MAYFIELD COURSES
Governance Development Programme
On Mayfield’s flagship six-month programme, our highly experienced facilitators, contributors, and coaches equip participants with the key skills needed to make more effective contributions on a board.
Our Governance Development Programme is suitable for both current and aspiring directors, and senior leaders.
The programme is structured around the four core themes of governance: risk, legal, strategy, and finance - the essentials you need to take the next step in your governance journey.
Workshops, one-on-one coaching and monthly group tutorials
Experienced facilitators with backgrounds as Chairs, Directors, and CEOs
Suitable for private organisations, not-for-profit entities, and cooperatives
Register for Mayfield’s next Governance Development Programme.
Registrations close for our next Governance Development Programme on October 1 2025 (or until full).
Workshop one - 15-17th October 2025 in Auckland
Workshop two - April 2026 in Auckland
Your pathway to effective governance
Mayfield Group’s board governance training is designed to give participants the confidence to start making more effective contributions around the board table. You will:
Separating governance, management and representation matters
Deep-dive into risk and strategy
Finance for directors including capital allocation
Board dynamics including working as a team and understanding personalities
Compliance, director duties and legal, including H&S and Companies Act
Effective board processes and practices i.e agendas, minutes and annual work plans
Negotiating and influencing around the board table
Individual vs collection decision-making
Directors as leaders - culture, chair role
Board composition including diversity and succession
Future themes: Climate change, ESG, people retention, AI and technologies
Live board simulation exercise
Experienced governors panel
Governance Development Programme structure
Two three-day focused workshops
During two three-day workshops in Auckland, our experienced facilitators will share practical insights and knowledge to inform your own governance journey.
Build relationships with current and aspiring directors, senior leaders, and specialists from a range of New Zealand business sectors. You’ll develop a valuable network of peers to call on for advice, collaboration, and support throughout your governance journey.
Personalised one-on-one-coaching
In one-on-one coaching sessions, Mayfield’s coaches will help you define your goals and design a practical pathway to achieve them.
Your coach will work with you to ensure you’re making progress on your governance goals. You’ll record your learnings, your desired direction and intention, while growing in self-awareness.
Monthly online tutorials
Consolidate what you’ve learnt in monthly online tutorials with a smaller group of 4-5 professionals, facilitated by an experienced programme director.
In these sessions, you’ll network while discussing real-world governance issues, including case studies where a board has faced significant challenges.
Course content
Governance Foundations
Build a strong foundation in governance by exploring the governance context, legal and fiduciary duties of directors, and board accountabilities. Understand health and safety responsibilities and how effective board practices and processes drive integrity and compliance.
Strategy, Risk and Performance
Understand finance and performance reporting, sharpen your critical and strategic thinking, and apply practical risk frameworks using our hands-on risk toolkit. Strengthen your ability to evaluate strategy, manage uncertainty, and contribute to sustainable organisational success.
Reputation and Communication
Learn how to anticipate and manage risks that impact organisations and boards. Enhance your critical thinking skills, explore the importance of reputation and communication, and understand how technologies and social media are reshaping governance.
Future Trends: What Boards Need to Know
Gain an understanding of the rapidly changing governance landscape. Understand the impact of AI, the risks of misinformation, cyber threats and emerging regulatory pressures. Learn how to ask the right questions, assess risks with confidence and ensure your organisation is prepared for what’s next.
Decision-Making and Board Dynamics
Improve your effectiveness in the boardroom by understanding individual and group decision-making. Learn how dynamics at the table influence outcomes, and how to apply practical frameworks to ensure decisions are well-informed, inclusive, and strategically aligned.
Applied Learning and Peer Engagement
Explore case studies, take part in live board simulation exercises, and benefit from interactive sessions with an experienced directors discussion panel. Strengthen your skills in individual and group decision-making while networking with peers from a broad spectrum of NZ businesses.
Learn from New Zealand’s top CEOs, Directors and Board Chairs.
Mayfield’s six-month governance development programme is delivered by highly experienced facilitators, contributors, and coaches with proven track records leading New Zealand’s businesses and organisations.
Registration and funding
Course fees cover general course-related expenses including, materials, mentoring and coaching. Travel and accommodation are not included.
To register your interest or enquire about programme fees, please fill out the enquiry form.
Are you eligible for programme funding?
Mayfield Group has a number of funding option for you to explore. Please ask us about how we can help you.
Mayfield has welcomed participants from:
