Climate Governance Forum

'The old world is dying and the new world struggles to be born; now is the time of monsters' – Antonio Gramsci 

Our climate transition is facing some significant headwinds, domestically and globally. These headwinds are perhaps not unexpected given the nature and scale of transition that is necessary to both meet our decarbonisation ambitions and adapt to the impacts of climate change that are already locked in.  

These headwinds are also understandable if we consider the nature of change through the lens of the three horizons strategic framework and the mid-horizon bridge between the current and future state. 

During this session, we will explore the nature of these headwinds, our current transitional ‘mid-horizon’ phase, and provide some key lessons and tools that can help Boards and Directors navigate through Gramsci’s ‘ time of monsters’. 

As climate impacts accelerate, directors are being called to lead not just with compliance in mind, but with clarity, courage, and a long-term view. In this keynote, Matt Whineray—Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Finance and a key member of the Ministry for the Environment’s adaptation reference group—offers a powerful, forward-looking perspective on the changing landscape of climate governance. 

Matt will explore what boards need to understand about emerging adaptation frameworks, the future of climate-related investment and finance, and the shifts in governance approaches needed to keep pace. Drawing on experience at the nexus of climate strategy, capital markets, and government policy, he’ll challenge directors to think beyond risk, towards opportunity and resilience. 

Grounded in real-world insight and tailored for today’s boardrooms, this session is essential for directors looking to embed climate into strategic decision-making and lead their organisations through the green transition.

New Zealand is sitting on a powerful opportunity—literally. In this fast-paced, high-impact session, Kennie Tsui, Chief Executive of Geothermal NZ, will spotlight the cutting-edge developments positioning geothermal energy at the heart of Aotearoa’s low-emissions future. 

With its unique ability to provide baseload renewable energy and decarbonise heat-intensive industries, geothermal is a strategic asset in our climate response. Kennie will unpack where innovation is happening—from green heat to critical minerals—and how boards can think differently about geothermal’s role in delivering climate resilience and commercial opportunity. 

In just 15 minutes, this session delivers essential insight into one of New Zealand’s most promising pathways to sustainable energy leadership. 

How are boards really grappling with climate risk and opportunity in the boardroom today? In this candid fireside chat, experienced director Abby Foote joins MC Gerri Ward for a conversation grounded in the realities of governance practice. 

Abby brings a wealth of experience across sectors navigating transition, regulation, and stakeholder pressure. She’ll share reflections on what effective climate governance looks like in practice—how directors can lead with purpose, where the pressure points lie, and what she’s learned from being part of boards facing real-world climate decisions. 

Expect a practical, honest, and insightful discussion designed to inspire action, encourage reflection, and equip directors to lead with confidence as climate becomes a standing item at every board table. 

“Hot pies, cool planet: Climate choices in the boardroom” 

Step into the Delicious Foods boardroom to tackle climate risks, green growth, and governance under pressure. Can this pie company cook up a climate-smart strategy?  

In this hands-on, interactive session, you’ll step into the mock boardroom of Delicious Foods NZ Ltd, a fast-growing FMCG company navigating the strategic implications of climate change. 

As a mock board director, you’ll assess climate-related risks and opportunities—from decarbonising operations to launching low-emissions products, adapting to supply chain disruption, and responding to investor expectations.  

As we wrap up the Climate Governance Forum, we look to the future—one that’s electric, ambitious, and brimming with opportunity. In this energising closing keynote, Mike Casey—founder of Rewiring Aotearoa and zero-emissions farming trailblazer—invites directors to reimagine what’s possible when we electrify everything. 

Rewiring Aotearoa is on a mission to supercharge New Zealand’s climate response by replacing fossil fuels with clean, electrified systems across homes, businesses, and farms. Drawing on his own experience electrifying his Central Otago orchard and leading a national movement for systems change, Mike will spotlight the massive opportunities in front of us—from cutting costs and emissions to unlocking economic resilience. 

This keynote is a powerful call to action for directors. Mike will challenge governance leaders to step into their role as enablers of bold, future-focused decisions—decisions that can accelerate innovation, shift markets, and help Aotearoa realise the full potential of electrification.