Tauranga City councillor and governance adviser Bev Edlin received the national ‘Excellence in Governance Development' Award at the GovernanceNZ and Women in Boards Gala Dinner over the weekend.

'It was a real honour to be recognised by my peers for the work I do,” says Bev. 'You know when your clients are happy because of the repeat business you get or the comments they make, but being acknowledged by those who work in the same field is truly humbling.”

Dr Bev Edlin, DBA, MBA, FICS, CMInstD. File Photo

Holding a doctorate in governance encouraged Bev to write articles on the various aspects of governance.

But closer to home she enjoys evaluating boards, and in particular, monitoring the improvements they make from one year to another. Placing directors or trustees on boards as well as teaching is only part of her involvement in this field.

As deputy chair of the Tauranga Branch of the Institute of Governance, Bev tackles topics and shares with her colleagues information that assists good board members to become great board members. Establishing new boards or mentoring board members/chairs or CEOs is another aspect Bev enjoys.

'Governance is challenging and always changing, it's so much more than just running meetings, it about having oversight of the organisation and that includes risk and reputation management,” says Bev.

In her current role as councillor Bev has worked with management to ensure council's Owned Organisations are continuously improving.

Tauranga City Council was also recognised for innovation, excellence, creativity and commitment to diversity when it took second place in the Excellence in Governance - Gender Diverse Organisation of the Year category.

Bev's award was presented by Minister for Women, Louise Upston, who was also the keynote speaker at the Gala Dinner which was held in Auckland.