Double award recognises abundance of Waikato governance talent
Solicitor Amanda Hockley MInstD and sports executive Andrew Corkill CMInstD have received Emerging Directors Awards from the Waikato branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD).
The Waikato Emerging Director Award was established to foster upcoming talent in governance through mentoring, formal training and practical experience. This year, two awards were made in light of the high quality of applications, says branch Chair Simon Lockwood, CFInstD.
“The 2023 Emerging Director award presented the judging panel with a depth of talent we had not seen previously. From the finalists, each one could have been a winner but the panel had to decide on who would join the sponsoring board, WEL Networks,” Lockwood says.
“After much deliberation Amanda Hockley took the Award and place on the board. Amanda showed great insights into goverance and demonstrated a practical as well as world view which will be invaluable to Amanda’s governance journey.”
However, WEL Energy Trust Networks Chair Rachel Afeaki CMInstD was so impressed by the talent pool that she decided to offer an additional placement on her board. This enabled the judging panel to grant and additional 2023 Emerging Director Award to Andrew Corkill.
“The WEL Energy Trust Board is pleased to support the Waikato’s NZ Institute of Directors 2023 Emerging Directors award programme. Congratulations to Andrew,” Afeaki says.
“The Trust board in conjunction with WEL Networks, who are also supporting the Emerging Directors programme, envisage the learnings in the boardroom will be reciprocal and beneficial for all.”
Although not the recipient of an Emerging Director Award, Lauren Bruce was also asked to join a board, Enrich+, reflecting the incredible quality of the 2023 applicants, Lockwood says.
“This was a truly unique year in the history of this award as it sets new highs in attracting and developing future governors for the region,” Lockwood says.
About the winners
Amanda believes in giving back to the community and has significant experience in charitable trusts, including in her roles with ConneXu, a disability support service, Angel Casts, which supports whānau through child loss, and Age Concern Waikato, an organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older people. She is also a member of the Auckland District Law Society trust law committee.
A director of law firm McCaw Lewis, she leads the asset planning team providing advice to clients and their wider families on the structuring of their assets to ensure that their wishes are achieved.
Andrew works at Sport NZ and has built a governance career across a variety of not-for-profit roles across sport, health and education in the Waikato. He is currently a board member (and former chair) of Progress to Health, a community organisation supporting people with long-term mental health conditions. He is also long-time chair of Te Ao Mārama Primary School, and a new Trustee for Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust.