​We’re excited to invite you to this OnBoard 2026 event as we welcome this year’s cohort, celebrate the directors and Host Boards involved in the program, and bring together the wider governance and startup ecosystem for a conversation on:

​10X Better Boards
Is Traditional Governance Dead?

​As companies scale faster, expand globally earlier and navigate rapid shifts in AI and technology, expectations on boards are changing too.

​Startups are often forced to make high-stakes decisions quickly, operate with imperfect information and adapt in real time. The best boards help companies think more clearly, move more effectively and navigate complexity without slowing momentum.

​What does better governance look like in the world we currently operate in?

​Join Serge van Dam, Dana McKenzie and Andrew Wierda for a candid discussion exploring questions like:

• ​Is traditional governance still fit for modern companies?

• ​What do founders and fast-growing companies actually need from boards today?

• ​How should governance evolve in an AI-driven world?

• ​Are boards creating momentum, or unintentionally slowing companies down?

​Alongside the discussion, we’ll also celebrate the 2026 OnBoard cohort and the incredible community helping shape the future of startup governance in New Zealand.

​This evening is for:

​🌟 Startup founders, directors and operators
🌟 Supporters and champions of the OnBoard journey
🌟 People passionate about better governance and diversity of thought in New Zealand startups
🌟 Anyone curious about the future of boards, governance and scaling companies

​We’d love for you to join us. Spaces are limited!

​Speakers:

​Serge van Dam is a founder, investor and experienced technology director known for his work across high-growth startups, AI and New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem.

​Dana McKenzie is an independent director, angel investor, and 2022 Arch Angel Award winner, bringing three decades of international executive experience to deep tech ventures and innovation funds across New Zealand.

​Andrew Wierda is the CEO and Co-Founder of Law Cyborg, combining his background as an EY and EY Law tax lawyer with deep expertise in AI-powered legal and tax research for professional services.

​This event is made possible thanks to our programme sponsors: DLA Piper, NZGCP, NZTE, KiwiNet and BNZ.

​About OnBoard

​OnBoard is on a mission to bring fresh expertise and diversity of thought to startup boards today, while building a pipeline of future independent directors for tomorrow. Through its flagship programme, OnBoard pairs emerging leaders from the tech sector with startup board roles and governance training to help strengthen New Zealand’s startup ecosystem.