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Institute of Directors in New Zealand launches a new Taranaki branch

Monday 7 May 2012, 11:49PM

By Institute of Directors in New Zealand

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The Institute of Directors (IoD) launched a new Taranaki branch on 3 May 2012.

Chair Garth Clarricoats says that there is a strong demand for a locally-based branch among Taranaki business people. “It has already attracted at least 80 members and we are hoping to double this within two years.”

Previously Taranaki was run as part of the Wellington branch.

“As a region, Taranaki fills a fairly unique niche within New Zealand as the base for oil and gas explorations, a strong engineering industry and Fonterra. There are also many SMEs that may have started off as one-man bands and are now employing 60 people. Businesses need to embrace SME governance as a means of growing the business,” he says.

“Taranaki is not large, but our catchment is very wide. We see ourselves as being able to assist in creating a conversation between the Chamber of Commerce, SMEs, SOEs, not-for-profits and funding organisations. It is hugely exciting.”

The launch was attended by New Plymouth MP Jonathan Young, IoD chair Denham Shale and IoD CEO Ralph Chivers.

In the pipeline for Taranaki are regular speaker-led events, governance workshops and possibly an annual award programme for aspiring directors.