Panel Discussion
2
CPD
Strong boards face tough talks. Learn when and how to act with courage, empathy, and integrity.
Strong governance demands more than good intentions—it requires the courage to have the conversations many would rather avoid. This panel will explore what it takes to lean into the tough moments, from addressing underperformance to recognising when leadership transitions are necessary.
We’ll share a practical “cheat sheet” of five trigger points that signal when a difficult conversation can no longer be avoided. Discussion will cover how to handle situations where the CE and Chair are not communicating effectively with the board, and what steps can be taken to reset alignment and trust.
Another key theme is knowing when it’s time for change—how to tell a fellow board member it may be time to step down, and how to recognise that point ourselves. With insights from seasoned directors, this session offers tools to navigate difficult discussions with empathy, courage, and clarity.
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Tania (Ngāi Tahu, Ngā Puhi, Tainui) holds a Master of Mātauranga Māori, a Bachelor of Arts in Māori, and is an Associate Fellow of the Institute of Directors.
She is a Director of Meridian Energy, Auckland Airport, and Waste Management NZ, as well as the first woman Chair of the Waitangi National Trust and a continuing member of the Waitangi Tribunal. A published author and Distinguished Alumna of the University of Waikato, Tania is also a member of Global Women, a Dame Commander of the Order of St Lazarus, and founder of the Tui Trust.
Her previous governance roles include Chair of the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge and Maniapoto FM, Deputy Chair of the Reserve Bank and Landcare Research, and Director of Tainui Group Holdings, AgResearch, Mercury Energy, and the Waikato Endowment College. Tania is deeply committed to advancing Māori development and fostering strong Treaty partnerships.
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Fiona is an experienced independent director and senior executive with deep expertise across Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary industries. She is Independent Chair of Vet Services Hawke’s Bay and a director of Kiwifruit Vine Health, Maungaharuru-Tangitū Ltd, JerseyNZ, Stihl Shop, and the Home of Cycling Charitable Trust, and also serves on Te Nehenenhui Trust’s Investment and Audit & Risk Committees.
With over 17 years’ experience spanning agribusiness, risk management, and strategic investment, Fiona has held senior roles including General Manager of Risk at Fonterra and Chief Executive of Te Waka, the Waikato region’s economic development agency.
Her governance style is pragmatic and outcomes-focused, underpinned by disciplined risk oversight, authentic stakeholder engagement, and long-term value creation. Passionate about sustainability, intergenerational stewardship, and science-led innovation, Fiona brings a collaborative, values-driven approach to governance.
She holds an MBA (Victoria University of Wellington) and MSc (University of Otago) and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
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Bruce is a company director and chartered accountant based in Hamilton.
For much of his career he was a partner in KPMG (and its predecessor firms) working as a business advisor.
In 2007 he retired from KPMG to focus on governance work.
He has been a director of over twenty companies in the Waikato and Auckland regions, often acting as chairman. He has also served on several NGO boards in the health sector. In addition he has served on various community-based boards.
He has been actively involved in mentoring emerging business leaders and directors.
He is a Distinguished Fellow of the IoD (DistFInstD), and a Fellow of Chartered Accounts Australia and New Zealand (FCA).
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Neil is a well-known businessman, entrepreneur, mentor and professional director. Originally from Australia, he has lived in Hamilton for over 30 years and is active in both business and community circles locally, nationally and internationally.
He has a long record of management and governance leadership in commercial, government, investment and not-for-profit enterprises.
Neil is an Adjunct Professor at the Waikato Management School, and is currently the Chair of several commercial enterprises, chair of Momentum Waikato Community Foundation, and involved with several other charities.
Neil holds a Bachelor’s Degree (with Merit) in Commerce (Marketing) and a Master’s Degree in Commerce (marketing strategy and consumer behaviour) from the University of New South Wales and a Juris Doctor Degree (business and trade practices law) from Southern Illinois University (USA).
Neil lives in Hamilton with his wife and has two adult children and six grandchildren.
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With a diverse career spanning accounting, information systems, commercial finance, and governance, Natasha brings critical insights that challenge thinking, sharpen strategy, and drive value creation. Natasha thrives on supporting and inspiring others—both in the workplace and across the wider community. Natasha is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and a graduate of the Institute’s 2017 Mentoring for Diversity programme. Her experience bridges complex commercial environments and the for-purpose sector, underpinned by a commitment to transparency, visionary financial leadership, and practical, solution-focused thinking.
Passionate, driven, and endlessly curious, Natasha asks the right questions—what, so what, now what—to look ahead and challenge the status quo. Natasha thrives in dynamic, high-performing teams, bringing strong financial expertise, commercial acumen, leadership, stakeholder engagement, project delivery, and a talent for aligning cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, collaborative outcomes.
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.
Megan Beveridge
Waikato and Bay of Plenty Branch Manager
+64 21 358 772
megan.beveridge@iod.org.nz
The Waikato branch acknowledges the generous support of
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Members — $50.00
Non-members — $75.00
