Waikato Management School Associate Dean Dr Leon De Wet Fourie and Pro-Vice Chancellor Jennifer Kerr
The University of Waikato is joining forces with the country’s largest co-operative to develop the next generation of governance leaders.
From 2027, Waikato Management School will deliver Fonterra's refreshed Governance Development Programme, drawing on the School's expertise in executive education, governance and leadership development.
The programme will equip current and future governance leaders with industry insight and applied learning to make an impact in the boardroom and their communities, while strengthening leadership capability across New Zealand's primary sector.
Waikato Management School Associate Dean Dr Leon De Wet Fourie (opens in a new tab) says the partnership builds on a longstanding relationship with Fonterra and reflects the University's commitment to building leaders who contribute to thriving businesses, communities and regions.
"The strength of this programme lies in its connection to practice. Working closely with Fonterra has enabled us to create a governance experience that is grounded in real issues, informed by leading expertise, and designed to develop capable leaders for New Zealand's primary sector," Dr Fourie says.
Fonterra established the programme in 2006 to help address succession needs across the dairy industry and rural sector, while building understanding of effective leadership, governance and co-operative business models.
Building on the programmes foundations, the refreshed programme offering will draw on the School's strong commitment to regional and rural development, its focus on practical, real-world learning, and insights from leading academics and industry practitioners.
Programme Director Professor Brad Jackson (opens in a new tab) will be the lead facilitator for the one-year programme, which includes three three-day residential workshops alongside online tutorials, assignments, personal coaching and a one-hour governance mentoring session.
Participants will put governance theory into practice through boardroom simulations, applied case studies, reflective learning and oral presentations, while developing an individual governance development plan.
The programme will also provide participants with the opportunity to further their leadership development through a pathway into the University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA). (opens in a new tab) Beyond the programme itself, the partnership will support ongoing collaboration through executive education, case study development and future leadership initiatives.
Waikato Management School Pro-Vice Chancellor Jennifer Kerr (opens in a new tab) says investing in governance capability is critical to the long-term success of organisations that underpin New Zealand's economy and communities.
"Through this partnership, the University and Fonterra are investing in future governance talent and creating opportunities for leaders to strengthen their capability, broaden their perspectives and contribute meaningfully to the future of New Zealand’s rural sector."
Jennifer is an experienced Chair and Director and is currently a Director of IAWAI - Flowing Waters Ltd and Waipa Networks Ltd. She is former Chair of WorkSafe New Zealand, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Callaghan Innovation and former Director of New Zealand Rugby, and Eke Panuku Ltd. Jennifer will also be attending each face-to-face session and teaching specific modules as part of the programme.
