Presentation

2

CPD

The high-performing chair

Join us to hear from experienced Chair Michael Ahie about what defines a high-performing chair in today’s evolving governance landscape.

Speaker(s)
Michael Ahie
Date
5:00pm — 7:00pm, 16 September 2025
Venue
Dentons Wellington
Location
Level 4, 40 Bowen Street, Wellington 6011
Price members
$55.00 incl GST
Price non-members
$100.00 incl GST

Overview

A high-performing chair is vital to board success, guiding directors through complexity and change while ensuring strong governance and effective relationships. Join experienced director and chair Michael Ahie (Taranaki, Ngā Ruahine, Ngāti Ruanui) as he shares insights on what makes an effective chair today. 

Drawing on his extensive leadership across sectors - including his roles with Zespri International, Spring Sheep Milk Co., and Payments NZ - Michael will discuss how chairs can foster a culture of trust, navigate diverse perspectives, and support the chief executive and board committees to deliver strategic goals. 
Raised in a farming community and with deep experience in the food and fibre sector, Michael will reflect on his journey and what he has learned about leading high-performing boards.  

This is a chance to hear practical advice and reflections from one of New Zealand’s most respected governance leaders. 

Michael Ahie

CMInstD

Michael Ahie (Taranaki, Ngā Ruahine, Ngāti Ruanui) is a highly experienced director and chair committed to the cultural and commercial success of hapori Māori, the food and fibre sector, science and innovation, and export-led businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand.  

He is a director of Zespri International, Rothbury Group and Payments NZ, and chairs Spring Sheep Milk Co. and the New Zealand Plant Market Access Council.  
A former Chancellor of Massey University, he has also chaired Plant & Food Research, the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre and ComplyWith, and served on the FMG board for 12 years.  

Michael has contributed to multiple government panels and was Chair of Inland Revenue’s Risk & Assurance Committee. Raised in a farming community in coastal South Taranaki, he speaks on leadership and the food and fibre sector, and mentors chief executives as a certified Leadership Circle® coach. 

 

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 Manawatu region also thank

Book this event

  • Wellington

    date
    16 Sep 2025

    Members — $55.00

    Non-members — $100.00

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