IIA NZ History: Formation of Internal Audit in New Zealand

Internal audit in New Zealand began with IIA members originally being part of the Sydney Chapter. The Wellington Chapter was established, holding its inaugural meeting on 21 September 1972 at Databank House. Murray Roberts, who joined the Sydney Chapter on 6 October 1964, was elected as the first Chapter President. He served in this role until 1975 and was later elected to the Board of Governors in 1975, 1976, and 1977. In recognition of his pivotal role in establishing the Institute in New Zealand, he was made an Honorary Member and later a Life Member.

The Auckland Chapter followed, forming in February 1978. The need for the two Chapters to collaborate led to discussions about forming a National Institute, driven by the late Peter Whyte and the late Michael Chivers. Chapter representatives met at the Chateau on 30 June 1984 to explore this idea. The National Institute was officially registered as an Incorporated Society on 3 December 1985. The National Institute of New Zealand was then launched on 1 June 1986, after obtaining special dispensation from The IIA Inc.

Key Milestones:

• NZ auditors initially joined the Sydney Chapter.
• The Wellington Chapter was established on 21 September 1972.
• The Auckland Chapter was formed in February 1978.
• Chapter representatives met at the Chateau on 30 June 1984 to discuss forming a National Institute.
• Recognised and incorporated as The Institute of Internal Auditors New Zealand Inc. under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 on the 3rd day of December 1985.
• The National Institute of New Zealand was launched on 1 June 1986

Incorporated Society Name: THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNAL AUDITORS NEW ZEALAND INCORPORATED
NZBN: 9429042870388
Incorporation Number:286440
Incorporated Society Status: Registered

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IIA NZ Reflections 2025

As part of the IIA NZ 40th Anniversary Conference 2025 Week celebrations, Russell Third, IIA NZ Life Member and the longest-serving member of IIA NZ, has taken on the role of historian, gathering stories and insights from many of our past Board Presidents, Chairs, and those who have profoundly supported the internal audit profession in New Zealand for over 53 years, since it first arrived on the shores of Wellington.

Russell has produced the IIA NZ Reflections 2025 booklet — a true labour of love and dedication to the profession. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Russell and to everyone who so generously shared their time, memories, and contributions to bring this historical record to life over the past 12 months.

We hope you enjoy reading this special publication as much as we have.

IIA NZ Reflections 2025 (Live Document) – CLICK HERE (link to be added Tuesday, 4 November 2025)

If you have any information, stories, or historical insights you wish to contribute to the IIA NZ Reflections document, please contact Russell Third, IIA NZ Historian, HERE.

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We would like to express our gratitude to our past Board Presidents/Chairs, Committees, and Members who have played a significant role in the organisation’s growth and success over the years. We also want to honour and acknowledge the following Life Members for their exceptional contributions.

IIA NZ Life Members
David	Sutton	ASB	Auckland
Ross	Dunn		Hawkes Bay
James	Jong	Ministry of Education	Wellington
Bernadette	McKendrey	Self-employed	Wellington
Souella	Cumming	Souella Cumming Advisory	Wellington
Russell	Third	Troubadour Consulting	Wellington
Brian	Robb	Ministry of Education	Wellington
IIA Life Member with The IIA:
Jason	Wood	Triple Ledger Limited	Auckland

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The title of Fellow Member (FIIA NZ) is awarded by the IIA NZ Board to recognise individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the advancement of the internal audit profession in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Fellows embody the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, contributing significantly to the growth, visibility, and credibility of IIA NZ through their sustained dedication and expertise. We proudly acknowledge and thank our Fellows for their continued contribution to strengthening the profession and inspiring future generations of internal auditors.     

IIA NZ Fellow Member

Updated on 31 October 2025