AI Governance Essentials
Wednesday 7 or Thursday 8 October 2026
Les Munroe Centre, King Street, Te Kuiti
AI is changing the way organisations work, make decisions and deliver services. But with every new opportunity comes the responsibility to use it well.
Our AI Governance Essentials course has been designed for leaders, managers and decision-makers who want to understand how AI can be used safely, ethically and strategically within their organisation. Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or already exploring new tools, this practical one-day course will give you the confidence to make informed decisions.
Throughout the day, you'll gain a clear understanding of what AI is (and what it isn't), explore the opportunities and risks it presents, learn about the latest legislation and regulations, and work through five practical governance principles that will help your organisation adopt AI with confidence. We'll also cover how to build credibility, align AI initiatives with your business strategy, and provide practical guides and toolkits you can put to work straight away.
By the end of the course, you'll leave with a solid foundation in AI governance and a practical framework to help your organisation embrace AI responsibly, confidently and with purpose.
Workshop Fee - $250.00 per participant
The cost of this workshop has been generously subsidised by the Trust's sponsors (normally $1250 per participant).
Course Facilitator - Matt Ensor
Matt Ensor, CMInsD, MEngNZ holds governance roles across aged care, the arts, and technology, including as Chair of NZ Barok, New Zealand's national baroque orchestra. He is a subject matter expert on AI for the IoD and chairs the AI Forum of New Zealand's working group on generative AI.
Through Kia Ora AI, which is dedicated to accelerating the practical adoption of generative AI in New Zealand organisations, Matt collaborates with boards and executive teams to explore AI's role in governance and decision-making.
How the day will look
8.00am - Registration & Coffee
8.30am start – 10.45am
· Introduction to AI
· Differentiating AI from other technologies
· Risks and opportunities
10.45am – 11.00am - Paramanawa | Morning break
11.00am – 12.45pm
· AI capabilities
· Legislation and regulation
· AI Governance - 5 Principles
. Understand your operating context
. Establish Boundaries
12.45pm – 1.30pm - Kai o te rā | Lunch
1.30pm – 2.50pm
· AI Governance - 5 Principles (continued)
. Align AI initiatives to strategy
. Prepare to experiment
. Monitor and optimise
2.50pm – 3.05pm - Paramanawa | Afternoon tea
3.05pm – 4:35pm
· AI credibility for the organisation
· Guides and Toolkits
4:35 – 5.00pm - Close of course
NKCDT Annual Governance Workshops
Building stronger Boards for a stronger North King Country
Each year, the North King Country Development Trust (NKCDT) delivers a full-day, in-person workshop designed to help board members of local and community-based organisations strengthen their governance capability. These workshops ensure that trustees, committee members, and governance leaders are equipped to meet their legal, strategic, and fiduciary responsibilities — supporting good governance, compliance, and long-term organisational successacross the region.
Our annual workshops bring in expert presenters from across Aotearoa, each specialising in a different aspect of governance excellence. Every year features a new learning theme, ensuring continuous upskilling and fresh perspectives for returning participants.
Who these workshops are for
These workshops are specifically designed for:
Trustees of charitable trusts
Board members of local or community organisations
Committee members involved in governance
New board members seeking foundational knowledge
Experienced trustees seeking targeted annual upskilling
All content is tailored to the realities of governance in rural, regional, and community-driven organisations.
Why NKCDT invests in Governance Training
Strong governance is essential for strong communities. By empowering board members with annual training, NKCDT ensures:
Better decision-making
Stronger compliance with trust laws and regulations
Higher-performing organisations
Improved community outcomes
Sustainable growth for the North King Country region
These workshops reflect NKCDT’s commitment to enabling capable, confident leaders who can guide their organisations effectively.
2025 - Risk Essentials
Strengthening trust governance starts with understanding and managing risk. The 2025 Risk Essentials Workshop focussed on identifying, assessing, and mitigating the risks that community and local organisations face - from financial and operational risk to reputational, legal, and governance-level challenges.
Participants learnt:
How to build and monitor a risk register
Best practice risk frameworks for community organisations
Roles and responsibilities of trustees in managing organisational risks
How risk informs strategy, performance, and compliance
Real-world case studies relevant to charities, trusts, and not-for-profit boards
This full-day, practical workshop provided the tools and frameworks trustees need to ensure their organisations remain resilient, compliant, and future-ready.
2024 – Financial Essentials
Our Financial Essentials workshop focused on strengthening financial literacy for trustees, including:
Understanding financial statements
Legal financial responsibilities under NZ law
Budgeting, forecasting, and oversight
Key financial controls and reporting
Recognising financial warning signs
This training helped local governance groups build confidence in managing their finances and ensuring transparent, responsible stewardship.
2023 – Strategy Essentials
This session explored the core pillars of strategic governance, equipping trustees to:
Develop and review strategic plans
Set meaningful organisational goals
Align operations with mission and vision
Monitor performance and outcomes
Lead long-term, sustainable change
Attendees left with practical tools for shaping the future of their organisations.
2022 – Governance Essentials
The foundation workshop of the series, Governance Essentials covered:
Roles vs. responsibilities of board members
Key legal duties under trust and charity law
Effective board processes and decision-making
Building high-performing governance teams
Understanding compliance and accountability
This workshop set the benchmark for governance capability in the North King Country region.
Stay Updated on Future Workshops
Each year brings a new theme and expert presenter. Keep an eye on our announcements to secure a place — sessions fill quickly due to high demand and limited spaces.
North King Country Development Trust supports local people and businesses through funding, mentoring, and capability-building programmes that strengthen our region’s economic wellbeing.
Our catchment area for business funding
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