Company Directors' Course Kaupapa Māori
The Company Directors' Course Kaupapa Māori delivers the same governance foundations, practical application and recognised learning outcomes as the CDC, within a learning environment grounded in Māori values, perspectives and ways of working. Delivered at Waiwhetū Marae in Lower Hutt, the programme combines intensive governance learning, boardroom simulations and real-world decision-making with tikanga (protocols), whakawhanaungatanga (building connections) and a deeper exploration of governance in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Open to both Māori and non-Māori directors, it offers an opportunity to broaden leadership perspective, build cultural confidence and strengthen governance capability.
Bookings are now open for our first delivery, taking place from 9–14 August 2026. We are also accepting expressions of interest for future 2026 programmes – register your interest here. To learn more about the course, visit our FAQs or contact Juanita.Hudson@iod.org.nz.
1. What do we mean by “kaupapa Māori” in this course?
Kaupapa Māori is an approach grounded in Māori values, perspectives and ways of working. In this programme, it guides the learning environment and the way governance is explored. Participants complete the same CDC curriculum and learning outcomes as the standard programme, while engaging with governance through a broader cultural and leadership lens.
2. Why is kaupapa Māori important for governance and leadership?
Strong governance in Aotearoa requires understanding the cultural context we operate in. Kaupapa Māori supports stronger governance through :
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- Encouraging long-term, intergenerational thinking
- Strengthening stakeholder relationships
- Supporting more inclusive and ethical leadership
Supporting alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations
3. What are the benefits for participants?
Participants can expect to:
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Build confidence engaging in Māori contexts
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Gain practical understanding of tikanga and te ao Māori perspectives
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Enhance their ability to govern in culturally responsive ways
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Develop leadership approaches that balance people, purpose, and performance
4. Do I need prior knowledge of te ao Māori to benefit?
No. The course is designed to be accessible for everyone, whether you’re new to these concepts or already experienced.
5. How will te ao Māori be woven throughout the week?
The course follows the standard content of the Company Directors’ Course: governance best practice, strategy and risk, finance, legal duties and boardroom culture. Rather than being a standalone topic, te ao Māori is integrated across all topics. This includes:
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Understanding and experiencing tikanga and marae protocols, including pōwhiri and whakawhanaungatanga
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Opening and closing with tikanga-based practices such as karakia
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Embedding Māori values such as manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga into discussions
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Using case studies and examples that reflect Aotearoa’s unique context
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Encouraging reflection on how these perspectives apply to governance decisions
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6. What does this look like in practice during sessions?
You’ll see it through:
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- How the group connects and builds trust early on
- The way facilitators guide discussion and inclusion
- The language and concepts used to frame leadership challenges
- Opportunities to reflect on your own values and leadership style
7. Is this about learning te reo Māori?
While some te reo Māori may be used, the goal isn’t language proficiency. It’s about understanding meaning, context and respectful engagement. Any te reo used will be explained and supported.
8. How does this support better governance outcomes?
Incorporating te ao Māori helps leaders:
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- Make more balanced and holistic decisions
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Understand diverse stakeholder perspectives
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Strengthen organisational legitimacy and trust
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Navigate cultural expectations with confidence
9. How can I apply this after the course?
Participants often take away:
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- Practical ways to incorporate tikanga into meetings and governance practice
- Greater confidence engaging with Māori stakeholders
A broader leadership lens, including long-term impact and collective wellbeing
10. What if I feel unsure or don’t want to get it wrong?
That’s completely normal. The course creates a safe space to learn, ask questions and grow. The emphasis is on intention, respect and openness - not perfection.
11. What is the marae experience and what can participants expect?
As part of the programme, participants will be welcomed onto the marae through a pōwhiri, followed by kōrero from Matua Kura Moeahu on Te Ātiawa and the marae. This provides a unique opportunity to learn in a culturally grounded setting and deepen understanding of te ao Māori.
An optional noho (overnight stay) is offered on the final night for those who wish to further experience marae-based learning, connection and hospitality.
12. Where is this being delivered?
The course is being delivered at Waiwhetu Marae, with accommodation at The Sebel Lower Hutt. Transportation between Waiwhetu Marae and The Sebel is included. Catering includes breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and three dinners is included.
13. Who are the facilitators?
Pania Gray is the Lead Facilitator for this course. She has previously delivered our kaupapa Māori CDC programmes.
The Company Directors' Course (CDC) is the benchmark for directors and senior leaders reporting to boards. It is also a pre-requisite to becoming a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
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.
Accommodation
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 immersion 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.
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.
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.
If you are unsure whether you meet the prerequisites for the Company Directors’ Course or have any other questions, please call our team on 0800 846 369 or contact us on governancedevelopment@iod.org.nz
Residential investment
Members: $10,840.00 incl GST
Non-members: $13,240.00 incl GST
The CDC is a simulated board exercise. On a given day, you work with 4-5 other board members addressing a scenario such as company solvency. In the afternoon, you test your assumptions and decisions with the full group and compare to New Zealand case studies on solvency.
Topics covered during the course include:
Best practice corporate governance
- Corporate governance principles, rules and protocols
- Governance skills
Strategy in the boardroom
- Strategy and strategic thinking
- Board and strategy development
- Monitoring and reviewing implementation
- Refreshing strategy and innovation
Finance and the board’s role
- High-level meaning in financial statements and reports
- Interpreting reports
- Financial planning
- Making investment appraisals
- Understanding company valuations
Directors and the law
- Directors' legal obligations, liabilities and mitigating legal risks
- Directors’ and officers’ insurance
Board dynamics and culture
- Board role in developing culture, ethics and values
- Corporate social responsibility
- Board dynamics
- Leadership and CEO succession
- Board and CEO review
Risk governance
- Risk management concepts
- Risk appetite
Other Company Directors' Course options |
| Residential (NZ) | Non-residential (NZ) | Rarotonga |
Public courses delivered in-house
Any of the courses that the IoD delivers publicly can be delivered in-house for your whole board, management team or governance stakeholders, with a facilitator who can contextualise the delivery to your organisation and sectors. To enquire, please click here.