Otago Southland Director Dialogue: Getting started with governance

Overview

Becoming a director for most individuals is a conscious decision based on the belief they can add value in the boardroom, but for many people starting that journey can be a challenge. 

Rowena Davenport and Jessica Palmer will look at how you can map out your governance journey and what steps you should take. They will also look at how to land your first governance role and how to develop the appropriate networks and connections that will assist you on your journey.   

The Director Dialogue series provides those at the early to mid-stage of their governance career with an opportunity to discuss various topics relevant to the boardroom in an informal setting and to develop their networks across the Dunedin business community.

These sessions provide valuable insights that will assist your governance journey.

Rowena Davenport

Rowena Davenport is the treasury & strategy manager at Motor Trade Finance Ltd (MTF) and chair of the Otago Rugby Football Union Inc (ORFU).  She began her governance career in 2014  by being the first woman appointed to the Otago Rugby Football Union Board in its 132-year history.

In May 2019 she was appointed to the role of chair of that board, making her the first female chair of a major provincial rugby union in New Zealand.  Rowena has been developing her governance capabilities and experience in her role at MTF for more than a decade, and through her involvement with organisations in her community. 

She gained valuable governance experience when she was selected to participate in the Graham Crombie Intern Director Programme in 2018, whose aim is to develop governance capabilities within Dunedin, by working alongside some of the city’s most experienced directors in the Dunedin City Holdings Ltd Group.

Jessica Palmer

Professor Jessica Palmer is the Dean of the Otago Faculty of Law and a member of the senior leadership group of the University’s Division of Humanities. She also teaches and researches in contract, trusts and commercial law.

She is regularly involved in providing continuing legal education for lawyers and judges across New Zealand.  Before joining the Otago Law Faculty in 2005, she served as a judges’ clerk in the High Court in Auckland and worked in a national commercial law firm.  

Jessica’s governance experience has been primarily in the not-for-profit sector in large multi-million dollar operations. She is currently a member of the board of Presbyterian Support Otago, deputy chair of Knox College and Salmond College Incorporated, and sits on the boards of two faith-based national organisations based in Auckland.

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

Philippa Murrell
Otago Southland Branch Manager

+64 3 955 5899
+64 27 772 2013
otago.branch@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Otago Southland Branch acknowledges the generous support of