Taking the ‘bored' out of board meetings with David Downs

Presentation

Speaker(s): David Downs
Date: 3:00pm — 5:00pm, 9 October 2026
Venue: Rutherford Hotel
Location: 27 Nile Street, Nelson 7010
Price members: $25.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $50.00 incl GST

Overview

Join David Downs CMInstD for a lively and entertaining session exploring the boardroom habits that can turn meetings into routine exercises rather than valuable conversations. Drawing on his humour and practical governance experience, David will challenge conventional thinking and share simple ways to bring greater energy, creativity and purpose to board discussions.

Directors will be encouraged to reflect on how their boards communicate, make decisions and make the most of meeting time. Expect thought-provoking insights, plenty of laughs and practical ideas that can help create more focused conversations, stronger participation and better outcomes.

Whether you're an experienced director or new to governance, this session offers a fresh perspective on how small changes can make board meetings more effective, productive and enjoyable.

David Downs

CMInstD

David has had a successful career in the private and public sector and is the incoming CEO of government agency Education New Zealand, having recently finished as CEO of The New Zealand Story, an ambitious government-funded organisation marketing New Zealand to the world. He has also been a consultant and is a director on several boards, including as Chair of The Icehouse. David is an ex-comedian, TV and radio actor, semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year, cancer survivor and a published author of the books No.8 Re-wired, No.8 Recharged, A Mild Touch of the Cancer, and Silver Linings. David is the Ambassador for the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and a living example of the effectiveness of advanced Cancer treatment – CAR T-Cell Therapy. He is the chairman of the Small Business Advisory Group to government, and a member of the AI Expert Panel, advising the government on AI adoption.

Additional information

Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.

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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.