Chapter Zero NZ breakfast | Profit and the planet: (In)convenient truths
Overview
Facing up to truths about the sustainability of existing business models can be … inconvenient. But directors need to recognize that their business and the economy more broadly ultimately rely on our environment to function. This is universally true but particularly so in the case in a land-based economy like New Zealand. What does a truly sustainable business look like and what do business leaders need to do to get there? How do business leaders square the circle of shareholder demand’s for growth and the maximisation of short-term profits with inconvenient conversations about the long-term environmental trends? More importantly, what is the role of business in the broader public debate and political economy of a transition to a sustainable economy?
Dr Rod Carr CFInstD is finishing his five-year term as inaugural Chair of the Climate Change Commission with some key messages for directors. Dr Carr will give a valedictory address with some challenges and opportunities for directors and a call to action recognising their role in supporting our communities and businesses to transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy.
Ticket pricing
IoD member price: $130 incl GST
Non-member price: $170 incl GST
Chapter Zero NZ Supporters receive a 20% discount for this event with the code SUPPORTER8NOV. It is free to become a Supporter, join now.
Table sales are available for this event for $1025.00 incl GST for a table of ten. Subject to availability at the time of booking. For enquiries or bookings, please contact Gemma Fellowes.
Speakers
Rt Hon Simon Upton
Simon Upton was sworn in as Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment for his first five-year term in October 2017. He is now in his second term as Commissioner.
Mr Upton is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and a Rhodes Scholar, with degrees in English literature, music and law from the University of Auckland, and an MLitt in political philosophy from Oxford University. He was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council in 1999.
As a Member of Parliament between 1981 and 2000, Mr Upton held a variety of ministerial portfolios including environment, research, biosecurity, health and state services between 1990 and 1999.
After leaving Parliament, Mr Upton moved to Paris to chair the Round Table on Sustainable Development at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2005, he returned to New Zealand to pursue a number of private sector roles while continuing to chair the Round Table.
In April 2010 he returned to the OECD full time as Environment Director, a post he held for seven years until returning to take up the role of Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
Dr Rod Carr
CFinstD
Dr. Rod Carr was appointed for a five-year term as founding chair of He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission in December 2019. The Commission has established a reputation for independent, expert advice on climate policy. Rod has given over 500 presentations, webinars and interviews on climate policy since his appointment.
Previously Rod spent ten years as Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury during which time he also served as a non-executive director and Chair of the Board of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, a director of the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce and a number of other private and public company boards. He is currently an independent director of ASB bank.
In 2022 Rod served in a personal capacity on a High-Level Expert Group which advised the Secretary General of the United Nations on the credibility of non-state actor net zero emission claims. The Report, endorsed by the Secretary General, was delivered at COP 27.
Rod has run 23 marathons including in the Antarctic, on Easter Island and in 2019 in North Korea and inside the Polar Circle. Rod has been married to Jenny for over 40 years, they have four adult children and four grandchildren, all living in New Zealand.
Rod has been legally blind since birth.
Additional information
Event cancellation policy
Cancellation within 30 days of the event; a 50% refund will apply.
Cancellation within 14 days of the event; no refund will apply.
Additional requirements
Should you have any particular dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.
Transportation
Please think sustainably and responsibly when travelling to this event.
Covid-19 precautions
By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our Covid-19 health and safety measures. If you are unwell or have any Covid-19 symptoms please do not attend this event.
Contact
If you wish to contact us about the event, please email:
Kristyn Chandler-Yates
National Sponsorship and Events Manager
+64 27 207 2592
Kristyn.Chandler-Yates@iod.org.nz
The Institute of Directors New Zealand (IoD) launched Chapter Zero New Zealand in March 2022. It is the home for climate change governance at the IoD and aims to support directors to meet their fiduciary duties by supporting them with the skills, tools, processes and information they need to act and guide their companies through the challenges of climate change. For more information and to be kept up to date with the latest events, webinars and resources sign up here.
Foundation Partners
Chapter Zero New Zealand acknowledges the generous support of:
