Canterbury Branch

The Canterbury Branch is the third largest and has more than 1500 IoD members from the middle and south of Canterbury and the West Coast. A diverse and talented group of members serve on the committee supporting the branch manager, Sharynn Johnson.

The branch hosts governance-focused functions and events throughout the region. These include breakfast sessions, deep-dive lunch groups, coffee sessions, and after-5 events, as well as training courses like the 5-day residential Company Directors' Course. All events provide professional development and excellent opportunities to network with a diverse group of governance professionals at all levels.

Canterbury branch events

The Canterbury branch offers three award programmes. First Steps in Governance is for young professionals who want to gain experience in the not-for-profit sector, Emerging Director is for candidates who seek further development in their governance career, and Aspiring Māori is for aspiring directors who whakapapa Māori. The branch also helps members through a peer support programme.

Branch Team

Branch Manager

Sharynn Johnson

+64 27 228 6069
+64 3 968 6468
Sharynn.Johnson@iod.org.nz

I have more than 25 years’ experience supporting directors, boards, and senior management. I’m here to support you on your governance journey, so please don’t hesitate to contact me about becoming an IoD member or get in touch if you have any questions about your IoD membership or the services we offer.

Branch Executive

Kim Gerard

+64 21 243 6252
Kim.Gerard@iod.org.nz

I am delighted to be part of the IoD whanau, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. With experience in hospitality, event and conference management, executive assistant and board secretary support roles, I look forward to working with Sharynn and the branch committee in all aspects of managing the Canterbury branch, including liaising with our sponsors and members.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about your membership, becoming a member, or our events.

Emerging Director Award

Applications for 2025 have now closed. Find out more about the award and past recipients below.

The Emerging Director Award was instigated in 1999 by the Canterbury Branch as one of its contributions in assisting the growth of New Zealand enterprise through the promotion of best practice in company direction and governance.

Are you newly engaged on a directorship path and aspire to enhance your governance pathway?
Can you demonstrate a commitment to development and a high level of integrity?
Are you committed to development of your governance pathway?

The focus of this award is to identify executives, managers and directors individuals with potential and to foster the discipline of good governance through the acquisition of technical knowledge in addition to creating opportunities for networking via branch events and functions.

2025 award recipients

Craig Dunstan, Amanda Ng and George Lilley Read more

Reflections from past recipients

Jane Fowles (2022):
"Receiving the Emerging Director Award was an exceptional first step into the governance experience. The team at Ashburton Contracting Ltd were very welcoming and I instantly felt part of the team. It’s been excellent to see the full year around the board table from strategic planning to budgets to end of financial year results.

Alongside that, it has been fantastic for my personal development to have a mentor to work through with, as well as being able to attend IoD events in Christchurch and online. A huge thanks to ACL and IoD for the opportunity. "

Mariann Matai (2022):
"The experience and connections made through the Emerging Directors Award has been invaluable and the perfect follow-on from the 5 day Company Directors' Course with the IoD.

I've applied for the Emerging Director Award twice and was successful the second time around in 2022, so my recommendation to those applying is to try again and again, it's well worth the effort. The selection committee was absolutely amazing during the interview and listened to my goals and purpose carefully. I've started my governance journey due to climate change so that I'm better equipped to help with the often difficult decisions that need to be made at board level. As a result of this goal the selection committee chose Dr Rod Carr, the Chair of the Climate Commission, as my mentor and we've been having the most inspiring conversations on both climate change and governance topics. The selection committee has also matched me with my preferred organisation, the Christchurch Foundation where I'm currently serving as an Associate Trustee. The Board of Trustees, the CEO and staff at the Christchurch Foundation come from diverse backgrounds and years of experience on both commercial and not for profit boards. I feel very lucky to be able to learn from these passionate people who are collectively keeping the best interest of our communities at heart.

Another huge benefit of the Emerging Directors Award is the multitude of courses, talks and events that I was able attend during the 12 months period. I've learnt a huge amount at these events and I could take these learnings back to each of the organisations I work with. Connecting with the local community of directors and board members, learning about their work and experiences has also been invaluable.

Huge thank you to everyone involved in my journey during the past 12 months. I can confidently say that the Emerging Director Award provides a lot more benefits than I initially anticipated, and the journey so far has been exiting and enlightening."

Alli Copland (2021):
“Applying for the Emerging Director award empowered me to step outside of my comfort zone. I have developed invaluable skills and experiences in governance best practice including strategic planning, audit and risk. It has been an honour to work alongside and be inspired and mentored by such experienced directors, learning from their hard work and dedication to Akaroa Health Ltd and the wider Banks Peninsular communities. I have built trusted and respected professional relationships and networks with people who have become mentors and great influencers for my future career pathway and journey.

I have attended several Canterbury Branch events over the last year which have all contributed positively to my learning experience, these events are a fantastic way to continue my governance professional development and stay at the forefront of the current governance considerations and climate. Local events have also been a great way to network with other local directors and expand my knowledge foundation across various sectors.

Winning the 2021 Emerging Director award has been a defining moment in my governance career and I will always be incredibly grateful for the experiences afforded to me from Akaroa Health Ltd, the Institute of Directors and my mentor Jane Cartwright. I will continue to utilise these experiences to add value and contribute positively to organisations and their stakeholders, particularly in the healthcare setting.”

Alison van Polanen (2021):
Why did you apply for the Award?
"I had considered applying for the Emerging Director Award for a few years prior to applying. I never felt I was quite ready or had the skill set. Fortunately, after conversations with a few local directors, I put my imposter syndrome aside, applied and received the award."

How has winning the Award helped your career?
"I understood when I applied the potential benefits of funding towards Institute of Directors training but attending the Ashburton Contracting Ltd (ACL) board meetings has been an invaluable opportunity. When I attend ACL meetings, I am effectively sitting at a table with a number of mentors with a wide range of skills and strengths. I am very grateful to the ACL team for encouraging me to fully participate in board meetings. Full immersion has increased my confidence and I am now comfortable with the diversity of thought which I contribute."

Any advice for people considering becoming directors?
"Connect – build relationships, find opportunities to observe boards and talk to experienced directors.
Develop your knowledge and skills.
Know why you want to be a director.
Check the resources and training opportunities available through the Institute of Directors."

Past recipients

Sam Cullimore, Chris Selbie, Sophie South (2024) Read more
Dita Ciulacu, Joseph Tyro (2023) Read more
Emma Hodgkins, Leandra Fitzgibbon, Jane Fowles, Mariann Matai, Aaron Smith (2022)
Ash-Leigh Campbell, Allison (Alli) Copland, Alison van Polanen, Anna Wilson (2021)
Melinda Baillie, Cam Finlayson (2020)
Cory Bedford, Helen Andrews (2019)
Hannah Doney, Kathryn Ruge (2018)
Aaron Perriam, Jeff Smit (2017)
Helen Shorthouse (2016)
Tim Trewinnard, Chris Bailey (2015)
Jessie Chan-Dorman (2014)
Elizabeth Hopkins, Michael Lay (2013)
Janice Fredric (2012)
Liz Hirst (2011)
Karl Varley (2010)
Madeleine Hawkesbury-Browne (2009)
Louise Edwards (2008)
Anthony Leighs (2007)
Lynn McClelland (2006)
Kevin Eder (2005)
Wendy Smith (2004)
Dion Paul (2003)
Gillian Heald (2002)
Paul Bingham (2001)
Lynn Anderson (2000)
Brendon Quinn (1999)

Aspiring Māori Director Award

First Steps in Governance Award

Peer Support Programme

Branch Committee

Hannah Doney MBA, CMInstD

Hannah is a governance professional and commercial leader with experience across industry bodies, professional services, retail, sport, and manufacturing. Her governance career began more than 15 years ago following her retirement as a player and appointment as President of the New Zealand Women’s Lacrosse Association.

After completing an MBA, being appointed to national‑level boards, and being recognised with the Institute of Directors’ Emerging Director Award in 2017, Hannah’s governance career expanded across a broad range of sectors in New Zealand and overseas.

She is currently Chair of the New Zealand Institute of Directors’ Canterbury Branch and serves as the branch representative on the Institute of Directors’ National Council. She is also Deputy Chair of Harness Racing New Zealand and holds board roles with Swimming New Zealand, the UMF Honey Association, and the Jane Goodall Institute of New Zealand. She also serves on several advisory boards and is a supporter of Chapter Zero.

Hannah brings strong commercial acumen, strategic oversight, and deep marketing expertise to the organisations she serves. She is a champion for change and transformation, applying a people‑ and customer‑focused lens to help organisations scale and succeed sustainably.

Lynn McClelland CMInstD

Lynn is Deputy Chair of the IoD Canterbury branch and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. She has had a range of governance roles, predominantly in the not-for-profit sector, with nine years on the board of BarnardosNZ, including six as Chair. Other roles have included The Loft, Social Ventures Australia and The Natural Step. She is a member of Chapter Zero New Zealand.

Lynn has considerable experience working across the public and private sectors, from roles in central government including at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the Ombudsman and State Services Commission. She has also had executive roles in a number of sectors including electricity, financial services, not-for-profit, professional services and tertiary education. She undertook senior roles at the Christchurch City Council 2021-25, and has recently completed a Master of Disaster, Risk and Resilience with Distinction, at the University of Canterbury.

Lynn has a strong interest in business growth, climate resilience, digital, diversity, talent development, board performance, and other contemporary governance challenges. She actively seeks opportunities to increase her knowledge and understanding of Te Ao Māori. Having benefitted from many IoD initiatives and professional development opportunities, including as a recipient of an Emerging Directors’ Award, she is keen to give back and contribute to the ongoing success of the IoD Canterbury branch.

Sue Sheldon CNZM, BCom. FCA, DistFInstD

Sue has worked as a professional company director for 27 years. She has held roles as Chairman of Freightways, Paymark, Chorus and Regenerate Christchurch, Deputy Chair of the Reserve Bank and Christchurch International Airport, and director of Telecom, Contact Energy, Meridian Energy, Smiths City Group, Asure New Zealand, and Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation. Currently, Sue chairs the board of Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

Sue has acted as Independent Chair of the Audit and Risk Committees of both Auckland Council and Christchurch City Council over a 10-year period. She has extensive experience as both a chair and member of audit and risk committees and is a former president of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Sue was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business in 2007 and a Distinguished Fellow of the IoD in 2023.

Carol Bellette BCom, CA, MBA(Dist), CFInstD

Carol is a Chartered Member of the IoD with governance experience across various industry sectors. Her governance experience includes director of PGG Wrightson Seeds Limited and its Oceania subsidiaries. Carol’s prior governance contributions include national roles with Family Planning, NZ Local Government Funding Agency Shareholders Council, and local roles with Cathedral Grammar School and as Chair of Christchurch Early Intervention Trust.

As a Chartered Accountant, Carol has extensive experience with Audit & Risk Committees and Finance Committees, including her prior role as Chair of the Family Planning Finance Committee.

Her strong relationship management skills and ability to understand complex issues and communicate clearly have underpinned her success in both governance and executive roles.

Carol has held executive finance roles with PGG Wrightson Seeds, Christchurch City Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research.

In 2013, Carol participated in the IoD Mentoring for Diversity Programme and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to the IoD Canterbury Branch Committee.

John Ruge MInstD

John's career has spanned both the legal and teaching professions, including practising civil litigation in Auckland and Christchurch, and secondary teaching in New Zealand and Germany. He is currently a member of the senior leadership team at St Andrew’s College with a diverse portfolio of responsibilities that includes academic and pastoral care for over 450 senior students.

As a director, John has more than 25 years experience in the not-for-profit, charitable, and education sectors. As well as serving on the Canterbury Branch Committee for the IoD, John is currently the Board Chair of College House, an independent student hall of residence at the University of Canterbury, and a Trustee and Quality Assurance & Risk Chair for Stepping Stone Trust, a community mental health provider in Christchurch and Dunedin.

As a Treaty partner, John actively seeks opportunities to increase his knowledge and understanding of te ao Māori and to incorporate these into his life and work.

Anna Bolland CMInstD

Anna is a leadership and culture strategist who positively influences and challenges boards, leaders, teams, and individuals. With extensive experience across most industries in both public and private sectors, she works on building the foundation within organisations in both systems and people for growth and impact.

Passionate about human behaviour and the power of neuroscience, Anna brings a fresh perspective to leadership development, team dynamics, culture, wellbeing, strategic direction, and brand. She specialises in unlocking potential in people and businesses alike.

Anna currently holds three governance roles in the not-for-profit and education sectors in South Canterbury and is deeply committed to ongoing development in this space. Giving back to the community is a core value: she is a motivational speaker, mentors young adults, and co-founded a foundation in Papua New Guinea focused on early childhood education in rural areas. Together with her husband, she has owned three businesses.

Anna’s main motivation to be a part of the Canterbury IoD committee is to help build awareness in governance and for the IoD, foster connections, add diversity, and keep evolving within the governance journey.

Tony Fallon MInstD

Tony is a strategic leader with extensive experience in governance, performance measurement, and stakeholder engagement across both public and non-profit sectors. He is currently completing an MBA at the University of Canterbury as a recipient of the Ben Gough Family Foundation Leaders Scholarship.

As Programme Manager at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Tony has been instrumental in shaping key accountability documents, including the organisation’s Annual Reports, Vote Health Estimates, and the Entity Performance Framework. His expertise spans programme management, performance measurement, and machinery of government processes.

Tony has a strong governance background, having served on multiple boards, including as Chair of the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa & Southern Health and Disability Ethics Committee, and as Deputy Chair of the National Needle Exchange Programme. He is currently Board Secretary of Athletics Canterbury. His leadership in these roles has driven strategic transformation, stakeholder collaboration, and financial stewardship.

A passionate advocate for innovation and data-driven decision-making, Tony excels at leading cross-functional teams to deliver meaningful impact. His career is built on a foundation of analytical problem-solving, governance expertise, and a commitment to community-focused leadership.

Sarah Ayres LLB, MInstD

Sarah is an experienced commercial lawyer, having worked in both law firms and as in-house counsel in Christchurch and Auckland. She is currently teaching the Legal Professionals course across a range of subjects and is also the Board Secretary for the Rātā Foundation.

Sarah is passionate about people and the planet, looking to use her skills and experience to make an impact. In order to contribute towards the good governance of not-for-profits, Sarah has held a number of governance roles, including with SPCA Canterbury, Project Jonah, the Marian Foundation, and the Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand.

Sarah participated in the Institute of Directors/Community Governance Aotearoa Tuakana Teina program in 2023 and, as a result, has been developing her skills and experience as a director.

Kim Masina MInstD

Kim is a dynamic and values-driven leader known for his collaborative, people-first leadership style. A senior leader within the Isaac Group, he continues to play a pivotal role in driving strategic growth and operational excellence.

Kim serves as Vice Chairman of the Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) Canterbury Westland Branch, where he champions industry development and best practice. He also contributes to shaping the future workforce as an elected member of Waihanga Ara Rau (the Workforce Development Council for Civil Infrastructure) and supports educational advancement through his service on a school Board of Trustees. Most recently, he was appointed as a committee member for the Institute of Directors (IoD) Canterbury Branch, where he promotes strong governance and leadership development across sectors.

Kim is committed to providing a strong influential voice for Pasifika people in leadership and governance roles by fostering an inclusive and effective governance culture. Through dedicated service, Kim advocates for equitable representation, ensuring Pasifika perspectives are valued in decision-making processes. He is also a member of the IoD's Pasifika Advisory Group.

Kim believes in creating opportunities that empower communities, strengthening leadership pathways, championing policies reflecting the needs and aspirations of Pasifika people, upholding principles of integrity, collaboration and accountability, and endeavouring to contribute to governance structures that drive positive and lasting impact.

Kim’s work reflects a deep commitment to empowering people and creating lasting impact- “O le ala i le pule o le tautu- The pathway to leadership is through service.”

Paul Barclay MInstD

Paul has lived experience of disability, having lost his sight more than 35 years ago following an accident. Since then, he has completed postgraduate diplomas in commerce, held senior management roles at the Blind Foundation and Arthritis New Zealand, and operated businesses in both the agroforestry and disability sectors. For the past four years, Paul has led Vision Without Limits, an organisation that provides disability employment support, accessibility advocacy, and professional supervision and coaching.

His governance experience spans the disability, employment, health, and sport sectors. Paul is Deputy Chair of both the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust and Achilles New Zealand, a board member of Workbridge Employment Services Limited, and a director on the Clinical Quality Advisory Board of Pegasus Health. He is also a former Chair of Volunteering Canterbury. Beyond these formal roles, Paul contributes to several accessibility and disability advisory groups across health, education, and local government.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Paul has represented New Zealand in both blind cricket and goalball. He is currently a committed runner and has completed 19 half marathons and 10 marathons.

Jessie Chan MNZM, CFInstD

Jessie has an Honours Degree in Animal Science and has worked in a range of primary sector management positions including MAF, Federated Farmers, and Meat and Wool NZ. She also owned and co-managed a dairy farming business in Mid-Canterbury on 420 ha of leased land and is now an equity partner in a dairy farm in Mid-Canterbury.

Jessie is currently a director of AgriZero, NZPork, Nga Puhi Investment Fund and Amua Innovation, and is Independent Chair of Cranley Farms. She has previously served on the boards of Pharmazen, AgResearch, RuralCo, Ngai Tahu Farming, Alpine Energy, Meat the Need and Bioprotection Aotearoa, and was a member of the Fonterra Shareholders Council.

Jessie was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022 for services to dairy and agriculture. She also received the Women in Governance Award for Inspiring Governance Leader in 2021, and Dairy Woman of the Year in 2017.

Amanda Ng MInstD

Amanda is a qualified financial adviser and Director at SFS Private Wealth, with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry. She is known for integrating her strong governance expertise with a values-driven approach to investing. Her work with clients is grounded in structured giving, long-term legacy planning, and creating meaningful intergenerational impact.

Amanda was a recipient of the Institute of Directors Emerging Director Award 2025 and recognised in the 40 under 40 Asians in Business New Zealand list for her leadership in strengthening the resilience and inclusivity of New Zealand’s business ecosystem. She is currently on the board of Oxford Charity Health Limited, a board intern of Canterbury Scientific and the Institute of Directors (IoD) Canterbury branch committee as well as on the IoD Young Directors Steering Group.

Through her work she has seen firsthand how inclusive leadership has positively impacted long-term outcomes for businesses, families, and communities. She is passionate about supporting emerging and diverse leaders to step into governance, and is excited to contribute to initiatives that foster best practice principles, mentorship, and meaningful connection across the director community.

Our sponsors

The Canterbury branch acknowledges the generous support of