Auckland

The Next Directors Programme has been designed to develop and mentor individuals looking for a pathway to senior leadership and governance roles.

Applications will open mid-May 2026

About the 2026 Programme in Auckland

Developed by the INFINZ Emerging Leaders Group, the programme is now in its sixth year in Auckland and has been designed to develop and mentor individuals looking for a pathway to senior leadership and governance roles.

The programme provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals associated with the role of the board, being a director and the boards expectation of the senior management.

Attendees will also gain an understanding on how to become more influential and impactful in meeting the needs of senior management. The sessions will include topics on board principles and rules; governance and strategy; the role of the senior leadership team; and practical examples from industry leaders.

Each participant will be matched with a board/director Mentor who will guide them for a twelve-month period.

Each session is expertly facilitated by Lee Marshall, Managing Partner at Hunter Campbell, Recruitment Specialists.

The programme sessions will be delivered over a four-month period, with six two-hour sessions running from August to November 2026.

The participants will be a small group of like-minded individuals, with the integrity of the programme based on the calibre of the alumni.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Professionals looking at ways to add value to the board and senior management
Individuals between 32 - 45 years of age who wish to prepare themselves for senior leadership and governance roles
Those early in their governance career who wish to further develop their directorship capability

BENEFITS & OUTCOMES
- PARTICIPANT

Learn the fundamentals of what it takes to be a director and plan your path
Gain the confidence and knowledge to more effectively contribute to the board and senior management
Benefit from the guidance of a matched mentor skilled in the areas you wish to develop for twelve months
Develop a wider network through the broader industry eco-system via the alumni, speakers, and mentors
12 CPD Hours in total
Plus a year of mentoring from an experienced Board Director

BENEFITS & OUTCOMES
- SPONSORING EMPLOYER

Employee who is more effective at supporting the SLT and board
Supports retention of rising star
Provides significant growth and development opportunity
Exceptional value professional development

Programme Format

1. SETTING THE SCENE

Thursday 13 August 2026
7.30 am - 9.30 am

Opening breakfast, meet your fellow participants; look at your career direction; mentoring and programme expectations.

FACILITATOR:
Lee Marshall, Managing Partner
Hunter Campbell

2. GOVERNANCE 101

Thursday 27 August 2026
7.30 am - 9.30 am

Best practice; director obligations; corporate governance principles & rules.

SPEAKER
Kevin McCaffrey
Director: My Governance. Formerly Associate Partner EY People, Advisory Services; governance & change management at EY, IBM, PwC, IOD. Master of Governance, Massey University

3. THE MANY FORMS OF A BOARD

Thursday 17 September 2026
7.30 am - 9.30 am

From advisory board, not-for-profit, or sub-committee, to the dynamics and different roles of the board.

SPEAKER:
MJ Daly, Independent Director

4. THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE CEO

October 2026
7.30 am - 9.30 am

What does the board expect from their CEO and how can the Senior Leadership Team assist?

SPEAKERS:
CEO speakers to be announced

5. THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE CHAIR

November 2026
7.30 am - 9.30 am

Keeping up with diversity & culture; governance leadership; and the Chair's expectations of the CEO and management team.

SPEAKERS
Chair speakers to be announced

6. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT?

Wednesday 11 November 2026
5.30pm - 7.30pm
Hunter Campbell, Level 3, 13 Blake Street, Ponsonby

Graduation: Networking + Drinks
Participants will share with the group their learnings from the programme and how they plan to apply them over a relaxed discussion.

COST

The Next Directors Programme includes six two-hour sessions commencing from August until November 2026, plus a mentorship for twelve months.

Pricing will be announced mid-May 2026

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATIONS OPEN MID-MAY

To submit an expression of interest, email Faith Taylor at faith@infinz.com

WHERE

The sessions will be held at Hunter Campbell office, Level 3, 13 Blake Street, Ponsonby. Breakfast Sessions will include breakfast, tea and coffee. Final graduation will include drinks and nibbles.

TESTIMONIALS

"The Next Director experience provided me with a highly applicable and focused programme to help me develop knowledge of governance, tools and insights to help work with senior executives. The programme had a real community feel, with like-minded individuals from across our industry. I strongly feel that being part of this programme had a positive influence on being appointed to my current role."

NIGEL GRANT
HEAD OF WEALTH PRODUCT, ASB
"From the advice I received from well-respected industry leaders to the friends I’ve made, joining INFINZ has been an invaluable experience. I can only say that I wish I’d become an INFINZ member sooner."

LOURDAIZ AH CHONG
RETAIL SALES TRADER, FORSYTH BARR
"The organisation upholds values that I hold dear - honesty, integrity and professionalism."

CARMEL FISHER
FOUNDER FISHER FUNDS AND INFINZ FELLOW
"Healthy capital markets are vital to the NZ economy, and INFINZ plays a unique and important role in developing and maintaining that health”

DAVID MCLEAN
FORMER CEO WESTPAC AND INFINZ DISINGUISHED FELLOW
“INFINZ has enabled me to expand beyond my everyday network, with the range of members never failing to impress me, which I find valuable. The events and training INFINZ provided have been top notch, I walk away with practical knowledge from growing my career to how different parts of the financial service sector work.”

MEI ZI HO
SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST NIKKO ASSET MANAGEMENT