Guides and resources

Climate forum reader

This reader presents articles and resources selected to help directors thrive in a climate-changed future. 

• Climate change
• Leadership

Guides for Faith-based Boards

View our essential guides for faith-based boards.

• Not for profits

Governing AI

Resources to help boards understand and apply AI technology effectively.

• AI
• Cyber security
• Privacy

Health and Safety Governance: A Good Practice Guide

A guide to improving your organisation's health and safety.

• Compliance
• Resource

Director Download

Director Download is our fortnightly governance email update to members. We provide a list of back issues on this page.

Director insights: Starting the climate journey

Begin your climate governance journey with actionable insights from directors' experiences and innovative strategies.

• Climate change
• Resource
• Toolkit

Cybersecurity resources for boards

The reliance on online technology since 2020 has increased the risk of data privacy breaches, fraud and cyber attacks.

• Cyber security
• Privacy

Cyber risk: a practical guide 2023

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, it is a strategic one. This updated guide will help you lead on cybersecurity around the board table.

• Cyber security

Interests register and declaration of conflicts

IoD templates for directors to help manage conflict of interests.

• Conflict of interests
• Transparency

Mastering the art of managing conflict of interests

Recent cases show the pitfalls of disclosing and managing conflict of interests. Avoid unnecessary drama with IoD guidance for directors.

• Conflict of interests

Cyber incident response executive checklist

Includes checklists for boards and management. 

• Crisis management
• Cyber security
• Risk oversight

Hautū

Start your journey into te ao Māori with our new app.

• Te Ao Māori

Digital transformation quick guide

GNDI quick guide to help directors lead successful digital transformation.

Board appointment checklist

Self-assess your suitability for a board role.

• Board evaluation
• Due diligence

Conflicts of interest practice guide

This guide helps directors manage conflicts of interest in the boardroom and model good practice.

• Conflict of interests

Climate risk - key resources for boards

Boards must respond to climate-related issues to ensure the sustainability of their organisations.

• Climate change
• Reporting frameworks
• Risk oversight

D&O checklist

Assess the effectiveness of your D&O insurance cover.

• Insurance
• Liability

ABC of D&O insurance

Understand D&O policy structures.

• Insurance
• Liability

Chairing the board - video resource for community organisations

Video series designed to help leaders of community organisations step up to the role of chair. 

• Board dynamics
• Chairing
• Compliance

Forecasting the future board

Boards have a critical role in leading sustainable success for business and society – but they are under pressure.

• Board management relationship
• Purpose
• Stakeholders

Four Pillars 2021 edition - key updates

This information sheet provides an overview of the 2021 edition of The Four Pillars of Governance Best Practice for New Zealand Directors.

Co-operatives in New Zealand

Co-operatives are a major part of New Zealand’s economy. We provide an overview of the sector and governance values and principles.

• Board composition
• Director duties

Audit quality – a director’s guide

The FMA's 2020 guide sets out how directors can contribute to an audit, as well as what they can expect from the FMA and auditors.

• Audit
• Board committees
• Compliance

Takeovers Code quick guide

This guide helps directors meet their obligations under the Takeovers Code.

• Director duties
• Mergers and acquisitions

Guidance for distressed companies

Guidance paper provides practical guidance for directors who are considering issues of solvency.

• Covid-19
• Solvency

The new Privacy Act - key resources for directors

The Act comes into force from December 2020. Is your board and management team ready for the changes in compliance?

• Data
• Privacy

Global resources for not-for-profits

We’ve compiled a list of key global resources that are relevant to NFP board members in New Zealand.

• Director remuneration
• Not for profits

Achieving greater transparency: Important changes to lessee accounting

The new requirements see lessees bringing
almost all of their leases on to the balance sheet.

• Financial reporting

Global resources for members

Key recent reports and resources from member organisations that will also be of interest to board members in New Zealand.

• Cyber security
• ESG
• Future of work

The board's role in a crisis

Findings from interviews with chairs, board members and chief executives who have experienced major crises over the last 10 years.

• Crisis management
• Decision making
• Leadership

Managing cannabis impairment risks at work

The Business Leaders Health and Safety Forum has released a reflective guide which looks at managing cannabis impairment risks at work.

Solvency test checklist for directors

IoD checklist for directors which sets out considerations for assessing solvency.

• Covid-19
• Liability
• Solvency

KPMG - Guide for NZ business executives and directors

KPMG guide for New Zealand business executives and directors on the potential impacts of COVID-19 on key sectors of the NZ economy.

• Covid-19
• Crisis management
• Cyber security

Governance resources for SMEs

The IoD, working with business.govt.nz and the Companies Office, has produced a new suite of governance resources for directors of SMEs.

• SME

Develop your director skills

The IoD offers many ways to enhance your director skills. With comprehensive resources, formal training, networking opportunities and more.

Health and safety: A good practice guide for public service chief executives and...

The purpose of this guide is to provide practical support to Public Service chief executives, and other senior leaders.

• Accountability
• Due diligence

Board evaluation tips

Regular evaluation of board performance is governance best practice. These 10 tips help you get the most from your board evaluation

• Board evaluation

Cybersecurity fundamentals for boards

Cybersecurity requires board level attention and responsibility and is not just an IT issue

• Cyber security
• Risk oversight

What directors need to know about the new NZX listing rules

The NZX has released its long consulted revisions to the structure of the stock market, together with its revamped Listing Rules.

• NZX

Food safety governance guide

This guide, developed by New Zealand Food Safety, helps you to understand your responsibilities in relation to food safety.