Panel Discussion
1
CPD
Discover what boards value in emerging directors and learn how to take the next step in your governance journey.
Are you considering your first board role or looking to take the next step in your governance journey?
Inspired by the success of the Dunedin City Holdings Limited (DCHL) Internship Programme, DCHL and the Institute of Directors Otago Southland Branch are proud to collaborate on this event for emerging directors and those new to governance. Together, we will explore what boards are looking for in future directors and share practical insights for those beginning their governance journey.
Hear from former DCHL Internship Programme participants Rowena Davenport CMInstD and Adam La Hood MInstD, alongside DCHL Chair Tim Loan CFInstD and DCHL Internship Programme selector Kathy Grant DistFInstD, an IoD Distinguished Fellow, as they share their experiences, lessons learned and practical advice for aspiring directors.
The discussion will be chaired by Daniel Harmes MInstD, Director of Platinum Recruitment, who brings extensive experience connecting organisations with governance talent and supporting leadership development across the region.
Our panel will explore:
Attendees will also receive information about the 2026 IoD Emerging Director Award, which opens for applications on 17 July.
Whether you are an executive considering governance opportunities, a professional seeking your first board role, or simply curious about what a governance career could look like, this event offers valuable insights, practical guidance and the opportunity to connect with others beginning their governance journey.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from those who have successfully made the transition to the boardroom and discover what it takes to become an effective emerging director.
CFInstD
Tim Loan is an experienced professional director and governance leader with a distinguished career spanning finance, banking and governance. He currently sits as Chair of Dunedin City Holdings Limited and H&J Smith Ltd, and serves as an Independent Director of Finance Now and Presbyterian Support Southland Retirement Villages Limited.
A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and Fellow Chartered Accountant, Tim spent 19 years as Chief Financial Officer of SBS Bank, where he developed extensive expertise in financial leadership, risk management and organisational strategy. He is passionate about strong governance and supporting the development of future directors, bringing valuable insights into what boards look for in emerging governance talent.
DistFInstD
Kathy has wide legal experience having taught in the Faculty of Law at the University of Otago and a former consultant in the Dunedin legal practice at Gallaway Cook Allan. She has had extensive experience in the governance of educational institutions having previously chaired the Dunedin College of Education, served on the University of Otago Council and former chair of the Otago Polytechnic Council. Kathy also has significant governance experience in the commercial sector as a member of the Boards of Dunedin City Holdings Limited and Dunedin International Airport Limited.
In 2015, the Minister of Health appointed Kathy as Commissioner of Southern District Health Board following the disestablishment of the DHB, a role she held until December 2019. She was appointed to the Central Lakes Trust board as a trustee in December 2020 and is currently a Director of Southern Cross CLT Ltd, a joint venture between Southern Cross Healthcare and CLT, operating a private surgical facility in Queenstown and Waitaki District Health Services Ltd. Kathy was named as an Institute of Directors Distinguished Fellow October 2024.
CMInstD
Rowena is a graduate of the University of Otago and has been a member of the Dunedin branch of the Institute of Directors since 2013.
She is an experienced independent director with governance expertise across the financial services, legal, and sporting sectors. Currently, she serves on the boards of Finance Now Ltd, AWS Legal, and the New Zealand Rugby Foundation. Rowena is also a member of Global Women.
As the first female Chair of a major Provincial Rugby Union in New Zealand (Otago), she went on to be a director of New Zealand Rugby, and chairing their People, Safety & Wellbeing Committee, until January 2025. In 2022, her contributions to rugby were recognised with a World Rugby Executive Leadership Scholarship, allowing her to complete the Women Transforming Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford.
Rowena’s professional experience includes executive roles at MTF Finance and as Chief Executive at Gallaway Cook Allan Lawyers. Her early governance experience included roles at Dunedin City Holdings Ltd and Dunedin City Treasury Ltd, through the Graham Crombie Intern Director Programme.
MInstD
Adam La Hood is Chief Financial Officer at Cook Brothers Construction and a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in finance, strategy, governance and risk management. He is a Director of CODE NZ – New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence and Dunedin Venues, and previously served as Chair of Otago Polytechnic.
A former participant in the Dunedin City Holdings Limited (DCHL) Internship Programme, Adam is passionate about effective governance and helping organisations make better decisions through strong financial stewardship, robust processes and strategic thinking. He brings practical insights into the transition from executive leadership to governance and what it takes to build a successful board career.
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 — $0.00
Non-members — $0.00
