Governance diversity in New Zealand

This report examines governance diversity across 53 NZX-listed companies and 10 major Crown entities, with additional analysis of the S&P/NZX20. It brings together data on gender, estimated age, tenure, leadership roles, qualifications, professional background and governance portfolios.

The findings show that diversity cannot be understood through representation alone. While women hold around two in five board positions across the boards examined, they remain less represented in chair roles. The report also identifies differences in age profile, tenure and visible capability, including that technology and digital, and people, culture and safety experience are less frequently identified in director biographies.

Drawing on New Zealand and Australian benchmarks, the report considers diversity through four connected lenses: representation, leadership, renewal and capability. It provides practical prompts for boards reviewing composition, succession, appointments, director development and inclusive board practice, and encourages more deliberate consideration of the people, perspectives and experience needed for future decision-making.

Download the report