Company Directors' Course - Kaupapa Māori

We are offering a limited number of non-residential places on the 9 – 14 August 2026, Lower Hutt, Wellington delivery. Pricing for non-residential places is $8,810 (members), $10,820 (non-members). To book this option or find out more, please email juanita.hudson@iod.org.nz.

Course description

Over five and a half days, you'll explore the core responsibilities of directors through practical governance learning, boardroom simulations and real-world decision-making. Working alongside your peers, you'll build your understanding of strategy, finance, risk and governance while applying your learning to realistic board scenarios.

The Company Directors’ Course Kaupapa Māori delivers the same recognised governance foundations, practical application and learning outcomes as the CDC in a marae-based environment grounded in Māori values and ways of working. Delivered at Waiwhetū Marae in Lower Hutt, the programme combines governance learning, boardroom simulations and real-world decision-making with tikanga (protocols), whakawhanaungatanga (building connections) and a uniquely Aotearoa approach to leadership and governance.

You'll complete the same benchmark CDC curriculum while learning in an environment that encourages connection, shared learning and a broader understanding of governance in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand.

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).
    

This programme is designed for both Māori and non-Māori directors and senior leaders who want to strengthen their governance capability while broadening their understanding of leadership and governance in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. You do not need to whakapapa Māori (have Māori ancestry) or have prior knowledge of te ao Māori. We simply ask that you come with openness and a willingness to engage with different perspectives and ways of thinking about governance.

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.