IoD Coffee Connect - Wānaka

Networking

Speaker(s): Giselle McLachlan
Date: 10:00am — 11:00am, 28 July 2026
Venue: Edgewater Hotel
Location: 54 Sargood Drive, Wānaka 9305
Price members: $0.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $0.00 incl GST

Overview

IoD Coffee Connect is a relaxed and informal gathering, bringing together directors and those with an interest in governance.

Hosted by local senior director and governance expert Giselle McLachlan, and Branch Manager Michelle Branford this session offers an opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, and build relationships in a supportive and welcoming environment. There is no formal agenda or set topic — just conversation, connection, and community over coffee.

This event is open to both members and non-members. Whether you are an experienced director or just starting your governance journey, you are warmly invited to join this informal catch-up, expand your network, and connect with others in the governance community. The focus is on building relationships, sharing ideas, and strengthening our collective leadership.

Giselle McLachlan

CFInstD

Giselle is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD), an experienced company director, chair, CEO and was a lawyer for over 30 years.

Her roles have been varied - from the agricultural sector through to being a partner in a law firm as well as General Counsel for New Zealand’s largest insurance company. She has held many board roles, notably serving as a director for four years on the Earthquake Commission (including its audit committee), the H&J Smith Group, and the Medical Council where she also chaired the audit committee. Giselle is currently the chair of an international agri-tech consulting business AbacusBio Limited and of the Audit & Risk Committee for Local Government NZ. She regularly advises organisations on how to improve their governance.

Living in Central Otago, Giselle has completed a Cambridge University Sustainable Business Management course which strengthened her desire to help businesses towards a more purposeful, sustainable and resilient future and believes governance brings long term strategic thinking and new ways of doing things - great governance is the enabler that will lead to a stronger New Zealand.

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.