About | Chapter Zero NZ

Chapter Zero in New Zealand

Hosted by the Institute of Directors New Zealand (IoD), Chapter Zero New Zealand supports a community of non-executive directors navigating climate and nature risks and opportunities shaping board decision-making.

Guided by a steering committee and supported by our partners, we deliver news, resources, insights and engagement activities to help New Zealand directors build capability and confidence in addressing these issues.

Become a supporter

What is Chapter Zero?

Chapter Zero NZ is part of the Chapter Zero Alliance, a global network of board directors established in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.

With more than 30 active chapters across 70+ countries and regions, the Alliance supports directors worldwide to embed effective climate and nature considerations into boardroom decision-making and turn global net zero and nature-positive ambitions into measurable action.

Vision

To support a sustainable, resilient, climate- and nature-positive net zero economy.

Purpose

To empower directors and boards to embed climate and nature into governance decisions to create long-term value.

Why climate governance matters

Climate change and nature loss are creating new risks and opportunities for organisations. Investors, regulators and other stakeholders increasingly expect companies to understand these issues and take an integrated, strategic approach to how they affect long-term resilience, capital allocation and performance.

Scientific evidence confirms that climate change is accelerating and that pressures on natural systems are intensifying. These developments are already reshaping markets, supply chains and investment decisions, with implications for operational resilience, access to capital and long-term competitiveness. Our Climate Change Science Snapshot provides a concise overview of the latest science relevant for directors.

Directors have a responsibility to understand how these developments may affect their organisations and to ensure climate and nature considerations are appropriately reflected in strategy, risk oversight, and decision-making. This helps boards guide organisations through emerging risks and opportunities while supporting long-term value creation.

Climate and nature governance principles

The World Economic Forum has developed guiding principles for climate and nature governance to help boards:

- Build the skills and knowledge needed to oversee climate and nature risks and opportunities
- Embed climate and nature considerations into strategy, risk management and board decision-making
- Strengthen resilience and long-term value creation through effective oversight, transparency and accountability

The framework is supported by three governance foundations – skills and knowledge, stakeholder collaboration, and culture – and four core board responsibilities: oversight and responsibility, strategy, risk and opportunity, and disclosure and transparency.

The Chapter Zero Alliance brings directors and subject-matter experts together through national and regional chapters. Chapters commit to sharing knowledge and adopting the guiding principles to strengthen board leadership on climate and nature governance and support the transition to a net zero, climate- and nature-positive economy.

Become a Chapter Zero New Zealand supporter

Chapter Zero NZ connects directors across the country, along with others interested in governance, who want to strengthen their understanding of climate and nature governance and how these issues affect board decisions. Participation is open to both IoD members and non-members.

Through webinars, events, practical resources and insights from directors and subject-matter experts, Chapter Zero NZ supports boards to deepen their understanding of emerging risks, opportunities and governance expectations, and to build confidence in board oversight.

Supporters receive updates on Chapter Zero NZ events and resources, including access to regular free webinars and discounted Chapter Zero NZ events.

To receive updates about upcoming events, resources and learning opportunities, sign up below.