Company Directors' Course - Kaupapa Māori

We offer a limited number of non-residential places on selected course dates. Current dates with availability are:

9 – 14 August 2026 | Lower Hutt, Wellington 

Pricing for non-residential places differs slightly:
Members: $8,810 | Non-Members: $10,820

To book this option or request more information, please email Juanita Hudson juanita.hudson@iod.org.nz.

Course description

Over five and a half intensive days, you’ll explore the roles and responsibilities of directors alongside your peers. Through daily boardroom simulations and case studies, you’ll experience the realities of governance – from unpredictable business challenges to the human dynamics of decision-making. This hands-on approach strengthens your judgement, broadens your perspective and builds the confidence to contribute effectively at the board table.

However, the value of CDC extends far beyond skill-building. Participants frequently describe the course as a turning point in their governance journey, citing personal growth, lasting networks across the governance community and accelerated career opportunities.

The Waiwhetū Marae option offers the full Company Directors’ Course delivered within a setting rich with tikanga, whakapapa, and wairua. Anchored in the mana of the marae, you’ll engage in the same intensive boardroom simulations and governance learning, while gaining the powerful benefit of stepping into a culturally grounded environment. Many participants find that combining world-class content with the depth of a marae-based experience opens new perspectives, strengthens relationships, and deepens connections through shared kaupapa, kōrero, and whakawhanaungatanga.

Find out more

Who should attend

• • Directors and senior executives with at least one to five years' experience of working on or with boards, and a sound knowledge of business finance.
  • Those wanting to become a chartered member (completion of the Company Directors' Course is a prerequisite).
    

While this course is designed with a kaupapa Māori lens, you do not need to be whakapapa Māori to attend. We simply ask that you come with an openness and willingness to engage in learning grounded in te ao Māori, and to be immersed in this perspective throughout the experience.

Please ensure you also meet the CDC prerequisites.

Payment

A payment plan may be an option for individual members and customers paying their Company Directors' Course fee.

To discuss whether this might be available to you, please contact our Governance Development team on 0800 846 369 or governancedevelopment@iod.org.nz.

Format

Start time: Sunday at 2.00pm 
End time: Friday at 2.00pm.

Accommodation is provided at Sebel Lower Hutt, with an optional noho marae on the final night.

Accommodation for five nights is included in the course fee. The advantage is a full residential course with the chance to continue discussions and networking with other participants in the evenings and prepare for the following day.

If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like to discuss alternative arrangements, please contact Juanita Hudson juanita.hudson@iod.org.nz. 

For non-residential attendees the optional noho marae on the final night is included.

Content covered

• • Best practice corporate governance
  • Strategy in the boardroom
  • Finance and the board’s role
  • Directors and the law
  • Board dynamics and culture
  • Risk governance
    
    

Additional information

Finance pre-requisite

The Company Directors' Course requires a sound knowledge and understanding of business finance.

Before attending the course, we recommend you

1. take the finance skills assessment unless you have a financial qualification
2. develop your financial skills by completing the Institute of Directors' Finance Essentials course, available in-person or online. 

If you are unsure whether you meet the prerequisites for the Company Directors' Course, please contact the Governance Development team on 0800 846 369 or governancedevelopment@iod.org.nz to discuss.

Pre-course reading

We provide you with a collection of board papers about two weeks before your course starts.

Please allow enough time to read these before the course.

Completion requirements

You are required to attend every session to gain certification for CDC.

In order to receive the certificate in Company Direction at the conclusion of CDC, you must:

• • attend all course sessions and board meetings
  • attend all organised dinners
  • not miss more than an hour of any other activity.

You are not eligible for certification if you breach any of these requirements.

The Institute of Directors may grant compassionate consideration only if your ability to study is affected by illness, injury, or bereavement. The IoD grants compassionate consideration at its discretion.

If you feel you may not be able to meet these requirements, please consider attending the non-residential course. This has slightly different completion requirements.