Corporate social responsibility advocate wins Waikato director award
Hamilton man Kelvyn Eglinton, chief executive of Momentum Waikato Te Puaawaitanga O Waikato, has won this year’s Emerging Director Award granted by the Waikato Branch of the Institute of Directors.
Mr Eglinton will receive governance training and development to the value of $5000, including complimentary IoD membership for a year, mentoring with an experienced director, and a 12 month board role with Hospice Waikato.
Judging criteria for the award required the winner be committed to and have a sound understanding of governance principles, senior management experience, leadership and interpersonal strengths and be also committed to developing the Waikato business community.
In going for the award, Mr Eglinton said he was currently responsible for growing an investment portfolio $30 million and a multi-million dollar regional endowment fund. He has had leadership roles in mining, local and central government, urban growth strategy, and sport.
Governance was about bringing diverse thinking to the table and being aware of the risks and opportunities for the business, he said. It also involved focus on business value, reputation, and fiduciary responsibility on behalf of the shareholders and stakeholders and employees.
“Businesses will be expected to play a growing role in how they address impacts in social and environmental aspects of their business,” he said.
“My view after returning to New Zealand, is that NZ business response to corporate social responsibility (CSR) remains in its infancy. Waikato is relatively prosperous and enjoys good growth. Our patch leads the world in agricultural science and is a growing hub for logistics, education, healthcare and IT.
“The opportunity before us requires that we broker and align these advantages to address and resolve the region’s greatest needs and challenges.
“I believe the Waikato is on a cusp of major influence within the NZ business sector and needs greater exposure to Wellington and to business methods that enhance our value proposition within the international market place.
“Kelvyn demonstrated a high level of governance knowledge with a desire to develop further and has a passion to add value to the region through future governance positions,” said one of the judges, chairman Simon Lockwood. “It was clear to the judges that Kelvyn will add to the great tradition of previous winners who have gone on to contribute to the region through boards of significance.”
About the IoD
The IoD is a not-for-profit organisation and New Zealand’s leading professional body for directors, at the heart of the governance community. We believe in the power of good governance to create a strong, fair and sustainable future powered by best practice governance. Our role is to drive excellence and high standards in governance. We provide governance resources and tools to support and equip our members who lead a range of organisations – listed companies, large private organisations, state and public sector entities, small and medium enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and charities. www.iod.org.nz
Media contacts
Kelvyn Eglinton
022 687 6591 kelvyn@momentumwaikato.nz
Megan Beveridge
IoD Waikato Branch Manager
021 358 772 megan.beveridge@iod.org.nz