7 May 2019

Directing the future of Waikato business

In the dynamic Waikato business community, the Institute of Directors plays a significant part in helping develop new connections among those seeking roles in governance.

Crombie Lockwood Waikato Branch Director, Simon Lockwood, is a big advocate for New Zealand’s Institute of Directors (IoD). As Chairman for the Waikato branch of the IoD, he believes that building an effective network in business is vital, especially where board positions are concerned.

“The IoD provide a good opportunity to network with other professionals involved in governance and executive roles,” says Simon.

"The region really has evolved into an impressively dynamic place to do business: with Hamilton becoming the fourth largest urban centre in the country, the opportunities for executive-level engagement in the city are many and varied.”

Simon says that the Waikato branch of the IoD has been very active in organising events featuring key speakers who are able to offer insights for both business professionals in the SME environment, and for the not-for-profit community. The IoD also fosters emerging talent in the field of governance.

“A distinct aspect of IoD’s aims is to promote women into director roles which we do through the Women in Governance initiative,”

Last year’s winners of the IoD Waikato Emerging Directors Awards were two Waikato women who demonstrated strong commitment to developing governance capability, and to contributing to well-governed organisations.

Carla Muller of Hamilton was announced winner of the IoD Waikato Branch Emerging Director Award, while Sarah Verran of Cambridge won the IoD Waikato branch Emerging Director – Disability Sector Award.

Carla Muller started her governance career in 2012 with the Massey University College of Business Board. She has been a finalist in the Westpac Women of Influence Awards for rural and young leader categories, and a winner in Hamilton’s “30 under 30” awards. As part of the IoD award, Carla has received a governance internship on the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) board.

Caring for a 10-year-old daughter who requires 24-hour care and support, gave Sarah Verran a new perspective on life and led to her focusing her energies on the social and disability sectors, particularly governance. As a way of pursuing a governance career, Sarah joined a community of practice 'Enabling Good Lives', and applied to be on a patient and whanau care board through Auckland District Health Board. Sarah says developing her governance career is a way of achieving her objective of advocacy and change within the disability sector.

“The IoD champions leaders such as Carla and Sarah as they further establish themselves in the governance community and contribute to boards of significance across the region and beyond,” says Simon.