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Steve O’Donnell’s Advanced Directors’ Course insights

Steve O’Donnell CMInstD of HCL Tech expected insights from IoD’s Advanced Directors’ Course—but says it exceeded expectations.

Practical considerations for board succession planning

Succession planning is a critical component of effective governance for any board.

• Succession Planning

Global Risks Report warns of a critical shift

Compounding effects of climate change and pollution highlight the need for a broad-based approach to risk governance. 

• Climate change
• Crisis management

Updating New Zealand’s competition settings: What directors need to know

Competition law review may tighten merger rules and reshape business growth strategies.

• Mergers and acquisitions

Climate as a purpose

Strategies to help NFPs integrate climate considerations without overextending capacity.

• Climate change
• Not for profits
• Purpose

Good governance for great outcomes

James Pomeroy says the Company Directors’ Course (CDC) “solidified” he is on the right track with his understanding of governance.

• Leadership

Accelerating business investment for a competitive future

Effective climate governance could give you a competitive edge.

• Climate change

IoD members named in New Year Honours list

Congratulations to the Institute of Directors (IoD) members named in the New Year Honours list.

Christmas wish granted for Pasifika leaders

Christmas has come early for 17 leaders of Pacific descent who have been selected for the Tautua Mentoring Programme 2025.

• Diversity

NZX Director Independence Review update: implications for directors

Changes announced will enhance robustness of governance practices for New Zealand-listed issuers. 

• Accountability
• Compliance
• NZX

Governance implications – 2024 HYEFU and Budget Policy Statement

Financial updates from Treasury may impact not-for-profit boards.

• Not for profits

Summer reading

Four books IoD CEO Kirsten (KP) Patterson is planning to dip into over the break.

The invisible chair: Wayne Boyd on a life in governance

A Distinguished Fellow of the IoD, Wayne Boyd has been deeply influential in New Zealand’s governance culture.

• Board dynamics
• Chairing
• Diversity

Mandatory climate reporting: Experiences from year one of New Zealand's regime

As we prepare for year two of mandatory climate reporting, lessons from the first year highlight areas of both opportunity and challenge. 

• Annual reporting
• Climate change
• Compliance

Governance news bites

A collection of governance-related news snapshots you might have missed in the past two weeks.

AI: too much information?

Yuval Noah Harari and Parmy Olson on how the race for superintelligence may amplify the worst of human nature.

• AI

Rodney Wong’s Success – finding points of light

Digging deep allows for positive change to take place at the board table, according to Palmerston North director Rodney Wong. Find out more.

• Board dynamics
• Decision making
• Leadership

Exciting, terrifying and valued in trillions – that’s AI

How are New Zealand directors dealing with – and implementing – AI? 

• AI

Australia's Cyber Security Act

New legislation aims to bolster the security and resilience of Australia's cyber environment and critical infrastructure.

• Cyber security
• From our sponsors

Good governance means asking the right questions

Director and community leader Arun Chaudhari MInstD shares how the Company Directors’ Course (CDC) has made a difference in his work.

• Diversity
• Leadership

Te Rika Temara-Benfell: “A path has been laid for us”

Young Māori leaders are carving out a path for the next generation – IoD’s Aspiring Māori Director Awardee is one of them.

• ESG
• Leadership
• Long-termism

IMHO: Why individual board members shouldn't direct management

Understanding boundaries is important for developing a good relationship between board and management.

Governance news bites

A collection of governance-related news snapshots that you might have missed in the past two weeks.

• Climate change
• Decision making

Advisory boards: what they are and how they operate

Advisory boards sit alongside governing boards and the management to provide insights that benefit both groups.

• Advisory boards

Ex-Port of Auckland CEO guilty of health and safety breaches

Former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson has been found guilty in relation to employee death in the workplace.

• From our sponsors

Accelerating gender pay equality

Every board should be focussed on addressing the historical imbalance of gender pay disparity.

• Board composition
• Diversity
• Organisational culture

The changing governance landscape – a large, slow-moving tsunami

Governance is shifting under new laws on trusts, societies, climate reporting, and health and safety. Boards must adapt to stay ahead.

• Liability

What it’s really like as a non-executive director

Three things to consider before becoming a non-executive director.

• Leadership
• Liability

What I'm reading - Katie Bhreatnach

Navigating megatrends and having an awareness of the how our biases inform decision-making, feature in this week's book review.

• Decision making
• What I'm Reading

Directors see NZ economy on the up

Boards are positioning their organisations to take advantage of an expected economic upturn.

• From our sponsors

First Steps in Governance awards for Canterbury directors

Three Canterbury directors have an opportunity to increase their governance experience and skills.

Cultural diversity key for boards

Sanit Kumar CMInstD joined the Company Directors’ Course (CDC) and reflects on the immersive course for directors reporting to boards.

• Diversity
• Leadership

Staying true to our values

Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo says in continuing to do business with the US we need to be clear about our values.

• Human rights
• Leadership
• Supply chains

Back to the future

When anticipating the climate of the future, remember the lessons of Michael J Fox.

• Climate change

A useful last resort: pursuing directors personally for unpaid company debts

What if you are owed money and you believe a director is in breach of their duties?

• From our sponsors

Governance news bites

A collection of governance-related news snapshots you might have missed in the past two weeks. 

Mike McRoberts: “Allow yourself to go there”

A pathway between Māori businesses and investors will help form authentic partnerships, according to Mike McRoberts. Find out more.

• Long-termism
• Te Ao Māori

Bringing startup expertise to the boardroom

Supporter of innovative businesses, Maria King MInstD was thrilled to see startup governance in the IoD Advanced Directors' Course.

• Innovation

Maxine Simmons on finding fresh inspiration at the Advanced Directors’ Course

Experienced director Maxine Simmons found fresh insights at the Advanced Directors’ Course. Read how it re-energised her approach.

Breaches of AML/CFT laws results in serious consequences

AML settlements should prompt directors to consider whether their systems and processes are up to date or require review.

• Accountability
• From our sponsors