Panel Discussion
2
CPD
Explore how to design governance structures that improve insight flow without adding unnecessary complexity.
Governance design is evolving in response to increasing organisational complexity. Traditional single-table board models are no longer sufficient on their own. Committees are providing greater depth on assurance and compliance, while advisory boards are increasingly used to bring specialist, time-bound insight on areas such as technology, sustainability and market entry.
The challenge is not to add more structure, but to design better flow. Boards need timely insight, clear lines of authority and strong accountability. When committees and advisory boards are well designed, they sharpen decision-making and reduce noise. When poorly designed, they can slow momentum and fragment governance.
Join us to explore how directors can design governance systems that support effective information flow, strengthen oversight and enhance board performance in a complex environment.
As Louise Broekman, founding director of the Advisory Board Centre, notes: “The best governance systems aren’t about more structure - they’re about better flow: the right insight, at the right time, in the right hands.”
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Rodney is a 3rd generation New Zealand-born Seeyip Cantonese Chinese.
He brings over forty years’ experience across a variety private and public business sectors. With a background in food production technology, he has held CEO/MD roles & was co-owner of Yoplait NZ.
Has held professional board roles as Director & Chairman of many diverse organisations e.g. High Value Engineering, Universities, Iwi Investments, Airports and Social Service Agencies. A former Chair of Crop and Food Research and led the merger to form Plant & Food Research before becoming their Deputy Chair.
Awarded Distinguished Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology. He received the Palmerston North City Civic Award, its highest recognition for voluntary service to the community. Served as a Rotary International District Governor and senior global training facilitator. Happily married to Angela.
Paul Patel QSM is a respected community leader with extensive experience across community governance, advisory, and stakeholder engagement roles at both regional and national levels. He currently serves as President of the Central Districts Indian Association, of which he is also a Life Member. A passionate organiser of cultural and community events, Paul initiated the Diwali in the Square celebration in Palmerston North in 2010, which has since grown into a major annual event attracting thousands of people from across the wider region.
Paul has also contributed nationally through the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) for more than four decades, holding a number of leadership positions including Vice President for three years, followed by three years as President. In 2026, he was awarded Life Membership of NZICA in recognition of his longstanding service to the Indian community in New Zealand.
During his leadership within NZICA, Paul worked alongside Immigration New Zealand and advocated for the establishment of an Ethnic Advisory Group to provide community perspectives on immigration-related matters, which was subsequently implemented.
Paul has also been involved in a number of significant advisory roles, including the NZ Police Commissioner's Advisory Panel and the NZ Police Crowded Places Community Advisory Group, where he has contributed community and cultural perspectives on policing, public safety, and stakeholder engagement. His work has further extended into restorative and community justice initiatives through Te Pae Oranga, reflecting his longstanding commitment to practical community outcomes, relationship building, and collaborative problem-solving.
Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Paul brings a grounded and practical perspective on how advisory groups and governance structures can strengthen decision-making, accountability, and community trust.
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.
Jill Dawson
Wellington Branch Manager
+64 27 278 8814
+64 4 470 2673
jill.dawson@iod.org.nz
The Wellington branch acknowledges the generous support of
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The East Coast region also thank
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The Manawatu region also thank
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Members — $45.00
Non-members — $80.00
