IIA NZ Audit Leaders Network Forum: May 2026

Overview:

IIA NZ is pleased to host the second 2026 Audit Leaders Network Forum - a key gathering of senior internal audit professionals from across Aotearoa New Zealand. This forum provides a space for Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) and Heads of Internal Audit to connect, collaborate, and explore innovative ideas to advance internal audit's impact within their organisations.

Criteria for Participation in the IIA NZ Audit Leaders Forum:

The IIA NZ Audit Leaders Forum is designed for Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) or those in equivalent senior leadership roles in Internal Auditing across New Zealand and the Pacific. Attendees must be IIA NZ members with significant experience and/or professional qualifications such as CIA, CISA, or equivalent certifications. Serving as a mentorship platform for senior internal audit leaders, the forum explores key topics in Internal Auditing, Governance, and Risk Assurance. It provides valuable insights and strategies to enhance professional practice and navigate the evolving Internal Audit landscape. These forums are conducted as closed sessions under Chatham House Rules.

Key Objectives of the Forum:

• Engagement with Global Perspectives: Learn about global and local initiatives and opportunities for leadership within the Internal Audit profession.
• Strategic Discussions: Deep dive into the evolving role of Internal Audit and its alignment with organisational governance and strategy.
• Leadership Development: Foster collaboration among audit leaders to share challenges, solutions, and best practices.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026
• Time: 10.00 - 12.00 pm
• Location: Online
  

Forum in May 2026:

Guest speaker: Guy Beatson - Director, Beatson Company Limited

Topic: "Inside the boardroom and C-suite: Walking in the shoes of boards and senior executives"

Summary: Leadership and governance expert Guy Beatson will take us "Inside the boardroom and C-Suite," exploring how internal audit can elevate its impact by truly understanding the psychology and pressures of the leaders it serves.

Drawing on his extensive governance and leadership expertise across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, Guy will challenge internal audit leaders to break free from the "SME Trap."

In this session, we will explore:

• The cognitive load of leadership: How to translate technical audit findings into the language of strategic risk, capital allocation, and organizational resilience.
• Differing pressures: The distinct anxieties faced by corporate boards versus un-boarded public sector Chief Executives, and how to tailor your assurance to meet their specific needs.
• Anticipating need: How to shift from providing hindsight on past compliance to delivering foresight in highly ambiguous environments.
• Leveraging the Global Standard: How to use the Global Internal Audit Standards not just as a compliance tool, but as a mandate to build trust and indispensable relationships with your ARC Chair and/or executive team.

Guy Bio:

Guy is an experienced leader with governance and leadership expertise across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors in New Zealand and internationally. He is currently Director of Beatson Company Limited, which supports directors, boards and senior executives navigating the complex strategy, risk and change management issues that they face.

Previously as General Manager of the Governance Leadership Centre and Registrar at the New Zealand Institute of Directors, he lead the organisation's research, advocacy, policy agenda, and governance support for directors and boards.

Guy also serves as Chair of Youthline Wellington, Trustee and Deputy Chair of Youthline Auckland, Chair of the Youthline National Helpline National Chairs Forum, and Trustee of Youth Search and Rescue. His previous senior roles include Deputy Chief Executive, Strategy and Organisation Performance at Te Puni Kokiri, and Deputy Secretary Natural Resources Policy at the Ministry for the Environment. He has also supported senior executives in a diverse range of consulting assignments.

Please note that this event fully online.

Registration Information:

Registrations for this event are through IIA NZ National Office.

IIA NZ Members: $FREE

This is a closed IIA NZ member's event. A minimum attendance of 10 people applies for this event.

Registrations are now open and will close on Wednesday 13 May 2026.

We look forward to welcoming you to this exclusive platform for Internal Audit leaders, designed to inspire growth, innovation, and collaboration within the profession.

Save the date - IIA NZ Audit Leaders Network Forum:

• 18 August 2026
• 3 November 2026 - IIA NZ CAE Forum 2026

IIA NZ Event Overview and Refund Policy: https://iianz.org.nz/Site/terms-and-conditions.aspx

If you require assistance with registering, please contact events@iianz.org.nz