Anushiya Ponniah, a Tauranga consultant with extensive experience in the health sector, has won the 2016 Institute of Directors (IoD) Bay of Plenty Branch Emerging Director Award.

The strategic manager consultant with PLG Consultancy Services, Ms Ponniah was recognised as an emerging talent in governance at an IoD Bay of Plenty Branch function last night.

IoD Bay of Plenty branch chairman Glenn Snelgrove said the judges were impressed by Ms Ponniah's commitment to supporting the community, and desire to build her governance skill and knowledge.

"Anushiya recognises good governance as being the foundation of great organisations, and has a real drive to grow her capability as a director," he said.

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Ms Ponniah stood out as having a strong commitment to improving her own professional development in the pursuit of adding the best value she could to future boards she may sit on in the region, he added.

In her application, Ms Ponniah said the award presented the opportunity to develop her skills so she could contribute, at the board table, to the growth of commercial and government organisations in the Bay of Plenty.

She has spent the last four years with PLG Consultancy Services, whose clients included a number of health boards across the country, and said she wanted to support local not-for-profit organisations, especially with a humanitarian focus.

"The skills, knowledge, experience and recognition I have developed over the past 20 years demonstrates a sound understanding of governance principles and best practice. I am committed to supporting the development of businesses in the Bay of Plenty."

The award package included $2000 towards IoD professional development, complimentary membership of the institute for one year, and attendance at all local branch events.

She would receive mentoring from an experienced director and be placed on the IoD Bay of Plenty committee board for one year. She would also be placed for up to 12 months on one of the sponsor placement boards - Kawerau Enterprise Agency, Tourism Bay of Plenty, or Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi.

Institute of Directors Emerging Director Award

Established to foster upcoming talent in governance through mentoring, formal training, and access to leading speakers at events across the region.