_{09th July, 2026}

The Otago/Southland branch of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand is inviting applications for its 2026 Emerging Director Award.  This award is open to Otago/Southland members in the early stages of their governance career.   

Application Criteria: 
Must be: 

• a member of the Otago/Southland Branch or in the process of becoming a member  
• be in the early stages of your governance career i.e. with fewer than five years’ governance experience in an Independent and/or Non-Executive role. 

Cannot be: 

• a current mentee participating in IoD’s Mentoring for Diversity programme, Tautua Pasifika mentoring programme and/or an appointed Future Director currently observing on a Host Board.  

Application Criteria: 

• Demonstrates a commitment to developing your governance skills 
• Have skills and experience that would be useful to a board 
• Have at least three years’ experience in a senior management role; or as a professional business advisor; or from growing your own business; or from sitting on a NFP board or a small company board. 
• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of sound governance 
• Have not held a significant governance role to date.  Roles as a school trustee or officer in a local sports, school or community organisation or club are excluded 
• Association with either the Emerging Director Award sponsor and/or any local branch sponsor must be disclosed. 

What we need from you:  

• Complete the Emerging Director Award online application form
• Attach the following to your application:  
  • Your Governance CV 
  • A written submission addressing each of the following subjects (no more than 500 words per subject) 
  • What motivates you to aspire to pursue a career in governance? 
  • What value do you believe you will bring to a board? 
  • What steps have you taken towards a career in governance?  

Award Prize:  

• Complimentary membership with the IoD for 12 months 
• Complimentary attendance at all local branch functions for 12 months
• Mentoring or placement on a board as an observer for 12 months (varies across branches)
• A financial contribution of $2,000 towards IoD professional development (must be used by December 2027) 

Applications Close:  5pm 7 August 2026
For further information please contact: megan.beveridge@iod.org.nz

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