on regulatory and political risk. She is the previous chair of Commonwealth New Zealand, and currently on the board of the Wellington Community Trust and an aspiring director with the Central Districts Cricket Association.
MInstD
Cullum is the National Advisor for Operational Assurance at Fire and Emergency New Zealand, where he provides independent and objective advice to foster continuous improvement across an organisation of 14,500 paid staff and volunteers. He currently sits on the Board of the Institute of Public Administration NZ (IPANZ), where he leverages his background in risk management, compliance, and Māori strategy to make a positive impact for the organisation. Cullum maintains his operational capability through national and international deployments and stays connected to his community as a volunteer firefighter. Additionally, Cullum is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, and an alumnus of the Young Pacific Leaders program operated by the U.S. Department of State.
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 — $40.00
Non-members — $45.00
