From classroom to boardroom: Massey’s governance course puts leadership into practice

Designed for experienced professionals, the course gives students the opportunity to step inside a boardroom, observe governance in action and contribute meaningfully to an organisation’s strategic oversight.

Over the six-month course, which is part of the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), students are placed with an actual governance board, whether a company, trust, advisory group or public body. They attend meetings, assess the board’s performance and produce a professional report with tailored recommendations. This experience enhances their understanding of governance and gives them something even more valuable: credibility.

Massey Business School Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jonathan Elms says Massey’s ethos is that there is no substitute for real-world experience.

“Our EMBA governance course immerses students directly in boardroom settings, where they engage with live governance challenges and contribute meaningfully to organisational strategy. By the time they complete the course, they are not only well-versed in governance theory — they are genuinely boardroom-ready.”

The course begins with a two-day intensive in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, followed by online seminars and mentoring sessions. Students explore ethical decision-making, legal responsibilities, risk management and boardroom dynamics, while also engaging in deep personal reflection around their values and leadership style.

Throughout the course, students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives through guest lectures from prominent directors and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Some guests include former chair of Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Rob Campbell, CEO of ANZ New Zealand Antonia Watson, Massey’s Pou Ākonga Māori Student Success Dame Farah Palmer and Chair of Medicines New Zealand Dr Lee Mathias, all who share candid insights from their time in high-stakes governance roles.

Assessments are highly applied and include a self-reflection piece, a comprehensive board evaluation and a personal development plan. The course is one of just three in the country that qualifies graduates for affiliate membership with Governance New Zealand, further positioning them for board appointments.

Graduate Ginny Gray, who now works as a Governance Specialist around the globe, says the programme stood out for its practical, hands-on approach. A highlight for her was the opportunity to observe a publicly-listed board over multiple meeting cycles and critically evaluate its performance in real time.

“It was practical and engaging. I ended up publishing that work, and what I learned during this course gave me the confidence to pursue my current role.”

For graduate Alison Chetwynd, a general manager in healthcare, the course marked a turning point in her career. Having previously served on a school board, she began with a sceptical view of governance, but the course challenged her assumptions and reshaped her thinking around board accountability and its impact on organisational health.

“I came into the course not interested in being on a board, and completed the course enthused and actively seeking opportunities to serve.”