First break in governance

Panel Discussion

Speaker(s): Kirsten (KP) Patterson, Shirley McLeod
Date: 5:00pm — 7:00pm, 30 June 2026
Venue: Marsh Wellington
Location: Level 2, 20 Customhouse Quay, Wellington
Price members: $55.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $100.00 incl GST

Overview

The First Break panel discussion and networking event is designed around sharing useful steps, tips and trends for those in the planning, early and emerging stages of their governance journey.

Panellists share how they transitioned into governance, developed their portfolios and engaged with opportunities through the IoD, and other professional learning, to forge their governance careers. Hear their experiences and thoughts on future trends and developments in the sectors they operate in, and how the principles of good governance are played out.

Following the panel discussion, you have the opportunity to network with senior directors over drinks and canapés.

Kirsten (KP) Patterson

CMInstD

Kirsten Patterson MNZM (known as KP) is the Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors and is a Chartered Member of the IoD. In 2025 she was awarded the New Zealand Royal Honour, Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to governance and women.  She is a qualified lawyer and a Distinguished Fellow of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand, a former chair of the Global Network of Directors Institutes (GNDI), and a member of the New Zealand External Reporting Advisory Panel (XRAP).  She serves on the Boards of the mental health charity, Voices of Hope, is Chair of the Brian Picot Ethical Leadership Advisory Board at Victoria University in Wellington and an Ambassador for the Wellington Women’s Homeless Trust. 

A strong advocate of diversity, KP is a member of Global Women New Zealand and was one of the founding members of Global Women’s ‘Champions for Change’, a group of senior executives and directors who commit to diversity in the workplace. KP was the founder and is Executive Sponsor for Chapter Zero New Zealand – the New Zealand Chapter of the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative - hosted by the IoD NZ to mobilise, connect, educate and equip directors and boards to make climate-smart governance decisions, thereby creating long term value for both shareholders and stakeholders. 

Shirley McLeod

CMInstD

Shirley is a director and management consultant who specialises in leading large and/or complex projects and government initiatives. With over two decades of experience in shaping and executing public policy across the justice, housing, social and community sectors, Shirley continues to help organisations lead digital technology transformation and new service delivery. She has significant expertise in enhancing operational efficiency, managing complex and cross-functional programmes, and aligning strategic priorities with operational practicalities. Shirley is a member of the Institute of Directors and the Project Management Institute of New Zealand. From a governance perspective Shirley is a Trustee of the Louise Nicholas Trust and a Board member of the Real Estate Authority. Shirley is a mum of two and lives in Wellington.

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.