Panel Discussion
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CPD
An expert panel examines how legislative change and sector expectations are reshaping governance appointments
As governance expectations rise, board appointments are under sharper scrutiny—especially across Crown entities and the broader public sector. Directors are expected not only to comply, but to lead.
Join us for an insightful panel discussion exploring how evolving legislation, sector expectations and capability gaps are reshaping director recruitment and appointment processes.
Chaired by Branch Chair Scott Mason, this session brings together a senior Treasury official from Treasury’s Governance and Appointments team, Dunedin City Holdings Ltd (DCHL) companies Chair, and a local Platinum Recruitment director to discuss:
How recent and upcoming reforms to the Companies Act, Incorporated Societies Act and Crown entity expectations are influencing director selection
What Treasury is looking for in Crown appointments—and where skill shortages are emerging
How recruitment professionals are responding to increasing expectations for board diversity, sector alignment and performance
What the ’high-performing chair’ looks like in practice – and how boards can lift capability collectively, including planning for succession and recruiting the right chair to lead into the future.
With governance reform identified as a top issue for directors in 2025, this event offers practical insight into how to meet the moment—and build future-fit boards in all sectors.
This is a must-attend event for current and aspiring directors looking to understand how governance reform and capability expectations are changing how directors are selected and supported.
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Scott is a professional director based in Dunedin. He has been a specialist tax and commercial advisor to HNWI and owner-managed businesses across many industries for over 30 years, and is a senior partner at Findex. However, these days Scott spends 80% of his time in governance, again across a wide range of industries mostly in the private sector. He is also the Chairperson of the CA ANZ Tax Advisory Group which advises Government on tax policy matters, as well as being a trained mediator, undertaking expert witness roles, an investor in early-stage companies, and a keen (albeit frequently broken) sportsman.
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Simon Wi Rutene is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in governance, law, and sports. He is currently Principal Advisor at Treasury NZ’s Governance and Appointments Team, advising on appointments to 42 Crown companies and entities, contributing to New Zealand’s economy. A four-time Olympian and former flagbearer for NZ, Simon has over 40 years’ experience in governance across Crown, Iwi, and international sports boards. He serves on several international sports bodies and is Chair of UNICEF Aotearoa. Holding qualifications in law, commerce, and career counselling psychology, Simon also has strong networks in diverse communities.
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Daniel Harmes is the founder of Platinum Recruitment and a trusted advisor to boards and executives on talent, leadership, and organisational strategy. With more than 25 years of Recruitment experience Daniel specialises in executive appointments and succession planning, helping boards secure the right leaders to deliver on long-term strategy. He brings practical insight, drawn from his own governance roles and his work supporting board-level recruitment processes.
Passionate about building cultures of success, Daniel partners with organisations to ensure they not only attract high-calibre leaders but also retain and develop them. His approach balances strategic foresight with a strong understanding of people, culture, and community. Known for his integrity, network, and commercial acumen, Daniel is committed to supporting boards in making decisions that strengthen organisational resilience and deliver lasting impact.
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Tim is Chair of Dunedin City Holdings Limited (DCHL), where he oversees director appointments across its eight subsidiary companies and plays an active role in the Graham Crombie Intern Programme, mentoring emerging governance talent. He also chairs H&J Smith Limited and serves on the boards of Finance Now Limited (a subsidiary of SBS Bank) and Presbyterian Support Southland Retirement Villages Limited.
A director and shareholder of a local insurance brokerage, Tim brings deep governance experience from previous roles with Invercargill City Holdings Limited, Presbyterian Support (Southland and NZ), Abbott NZ Holdings Limited, and Southsure Assurance Limited. He spent 19 years as Chief Financial Officer at SBS Bank, based in Invercargill.
Now happily settled in Dunedin with his wife Julie, Tim enjoys involvement with musical theatre, family time in Queenstown, travel, cycling, and the ‘not-so-occasional ‘indulgence in good food and wine. They have three adult children and a shared love of community, creativity, and connection.
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.
Michelle Branford
Otago Southland Branch Manager
+64 20 4183 5664
michelle.branford@iod.org.nz
The Otago Southland Branch acknowledges the generous support of
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Members — $40.00
Non-members — $60.00
