Sally Dunbar

About Me

“With over a decade of experience in governance, I am currently the President for Graduate Women New Zealand (GWNZ), a Board member for Chronic Complex Illness Support New Zealand (CCIS), and a Patron to Women in Compliance (WiC). Throughout my governance career, I have held Chair and Committee roles with various college, school and community groups, offering me extensive experience in governance across multiple sectors. I am passionate about empowering women and girls, particularly in business, graduate pathways, and education. I am dedicated to advocating for those whose voices may be underrepresented, including individuals with disabilities, and to ensuring they have access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. My commitment lies in fostering inclusive environments and providing strategic, meaningful support that helps individuals and communities reach their full potential. As a leader and mentor, I approach governance with a collaborative mindset, advocating for transparent, ethical, inclusive and effective decision-making that meets both strategic goals and community needs. I understand the complexities of governance and bring a well-rounded perspective to the boards I serve on, with the aim of creating lasting impact. As CEO of the Institute of Internal Auditors New Zealand and the Pacific (IIA NZ), I lead with a vision of organisational excellence, fostering a culture of innovation, education, mentorship, and continuous improvement. A key focus of my role is empowering members through education, upskilling opportunities, and mentorship programmes that drive professional growth and development. I bring extensive expertise in the professionalisation and legitimisation of a profession framework, supporting the establishment of recognised standards and practices that enhance credibility and trust within the sector. With a proven track record of successfully leading teams, navigating complex change processes, and delivering positive business outcomes in dynamic environments, I focus on enhancing organisational capability and aligning operational frameworks with governance strategies. By cultivating strong, lasting relationships with key stakeholders, I am committed to creating meaningful and sustainable impact. My leadership journey is strengthened by my recent achievement of a Master’s Degree in Advanced Leadership Practice (MALP) with Distinction with Massey University, alongside a Diploma in Project Management along with other qualifications. I trained as an Integrated Management Systems Lead Auditor with PwC. This diverse background equips me with the expertise to provide valuable insights into governance, operational frameworks, standards development, and risk management. By leveraging this knowledge, I help organisations achieve their strategic objectives with integrity and transparency, fostering leadership that drives success for all. ”