Top 5 issues for directors in 2026

Directors in Aotearoa New Zealand are operating in a high-stakes environment - one that demands sharper foresight, smarter decision-making and stronger leadership from the boardroom. Governance is being redefined by accelerating change and increasing complexity.

The Top Five Issues for Directors in 2026 reflect the pressures boards are facing - from driving growth in a low-productivity economy to navigating AI, geopolitics and trust. They signal where governance is shifting, and where directors need to focus to lead effectively in the year ahead.

These issues are based on analysis by the Governance Leadership Centre and informed by insights from the Director Sentiment Survey. They reflect emerging trends in governance, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.

Top 5 issues reader - member only      Top 5 issues 2026 overview