Panel Discussion

2

CPD

Governance for good: leadership through volunteering

Join Nicola Coom and Jenny Black for a conversation on volunteering, governance and community leadership.

Speaker(s)
Nicola Coom, Jenny Black, Venus Guy
Date
5:00pm — 7:00pm, 17 June 2026
Venue
The Nelson Provincial Museum
Location
Cnr Trafalgar St and Hardy Street, Nelson 7040
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 Jenny Black FInstD for a thought provoking conversation on governance and leadership through volunteering. 

Drawing on their governance and leadership experience, Nicola and Jenny 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.

Jenny Black

FInstD (Retd)

Jenny Black is a Nelson-based governance professional with more than 40 years’ experience in New Zealand’s health sector. Beginning her career as a dietitian, she built a strong foundation in clinical and community health before moving into governance leadership roles.

Jenny served on the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board for 15 years, including 12 years as Chair. Her governance experience also includes Chair of Te Hiringa Hauora (the Health Promotion Agency) and Director of TAS.

She currently chairs the Nelson Tasman Hospice Operational Trust Board, where she supports the delivery of high-quality palliative care services across the region. Known for her practical approach, strategic thinking and steady leadership, Jenny remains committed to improving health outcomes and strengthening community wellbeing through effective governance.

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.

Contact

Melanie Powick
Nelson Marlborough Branch Manager

+64 27 444 9711
melanie.powick@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Nelson Marlborough Branch acknowledges the generous support of

A S B
 

Book this event

  • Nelson

    date
    17 Jun 2026

    Members — $25.00

    Non-members — $25.00