The high performing chair

Overview

While the chair is often described as “first among equals,” the role is rooted in influence, not authority. In an era of increasing governance complexity, stakeholder scrutiny, and global uncertainty, the chair's ability to guide, unify, and lead has never been more critical.

This session explores the evolving expectations of board chairs—from stewarding governance and shaping strategy to fostering trust, collaboration, and resilience. Learn how to navigate boardroom dynamics, build strong CEO partnerships, and lead effectively through challenge and change.

Key themes include inclusive leadership, governance under pressure, and succession planning to future-proof your board.

Join us for a dynamic discussion featuring Craig McFarlane and Traci Houpapa, moderated by Natasha Harvey, as they share real-world insights and strategies for impactful chair leadership.

Whether you're an experienced chair or preparing for the role, this is a valuable opportunity to sharpen your governance capability and connect with peers.

Craig McFarlane

CMInstD

Craig McFarlane is an independent and full-time Professional Company Director (and has been for 15+ years).

He has an MBA from Henley Management College in the UK and is a Chartered Member of the IoD (since 2015). He has extensive offshore commercial experience, and holds (or has held) directorships in: Health, Early Childhood Education, Tertiary Education, Waste, B2B Consultancy, Property Development, Whistle-blowing/Ethical Reporting as well as numerous NFP’s/Community Groups. He is a permanent resident of Waihi Beach. 

Past & present businesses/organisations:

Report It Now Global Limited,
Volare Bread, Midland Cardio Vascular Services Limited, Beach Pilates Limited, Clements Corporation LP, Ligar Limited, S & L Consultants Limited, Pinnacle Incorporated/Midlands Health Network Ltd,
Pinnacle Ventures Limited,
Primary Health Care Limited, Anglesea Urgent Care, Demolition Traders Limited, Simply Dental Limited, Habitat for Humanity (locally and nationally), Waste to Energy NZ Limited,
C J McFarlane Limited,
LearningWorks Limited,
Wynvale Trust, Waihi Beach Cycle Trails Charitable Trust, Creators Educational Trust.

Traci Houpapa

CFInstD

Traci is an award winning company director and a recognised industry leader. She is a trusted advisor to Maori, Government and industry on strategic and economic development, and is known for her strong and inclusive leadership and her clear focus on building the wealth and prosperity of New Zealand.

A Chartered Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors, Traci is named as one of the top ten most influential women in NZ agribusiness and the Listener’s top ten influencers in NZ. She won the Westpac Fairfax Media Women of Influence Board and Management award and named on Westpac’s NZ Women Powerbrokers list.  Traci was awarded the Massey University Distinguished Alumni Service Award for services to NZ agribusiness and Maori, and named amongst the BBCs 100 Most Influential Women in the World.

Traci is a Member of the NZ Order of Merit, a Justice of the Peace and a Marriage Celebrant.

Natasha Harvey

CMInstD

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. 

 

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