Presentation

2

CPD

Governance journeys: Lessons across sectors from David Downs

David Downs shares insights from his governance journey across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Speaker(s)
David Downs
Date
5:00pm — 7:00pm, 23 November 2026
Venue
KPMG Wellington
Location
44 Bowen Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Price members
$55.00 incl GST
Price non-members
$100.00 incl GST

Overview

Governance looks different across organisations, sectors and structures. What can directors learn from experiencing those differences first-hand?

Join us for the next event in the KPMG Governance in Government series with David Downs, CEO of Education New Zealand. David will share insights from his governance journey, drawing on his experience with the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, The Icehouse, New Zealand Story and, most recently, as chief executive of a Crown entity.

From private sector boards to government-funded organisations, David has worked within a range of governance structures and environments. He will explore the differences he has encountered and reflect on what those experiences have taught him about governance, leadership and the relationship between boards and management.

David is a director on several boards. He is also Ambassador for the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and chair of the Small Business Advisory Group.

This session offers an opportunity to hear practical reflections from a leader whose career spans the private and public sectors, and who brings a unique perspective on how governance works in different organisational contexts.


David Downs

CMInstD

David has had a successful career in the private and public sector and is the CEO of government agency Education New Zealand, having recently finished as CEO of The New Zealand Story, an ambitious government-funded organisation marketing New Zealand to the world. He has also been a consultant and is a director on several boards, including as Chair of The Icehouse. 

David is an ex-comedian, TV and radio actor, semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year, cancer survivor and a published author of the books No.8 Re-wired, No.8 Recharged, A Mild Touch of the Cancer, and Silver Linings. David is the Ambassador for the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and a living example of the effectiveness of advanced Cancer treatment – CAR T-Cell Therapy. 

He is the chairman of the Small Business Advisory Group to government, and a member of the AI Expert Panel, advising the government on AI adoption.

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

Jill Dawson
Wellington Branch Manager

+64 27 278 8814
+64 4 470 2673
jill.dawson@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Wellington branch acknowledges the generous support of

A S B

The East Coast region also thank

 

The Manawatū region also thank

Book this event

  • Wellington

    date
    23 Nov 2026

    Members — $55.00

    Non-members — $100.00

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