The future of governance: global perspectives

Overview

Governance in New Zealand reflects our unique cultural context, yet our small nation is deeply intertwined with the global economy. Responding to global regulatory demands, economic shifts, and technological advances requires an outward-facing approach to ensure governance practices remain robust and future-ready.

This event features two distinguished speakers. Helle Bank Jørgensen , CEO of Competent Boards (Canada), will provide an international perspective, while Dr Denis Mowbray, an internationally connected New Zealand governance consultant, will offer insights bridging local and global practices.

Join us online to explore governance trends shaping the global landscape and ensure your board stays ahead of the curve.  Or if you are based in Christchurch, you are invited to join us in-person for lunch and to view the livestreamed discussion – register here.

Helle Bank Jørgensen 

Helle Bank Jørgensen, the CEO and founder of Competent Boards, was inducted into the Corporate Governance Hall of Fame by IR (Investor Relation) Magazine in November 2024.

A business lawyer and certified public accountant by training, Helle is an internationally recognized voice on governance, sustainability, climate, and nature and serves at the Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence, World Economic Forum (WEF) Expert Network for Corporate Governance, Leadership, and Emerging Multinationals; and as co-chair, global expert panel, Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) established by HM King Charles III, among other roles.

Originally from Denmark, she now lives in Canada, where she was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women in 2022 and recognized by The Globe and Mail as a ‘Global Changemaker’ in 2023. In 2024, she received the Corporate Governance Lifetime Achievement Award in New York City, and the same night, she received the Peter Dey Governance Achievement Award from the Governance Professionals of Canada.

Board members and executives in over 55 countries – many from Fortune 500 companies – have achieved certification from Competent Boards and have gone on to help their companies mitigate the risks and seize the opportunities presented by the ever-evolving governance landscape.

In addition to Competent Boards, offering the world’s first globally accessible board training program, Helle has a few other brainchildren, including the world’s first green account, the first integrated report, the first holistic supply chain program, many innovative business solutions, and the latest, The Future Boardroom, the title of her upcoming book.

Her Amazon bestseller, Stewards of the Future: A Guide for Competent Boards, was published in 2022 and has sold nearly 10,000 copies. She regularly contributes to FTs Agenda and Board Agenda and is interviewed by many leading publications. Before Competent Boards, she was a partner at PwC. 

Dr Denis Mowbray

With extensive experience spanning corporate, governmental, not-for-profit, and sports sectors, Denis has influenced the success of organisations across five continents. His groundbreaking PhD research introduced the concept of the “Third-Team” – the critical interplay between boards and executives that drives organisational performance. His unique blend of academic rigour and practical expertise has redefined governance standards by focusing on the behavioural dynamics and team characteristics essential for organisational success—moving beyond traditional compliance-driven approaches.

As a dynamic thinker, thought leader, and published authority, Denis bridges academic research with practical expertise, regularly sharing his expertise as a speaker, writer, and educator. He designs tailored training programs, conducts governance reviews, and facilitates strategic planning for high-profile clients, including Government Ministries in both NZ and Australia, corporates and not-for-profit organisations.

Denis is a Fellow and Vice President of the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI Global) and a Fellow of CGI NZ. His leadership roles as a chair, director, and advisor, combined with his academic achievements, have solidified his reputation as a trusted authority on contemporary governance challenges.

Through his work, Denis empowers organisations to navigate complexity and set new benchmarks for governance excellence worldwide. 

Lloyd Mander - Panel Facilitator

CFMInstD

Lloyd is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors’ and the Chair of the Institute’s Canterbury Branch. 

He leads DOT Scorecard, a research consultancy that works in NZ and internationally with boards and senior teams to enable them to understand their diversity of thought and to develop the decision-making culture that is required to realise diverse thinking.

Lloyd is a member of the Institute of Directors’ National Council, chair of the national Membership Committee, and is a member of the Standards Committee.

He is a director of Bellbird Hearing, an Advisory Committee member for St George’s Hospital, and the Advisory Board Chair for the Centre for Good Work.

Additional information

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.

See our standard terms and conditions for more information.

Contact

Sharynn Johnson
Canterbury Branch Manager

+64 27 228 6069
canterbury.branch@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Canterbury Branch acknowledges the generous support of