Governance for good: leadership through volunteering

Panel Discussion

Speaker(s): Nicola Coom, Venus Guy
Date: 5:00pm — 7:00pm, 17 June 2026
Venue: Nelson venue to be advised
Location: Nelson
Price members: $25.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $25.00 incl GST

Overview

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

To mark this important week, the Institute of Directors Nelson Marlborough Branch invites you to join Nicola Coom and a local director (to be confirmed) for a thought provoking conversation on governance and leadership through volunteering.

Drawing on their governance and leadership experience, Nicola and the panel will explore the unique opportunities, challenges and rewards of serving on community and purpose led boards, and how volunteer governance contributes to stronger, more resilient communities.

Facilitated by Nelson Marlborough Branch Chair, Venus Guy CMInstD, 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.

Nicola Coom

Nicola Coom is the Chief Executive (Tumu Whakarae) of the Cancer Society . In addition to her leadership role, she holds several governance positions as Chair, Trustee, Investor, and Advisor across various health and technology businesses. Nicola is a passionate advocate for more ambitious cancer outcomes in New Zealand, a perspective shaped by both her professional and personal experience. With a genetic predisposition to cancer, she understands first-hand the profound impact the disease has on families and is committed to driving change for future generations.

Venus Guy

CMInstD

Venus has lived in Nelson for over a decade and proudly calls Te Tauihu her home. She brings strong governance, management, leadership, strategic, and business planning capability, with experience across FMCG and retail, Health & Safety, compliance, legal, education, and the public sector.

Her substantial commercial experience includes 12 years in a large FMCG retail organisation, where she developed deep operational and strategic expertise. Venus has also held senior public sector leadership roles, including serving as Electorate Manager for the Nelson Electorate during the 2023 General Election.

Venus currently serves as President of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, is a trustee of New Zealand Kindergartens, and is Acting General Manager of the Nelson Cancer Society.

A Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (IoD), Venus chairs the Nelson Marlborough Branch of the IoD.

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.