BNZ Theatre: project governance challenges

Overview

Major projects can present boards with complex risks, competing priorities and difficult decisions throughout the project lifecycle. Strong governance is essential to keeping projects on track while maintaining clear oversight of risk, delivery and accountability.

Join us to hear from Leonard Gardner and Ross Hargood as they explore the governance challenges associated with the BNZ Theatre project. Drawing on their experience, they will share insights into project risk, decision-making and delivery, and reflect on the lessons directors can take from overseeing a significant and complex project.

This session will provide practical perspectives for directors on effective project governance, including how boards can maintain appropriate oversight, ask the right questions and respond as challenges emerge. It is a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand insights and consider how the lessons from this project can be applied to other major projects from planning through to delivery.

Leonard Gardner

CMInstD

Leonard is a director of Foster Construction Group and Foster Develop, and Chair of the NZ Construction Alliance. He has been involved in several prominent construction and development projects around the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, including Union Square, the BNZ Theatre and The Village Omokoroa.  

Offering extensive experience in finance, commercial strategy, and business operations, plus an extensive network of contacts, he is known for creating practical outcomes – that special ability to ‘get things done’.  

Mentoring emerging leaders is something he’s passionate about, as is family and community. He leverages his experience to support initiatives that strengthen local communities and develop future talent, bringing both a personal and professional dimension to his work. 

Leonard is a Fellow Chartered Accountant, so sees the world in numbers and connections, and wears rose tinted glasses, usually.

Ross Hargood

Ross Hargood is an experienced construction manager and governance leader who has played a pivotal role in delivering the Waikato Regional Theatre, the BNZ Theatre. As Chair of the Waikato Regional Property Trust since 2018, Ross has overseen governance of one of the region’s most significant cultural and community infrastructure investments, culminating in the theatre’s opening in January 2026.

With more than three decades of experience across construction, property, infrastructure and local government, Ross has held senior roles with Hawkins Construction, Hamilton City Council, Health Waikato and private sector development businesses. His expertise spans major project delivery, stakeholder engagement, commercial management and governance.

Ross is recognised for his practical, collaborative leadership style and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. At this Institute of Directors event, he will share first-hand governance lessons from the BNZ Theatre project, including decision-making under pressure, managing stakeholder expectations, governance versus management responsibilities, and overseeing complex capital projects for long-term community benefit.

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.

Contact

Megan Beveridge
Waikato and Bay of Plenty Branch Manager

+64 21 358 772
megan.beveridge@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Waikato branch acknowledges the generous support of

National partners

Branch sponsors