Governance for good: leadership through volunteering

Panel Discussion

Speaker(s): Nicki Stretch, Sharon McGuire, Tracy Johnston
Date: 12:00pm — 2:00pm, 10 June 2026
Venue: Marlborough Lines Limited
Location: 1 Alfred Street, Mayfield, Blenheim 7201
Price members: $25.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $25.00 incl GST

Overview

Volunteers Week recognises the millions of people across Aotearoa New Zealand who contribute their time, skills and leadership to strengthen communities.

In the lead up to this important week, the Institute of Directors Nelson Marlborough Branch invites you to join Nicki Stretch CMInstD and Sharon McGuire CMInstD for a thought-provoking conversation on governance and leadership through volunteering. Drawing on their extensive governance and leadership experience, Nicki and Sharon will explore the unique opportunities, challenges and rewards of serving on community and purpose led boards.

Facilitated by Marlborough Subcommittee Branch Chair, Tracy Johnston MInstD, this session will examine:

How directors can foster strong, values led board cultures
What effective contribution looks like in community governance settings
How boards can support sustainable organisations and meaningful community impact

This event will be of interest to current and aspiring directors, trustees and senior leaders who are passionate about good governance and making a difference in their communities.

Nicki Stretch

CMInstD

Nicki Stretch is an experienced governance and management professional with a strong background in the charitable, health, community and business sectors. She has held a range of leadership and governance roles, including General Manager of Churchill Private Hospital Trust, Chair of the Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough, Trustee and Chair of the Marlborough Electric Power Trust, and various governance roles within the charity and not-for-profit sector for over 20 years. Currently Nicki is the General Manager of Selmes Garden Charitable Trust and a Trustee with The Blue Door.

Nicki brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, organisational development, stakeholder engagement and governance. Her management background spans health, banking and hospitality, including senior leadership roles in health and banking. She is passionate about building sustainable organisations that create positive social impact and meaningful opportunities within their communities.

Sharon McGuire

CMInstD

Sharon McGuire is a professional director and her current board roles include - Tertiary Education Commission Commissioner, Deputy Chair & Trustee of Nelson Tasman Hospice Operating Trust, Board Member of Nelson GIANTS Basketball Ltd and Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) Steering Group for Sporting, Professional, Incentive, Conference and Events (S.P.I.C.E).

Sharon’s previous board roles include BNZ Chairperson Te Tauihu (Nelson Tasman and Marlborough), Board member of Nelson Tasman Tourism (NTT) and NRDA Transition board member (merger of EDA and NTT), a former trustee of Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust, past committee member of Nelson Tasman IOD, Past President of SKAL Te Tauihu - a worldwide Tourism organisation. She has also served previously on the MBIE Nelson Tasman RSLG and was a judge for the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Sharon is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (CMInstD) and member of Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce. She was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for services to Rotary and to the community at large.

Tracy Johnston

MInstD

Tracy Johnston MInstD is an experienced Independent Director and Chair based in Marlborough, with a strong connection to the region through her career in tourism and as a grape grower. She currently chairs the Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board and serves on the New Zealand Winegrowers Board and the Good Bitches Baking Trust. Tracy is known for her authentic, practical approach to governance, and for bringing empathy, humour, strategic insight and integrity to the board table. She’s also deeply committed to her community, Chairing the FENZ Marlborough Local Advisory Committee, member of the Future FX Advisory Group and delivering Fabric-a-brac Marlborough, an annual fundraiser for Hospice. She’s passionate about supporting strong communities, regional innovation, and good decision-making that makes a real difference.

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.