Emerging Director Award recipients

Auckland branch award recipients

Bay of Plenty branch award recipients

Waikato branch award recipients

Wellington branch award recipients

Nelson Marlborough branch award recipients

Canterbury branch award recipients

Craig Dunstan, Amanda Ng and George Lilley (2025) | Read more
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)

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."

Taranaki branch award recipients

Otago Southland branch award recipients