This year's theme

Bold Governance
for an Age of Change

Get equipped and inspired

In complex times like these, Gospel-inspired governance is needed more than ever. And yet, we hear stories every day of churches and Christian charities struggling in this area. Kicking off in August, our Governance Conference for 2024 run across Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington. Learn from our wonderful speakers and be equipped with practical governance skills, inspired by the Gospel, and informed about how to overcome challenges that lie ahead.

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Jade Hohaia
Wilberforce Foundation - Māori Strategic Partnership Lead
SEE BIO
Steven Moe
Partner - Parry Field Lawyers
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Roshan Allpress
National Principal & CEO - Laidlaw College
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Kris Morrison
Partnership Chair - Parry Field Lawyers
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Kirsten Patterson
Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors
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Judith Bullin
Partner - Parry Field Lawyers
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James Stewart
General Manager, Home Capital Partners
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Danielle Diprose
CA - Innovant Accounting Solutions
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Chris Clarke
CEO - Wilberforce Foundation
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Chris Bethwaite
National Administrator - Elim Church of NZ
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Scottie Reeve
National Director - Catch Network and Anglican Minister
SEE BIO
Hosted by:
Dan Mazengarb
CEO - Christian Savings Limited
SEE BIO

Book tickets to your nearest annual Governance Conference

Christchurch

28th Aug

Hosted at Oxford Terrace Baptist Church
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Auckland

4th Sep

Hosted at Curate Church
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Wellington

11th Sep

Hosted at ARISE Church
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I found myself feeling empowered to lead courageously, and seek to leverage the resources we have for furthering the kingdom. I appreciated the generous sharing of knowledge, experience and resourcing

Previous attendee

Sessions to attend

Session 1

Governing in Context: What does the Church look like right now?

By Scottie Reeve & James Stewart

Governance always takes place in context. To govern well requires us to understand what sector trends, changes and challenges are facing our organisation. Scotty will offer his perspective on the unique season the Church finds itself in. Scotty will be joined by James Stewart who will introduce the “State of the Church” report that offers us a data-driven lens for the Christian charitable sector.

Session 2

What is Good Governance?

By Kirsten Patterson

This session will give you the core pillars of what good governance looks like and the responsibilities you take on when accepting a role as an elder, trustee, director or officer. KP will deliver an easy to understand introduction to governance for those new to the role, but serve up a challenge to ‘old hands’ to keep engaged with changing expectations in today’s environment.

Judene Edgar will stand in for Kirsten in Christchurch.

Session 3

Lessons in Governance from the Royal Commission Report

By Kris Morrison & Judith Bullin

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care is sure to land heavily for churches, schools and other charitable institutions involved in care for vulnerable people. We will be hearing from leading experts who will walk us through the lessons for those in governance and what the Report can teach us.

Session 4

How Do You Measure Your Mission?

By Danielle Diprose & Chris Clarke

A core responsibility for those in governance is to keep its organisation accountable to its mission. But how do you monitor this, and how do you measure success? Hear from someone who has devoted her Master’s thesis to this very question. Be sure to be challenged and informed about the questions you are asking at the board table.

Session 5

Succession Planning: Governing with a long-term horizon

By Dr Roshan Allpress

Churches and charities are increasingly becoming concerned about where the leaders of tomorrow will come from. With declining rates of voluntarism and increasing financial pressure on charities, those in governance must act strategically to avoid a leadership crisis. Dr Roshan Allpress will walk us through the general state of leadership development in New Zealand and what those in governance must do to set their organisation up for the long term.

Session 6

Why Diversity matters in the Boardroom

By Jade Hohaia

Advocating for Diversity in the boardroom is a key part of Jade’s role with the Wilberforce Foundation as Māori Strategic Partnership Lead. She works with 125x charitable trusts who are hungry to engage iwi, make space for Pasifika and raise up female and next generation leaders in decision-making contexts. Diversity in the boardroom can create better understanding, compassion, impact, offers cross-cultural insights and good representation can lead to effective and sustainable solutions and outcomes.

Session 7

Realising Assets for Mission – Green Shoots and Creative Ideas: A look at exciting projects around the country that represent a bold and faithful stewardship of assets.

By Steven Moe & Chris Clarke

The assets of the Church continue to appreciate in value at a rate faster than congregation growth. In some parts of our ecumenical landscape, huge assets are surplus to Sunday requirements and therein lies a significant opportunity for Gospel-inspired stewardship. How should we be stewarding assets and what questions should we be asking about property at our board tables? We take a look at some green shoots popping up across the country.

Evening Session

Master Class

By Dan Mazengarb and Chris Bethwaite

Experience an engaging and dynamic evening as we delve into the world of governance through a captivating mock board meeting. Explore the intricacies of effective and ineffective governance firsthand, drawing from the day's themes. Whether you're a newcomer to governance or a seasoned professional, this interactive session promises to sharpen your skills and provide invaluable practical insights for building stronger organisations in the Christian sector.

See the Program

Book tickets today

Book tickets to your nearest Governance Conference. If you can't attend for budget reasons please contact us.
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