Panel Discussion
2
CPD
Three directors unpack the future of sport governance in a changing world.
Join us for a compelling and timely discussion featuring a dynamic panel of three directors from leading sporting organisations facilitated by Sarah Cowley Ross. Together, they will explore the emerging and pressing issues that are shaping the future of sport governance in Aotearoa and beyond.
This conversation will delve into the practical implications of the recent changes to the Incorporated Societies Act, and examine how sport leaders must navigate the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the impacts of climate change, and increasing demands for financial sustainability.
The panel will also consider the effects of shifting geopolitical landscapes and the vital importance of embedding bi-culturalism and Te Tiriti principles in governance practice. With deep experience, strategic insight, and a passion for the sector, these directors will share real-world perspectives on how the sports system must evolve to stay relevant, resilient, and responsible in a fast-changing world.
Sarah Cowley Ross is New Zealand Olympian 1134. She first competed for New Zealand at age 16 and went on to compete in the heptathlon at the 2012 Olympics as well as two Commonwealth Games.
Sarah's life is still a heptathlon - having various roles across the sporting world as a respected commentator, columnist for NewsRoom, commentator, presenter, wellness advocate and has several sports governance roles in NZ. Sarah has served as a director of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and University Tertiary Sport NZ.
She is currently a director of Tennis NZ as well as a trustee on several local and regional organisations. Sarah believes in the power of sport at all levels to enhance people's lives and bring communities together.
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Tonia Cawood is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and respected leader in sports governance, philanthropy, and strategic leadership. She is Deputy Chair of the Chiefs Rugby Club, where she made history as the first woman to chair a professional rugby club globally. Her governance portfolio has spanned both commercial and not-for-profit sectors, including Rowing New Zealand, Tidd Ross Todd, Alandale Lifestyle Village, and CatWalk Trust.
With a background in sports marketing at adidas NZ and consulting for clients such as Halberg Foundation, A1GP, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee, worked closely with high-performance athletes and teams, Tonia brings a unique blend of commercial acumen and sector insight.
Tonia now focuses on coaching and facilitating transformational leadership and culture as founder of The Company You Keep. She is also a faculty member at the Institute for Strategic Leadership.
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Simon Graafhuis is a respected executive leader, Chartered Accountant (CAANZ), and Institute of Directors (IoD) member, with over 25 years’ experience across finance, strategy, governance, and community development. He holds a BMS in Accounting and Finance from the University of Waikato.
Simon is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Chiefs Rugby Club, where he leads the organisation’s commercial and high-performance strategies across both men's and women’s programs. Prior to this, he was Chief Financial Officer at Gallagher Group Ltd, where he oversaw significant global growth, strategic acquisitions, ERP implementations, and risk management during a period of transformative expansion.
In governance, Simon is a long-serving Ministerial Appointee to the University of Waikato Council and Chair of its Capital, Audit & Finance Committee. He is also a founder of Bootleg Brewery, an award-winning craft business known for its innovation during the COVID era.
Simon speaks on strategic leadership, financial transformation, governance, and building resilient organisations.
Alison Shanks is a former Olympian and World Champion cyclist turned strategic leader and governance professional in New Zealand’s sport sector. She brings athlete insight and commercial acumen to her roles on national and international boards, including NZ Cricket, the NZ Esports Federation, Commonwealth Games Federation, High Performance Sport NZ, and Cycling NZ.
A graduate of the Institute of Directors’ Company Directors Course, Alison has chaired key committees including remuneration and diversity & inclusion. She was instrumental in Sport NZ’s adoption of gender quotas for governance, championing equity and long-term impact.
Known for her values-driven leadership, Alison balances optimistic risk-taking with evidence-based decision-making, guided by her high-performance principle: “simplicity drives success.” Her governance approach is grounded in lived experience and a deep desire to give back to the sporting community.
Originally from Otago, Alison lives in Tamahere with her husband and three children, continuing her mission to create positive, lasting change in sport and beyond.
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 — $55.00
Non-members — $75.00
