_{09th July, 2026}

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

Application Criteria: 
Must be: 

• a member of the Waikato 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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