Navigating energy and renewables

Presentation

This is a member-only event. Please log in to register for this event. Not a member? Join the IoD

Speaker(s): David Wiles, Rob Dol
Date: 5:30pm — 8:30pm, 29 October 2026
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato
Location: Gate 5, 128 Seddon Road, Hamilton
Price: $60.00 incl GST

Overview

New Zealand's energy sector is undergoing significant change as the transition to renewable energy accelerates. For boards, understanding the opportunities, risks and strategic implications of this shift is becoming increasingly important.

Join us to hear from David Wiles, General Manager Future Energy of WEL Networks, and Rob Dol, General Manager – Property and Infrastructure of Hamilton Airport, as they explore the future of renewable energy, the trends shaping the sector, and the governance considerations for organisations navigating the evolving energy landscape.

Together, our speakers will examine how boards can build long-term resilience, manage emerging risks and position their organisations for success in a rapidly changing energy environment.

The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session.

David Wiles

MInstD

David Wiles is General Manager Future Energy at WEL Networks and a member of the executive leadership team, leading the strategic transformation of the business as the energy landscape evolves.

His focus is on how WEL responds to a future where more homes and businesses generate, store and manage their own energy. This includes shaping investment decisions, evolving operating models, maximising existing infrastructure and building capability to support emerging technologies such as solar, batteries and electric vehicles.

David has more than a decade of electricity industry experience spanning strategy, investment, commercial and regulatory matters, transformation and innovation. His work focuses on the strategic, commercial and governance implications of a changing energy system and how infrastructure businesses adapt to evolving technology, customer expectations and market structures.

David holds an MBA from the University of Waikato, is a Member of the Institute of Directors, a CELF Leadership Waikato graduate, and a Trustee of the Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation.

Rob Dol

MInstD

Robert Dol is an experienced property and infrastructure leader with more than three decades of expertise spanning strategic property planning, commercial and industrial development, aviation infrastructure, project delivery, asset management and stakeholder engagement.

As Group General Manager, Property and Infrastructure at Waikato Regional Airport Ltd, Robert oversees a diverse portfolio including aviation infrastructure, commercial development, industrial property, renewable energy and strategic land assets. He has played a key role in delivering the Airport’s long-term diversification strategy through property and infrastructure investment.

Robert’s experience includes significant regional projects such as The University of Waikato Pā and Tauranga Campus, Wintec’s Trades and Engineering Facility, Lakewood Cambridge, Bethlehem Town Centre and Te Awa The Base. He has also led renewable energy initiatives, including major solar installations at Lakewood Cambridge and Titanium Park.

A former President of Property Council New Zealand’s Waikato Branch, Robert brings a commercially grounded, community-minded and future-focused approach to property leadership.

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.