IIA NZ Christchurch Event: May 2026

Mind the Gap - "Internal Control Weaknesses Through the External Audit Lens"

Event Summary:

Internal control weaknesses represent one of the most persistent and wide-reaching risks faced by organisations today, cutting across financial reporting, technology, operations, compliance, and governance.

As organisations navigate continue regulatory pressure, digital transformation, resource constraints, and heighten stakeholder expectations, external audits continue to surface recurring themes in control design and execution.

In this session, Grant Thornton panelists will share an external audit perspective on the most common internal control gaps identified over the past year, highlighting key lessons learned and outlining how internal audit functions can use these insights to enhance audit planning, focus on higher-risk areas, and proactively close control gaps.

Panelists:

Maria Wilson - Partner, Audit: Maria is a Partner in Grant Thornton's Audit team with over 20 years of audit and assurance experience across New Zealand and Ireland. She has led audits for a broad range of organisations and brings extensive insight into both regulatory expectations and practical control challenges. In addition to her external audit background, Maria has held senior finance roles within New Zealand organisations, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the implementation and operation of internal controls.

Priya Navalakha - Senior Manager, Audit: Priya is a Statutory Audit Senior Manager at Grant Thornton New Zealand, bringing over eight years of audit and assurance experience, including five years in managerial and leadership roles. She has led complex statutory audits and worked closely with boards, audit committees, and senior management to address governance, risk, and internal control matters. Priya has extensive sector experience across metals and mining, manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and not-for-profit organisations, having worked with clients in both India and New Zealand.

• Date: Thursday 7 May 2026
• Time: 4.30 pm - 6.30 pm (5:00 pm start)
• Venue: Grant Thornton Christchurch, Level 3, 134 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch
• Venue Hosts: Anh Hah and Grant Thornton Christchurch
• Topic: Mind the Gap - "Internal Control Weaknesses Through the External Audit Lens"
• Method: In Person

This is a FREE event.

Registrations are now open and will close on 29 April 2026

IIA NZ Event Overview and Refund Policy: https://iianz.org.nz/Site/terms-and-conditions.aspx

If you require assistance with registering, please contact events@iianz.org.nz