The programme, which includes mentoring by local and national senior directors, provides training, guidance and support in governance issues for new directors as well as individuals who report to boards.
Nelson-based Dr Brian Rhoades was the final course presenter and spoke to the 22 graduates attending the function last night.
Dr Rhoades' experience includes manufacturing and company management with the AHI/Carter Holt Harvey Group and he is a former chief executive of Sealord Products. He has served on the boards of more than 30 listed and unlisted companies and not-for-profit organisations.
Dr Rhoades is chairman of the Forest Industries Training and Education Council, with Ngai Tahu Seafood, Polytechnics International NZ and is a director of the NZ Forest Research Institute.
Otago Southland branch graduate Rick Wellington, a Dunedin-based director of Image Services and business manager of Preens Apparelmaster, said the course provided valuable knowledge on the complex issues of company governance, management and board responsibilities, and how similar issues were encountered within completely different sectors.
"The diverse backgrounds of the guest speakers kept the course fresh and it was often interactive," Mr Wellington said.
The 10-month part-time Regional Director Development Programme resumes in March next year as the Governance Development Programme.
Graduates are: Sarah Alcock, Craig Foley, Chris Sutherland, Sarah Simmers, Peter McIntyre, Rick Wellington, Stephen Lorimer, James Lovelock, Dave Shelton, Ginny Green, Peter Ford, Richard Roberts, Anna Campbell, Damian Black, David Crosland, Teresa Chan, Chris Lucas, John Whitaker, Tony Wilson, Eleanor Linscott, Richard Greatbanks, Ian Sutherland and Rachel McLauchlan.
