Introducing Dauniika Maclean of Board Administration Services

Dauniika Maclean is a seasoned governance manager and company secretary deeply motivated by a passion for good governance infused with innovation and creativity.

With an impressive track record, Dauniika's diverse background includes roles such as governance manager at Whakarongorau Aotearoa, company secretary at Partners Life, Ando Insurance and AMP, Te Kōmito Secretary at Unitec, Board secretary at New Zealand Health Group Ltd, governance specialist at Novelli, co-founder and committee member at EA Inc. as well as trust secretary at Te Puru Community Center Charitable Trust. Each of these positions has contributed to her versatile skill set and in-depth understanding of governance practices.

Harnessing her passion and diverse experience, Dauniika founded Board Administration Services Ltd, the ultimate solution for all the governance needs of companies. The team at Board Administration Services offers tailored services to Boards and trusts, such as governance advice, strategy, board evaluations, and comprehensive Board secretary and company secretary services.

Deeply connected to her Māori heritage as a descendant of Ngāti Koata, Dauniikai is committed to integrating rich cultural and personal values into her governance approach. This commitment allows her to embrace inclusivity and promote transformative governance practices.

Read on to learn more about Dauniika to gain insight into her take on the governance space and its future, as well as how her Māori ties have framed her approach to governance.

Q: Where does the opportunity for creativity lie in Boardroom governance?

When it comes to boardroom governance, creativity often lies in the problem-solving process. It's all about finding novel ways to improve efficiency, manage risks, and enhance stakeholder engagement while ensuring compliance. Additionally, creativity comes into play when the Board needs to adapt to changing circumstances (hello COVID!), such as new regulatory environments or changes in the company's strategic direction. It's a continuous process of innovation and adaptation.

Q: What are the main roles of a company secretary and how has this position evolved in recent years? How do you see the impact of this position changing in the future?

A company secretary wears many hats, from being the primary touchpoint for the Board, running all administrative functions relating to Board meetings, managing stakeholders, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and advising the Board on governance principles. 

Over the years, this position has evolved to become more strategic, involving risk management and corporate governance. In the future, this role will become increasingly important as regulatory complexity grows and the need for transparency, ethical standards, and stakeholder engagement becomes even more critical.

Q: What role do company secretaries play in foregrounding good governance practices within an organisation?

Company secretaries play a crucial role in advocating and implementing good governance practices. We ensure compliance with laws and regulations, educate Board members on their roles and responsibilities, facilitate communication between the Board and management, educate executives on writing good Board papers, and ensure the Board's decisions align with the company's mission and vision. Through these activities, we embed good governance practices within the organisation, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.

Q: How do you envision the incorporation of Māori values into the governance world on a larger scale? How does your heritage shape your approach to governance?

Incorporating Māori values into governance on a larger scale involves embracing the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection), whanaungatanga (relationship, kinship), and manaakitanga (hospitality, care). These principles can encourage more holistic, long-term, and community-centered approaches to governance. As for my own heritage (Ngati Koata), it constantly reminds me of the importance of these values, and I strive to integrate them into my approach to governance and business relationships.

Q: How can the governance world of Australasia – and globally – support and give back to the Māori community?

The global governance community can support and give back to the Māori community by embracing and integrating Māori values and concepts into their governance frameworks. It can also mean actively involving Māori individuals in governance roles, supporting Māori businesses and initiatives, and acknowledging the importance of Māori knowledge and perspectives in addressing global challenges. By fostering partnerships, promoting cultural exchange, and providing opportunities for Māori voices to be heard, the governance world can contribute to the empowerment and advancement of the Māori community.

Q: What key insight do indigenous cultures (i.e., Māori culture) have to offer the governance world in terms of business practices, interactions with their communities, and contributions to broader global issues, including climate change?

Indigenous cultures, like Māori culture, have much to offer regarding a holistic approach to decision-making, prioritising long-term sustainability over short-term gains, and deeply valuing community and environmental well-being. These insights can contribute significantly to sustainable business practices, community engagement strategies, and our collective response to global issues like climate change. By recognising the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental aspects, indigenous cultures provide valuable perspectives that can guide governance practices towards a more balanced and inclusive future.

Q: What direction do you foresee the governance industry moving in the next few years?

In the coming years, I believe the governance industry will continue to evolve towards more transparency, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability. There will be a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion, both in Board composition and in decision-making processes. Technological advancements will also continue to influence the industry, changing how we conduct meetings, manage compliance, and engage with stakeholders. Additionally, there will be a growing recognition of the need for ethical practices, accountability, and a focus on long-term value creation. The governance industry will adapt to meet the evolving expectations of stakeholders and navigate the complex challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Q: As a BoardPro user/partner, please share why BoardPro's software is such a valuable tool for Boards and organisations.

BoardPro's software is an indispensable tool for Boards and organisations as it streamlines the entire governance process. It provides an integrated platform for Board papers, minutes, actions, decisions, and compliance documents, significantly enhancing efficiency. The intuitive nature of the software, its secure and accessible platform, and the focus on governance best practices make it an invaluable asset for any organisation seeking to improve its governance procedures. 

By centralising and automating key governance functions, BoardPro enables boards to optimise their time, stay organised, and focus on strategic decision-making, ultimately leading to better governance outcomes.

Interested in exploring paperless portal options for your company? 

Schedule a demo with our team today and begin to experience a whole new way of meeting.