Governance Bites

In this episode, Mark Banicevich interviews governance expert Ian Fitzgerald, as he shares lessons from over 35 years in boardrooms in New Zealand and overseas. Ian breaks down what truly defines a high-performing board.
Discover the fundamental elements: trust-based teamwork, clarity of purpose, and diversity of thought. Ian reveals how boards balance short-term pressures with long-term value creation, the role of constructive culture and candour, and the power of regular board evaluations. Learn the critical importance of the Chair's role in fostering a safe, high-value discussion. Whether you're on a small company board or a large organisation's, Ian's advice on advancing the conversation and building collective value is a must-listen.
Ian Fitzgerald is an experienced company director and advisor based in Blenheim, New Zealand. A Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, his career in governance spans the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
Ian began his career at the NZ Treasury, working on public policy and international economics, before moving into executive roles at Westpac in both New Zealand and Australia. In 1998, he founded the professional services firm Burleigh Evatt, where he advised senior executives on complex strategic issues. Since 2012, Ian's main focus has been on directorships and advisory assignments.
His extensive governance portfolio highlights his diverse expertise. He is currently the Chair of the Niue Development Bank. His former leadership roles include serving as Chair of Public Trust, a Crown Entity; Deputy Chair of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand; Chair of Timaru District Holdings Limited; and Chairman of the Ngati Apā ki te Rā Tō Investment Company. He has also been a director for organisations such as World of Wearable Art and Kiwibank.
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