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Templates to manage oversight, board decisions, and governance obligations — especially after you’ve raised external capital or have formal non-executive directors.
Good governance protects founders, meets investor expectations, and prevents expensive clean-up work later. These documents help you record decisions, run meetings, formalise director roles, and maintain transparency and compliance under NZ company law.
🚨 Disclaimer: The resources on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Use of these materials does not create a lawyer–client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified New Zealand lawyer.
📖 IoD’s Starting a Board Breakdown
Forming a board changes how a company is run — and doing it too early or incorrectly is hard to undo.
This guide from the Institute of Directors explains when a board is needed, how it differs from an advisory group, and what founders should put in place when formal governance begins.
Core Governance Templates (NZ-Prioritised)
Template | What it Is | Use When | Link / Full URL |
Board Meeting Agenda (NZ) | Agenda template for structuring formal board meetings. | Before every board meeting. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/board-meeting-resources/ |
Board Meeting Minutes (NZ) | Template for recording decisions and resolutions. | After every board meeting. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/board-meeting-resources/ |
Board Papers Template (NZ) | Standard format for board packs and pre-read materials. | When preparing papers for directors. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/board-meeting-resources/ |
Annual Board Plan (NZ) | Template to plan board meetings and priorities across the year. | At the start of a governance cycle. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/board-meeting-resources/ |
Director Appointment Letter (NZ) | Formal letter defining a director’s role and expectations. | When appointing a director or non-executive director. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/letter-of-appointment/ |
Conflicts of Interest Register (NZ) | Register for declaring and managing director conflicts. | Once you have a board or external directors. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/interests-register-and-declaration-of-conflicts/ |
Board Charter (NZ) | Governing document defining the board’s role and authority. | When formalising board governance. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/board-charter-sample/ |
Committee Charter Templates (NZ) | Sample charters for audit, remuneration, nomination, and other committees. | When forming board sub-committees. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/committee-charter-templates/ |
Advisory Board Toolkit (NZ) | Tools and templates for setting up a non-governing advisory board. | When working with advisors before a formal board exists. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/advisory-board-toolkit/ |
Board Meetings Practice Guide (NZ) | Practical guidance on how boards operate and make decisions. | When founders are new to board governance. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/board-meetings-guide/ |
Delegations of Authority (NZ – example) | Example policy defining which decisions are delegated to the CEO vs retained by the board. | After first external capital or appointment of external directors. | https://www.nzblood.co.nz/assets/About-NZBS/PDFs/100P008.pdf |
Documenting Board Delegations (NZ -example) | NZ guidance on how boards document and structure delegations to management. | When creating a delegations or authority matrix. | https://sportnz.org.nz/media/4746/approaches-to-documenting-the-board-s-delegation-to-the-ceo.pdf |
Board Evaluation – Quick Guide (NZ) | Practical guide to running a board evaluation (lighter than a full questionnaire). | Periodically once governance is established. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/board-evaluation-quick-guide |
Director Responsibilities Overview (NZ) | Plain-English overview of what it means to be a director in New Zealand. | When founders or investors become directors. | https://companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/help-centre/company-directors/what-it-means-to-be-a-director/ |
Distributions & Solvency Obligations (NZ) | Practical guidance on director obligations when approving distributions. | Before dividends or capital distributions. | https://companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/help-centre/shares-and-shareholders/distributions-to-shareholders/ |
Governance-Level Risk Management (NZ) | NZ guidance on board-level risk oversight and risk registers. Risk matrix. | When introducing basic governance risk processes. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/risk-management/ |