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IIA NZ Learning Lab: 1 of 4 Workshops 2025

Are you ready to expand your knowledge and grow within the Internal Audit profession? Join us for the first of four IIA NZ Learning Lab Workshops in 2025, designed to provide members with engaging, practical, and insightful learning opportunities.

IIA NZ Learning Lab overview:

IIA NZ is excited to launch our bi-monthly Online Learning Lab Workshops, tailored to provide members with insightful learning opportunities that combine theory with real-world application.

These workshops offer a collaborative environment where participants can explore key topics, gain resources, and discuss practical case studies to enhance their professional expertise.

• Date: 27 March 2025
• Time: 12:00 - 2:00 pm
• Topic: "Enhancing Internal Audit through Integrated Assurance."
• Speaker: John Stewart and Avasha Singh-Naidoo, Co-Axiom - Co-Founders and Directors

John Bio: Co-Founder & Director | Governance, Risk & Compliance Expert

John Stewart is a seasoned governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) professional with over 35 years of experience in internal audit, corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance across New Zealand and international markets. As the Co-Founder & Director of Co-Axiom Associates, he provides strategic advisory services to organisations seeking to enhance their governance, risk, and assurance functions.

John has worked extensively with ASX and NZX-listed companies, financial services firms and government entities helping them strengthen governance frameworks, optimise risk oversight, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. His deep expertise in internal audit, project management, and financial services compliance has made him a trusted advisor to boards, executives, and risk committees.

John is an active Committee Member of the ISO/TC 262 Risk Management Committee in New Zealand, contributing to international risk management standards. He also serves on the Advocacy Committee of the Institute of Internal Auditors New Zealand, advocating for policies and initiatives that enhance the internal audit profession.

A recognised leader in the GRC space, John has successfully implemented integrated assurance models, outsourced and co-sourced audit functions, and technology-driven risk solutions. His ability to analyse complex issues, drive strategic risk initiatives and mentor emerging leaders sets him apart in the industry.

Beyond his corporate engagements, John is passionate about mentoring and developing future leaders, fostering strong governance cultures and contributing to industry best practices. He actively collaborates with regulatory bodies, professional associations and governance committees to drive meaningful change in the risk and compliance landscape.

Avasha Bio: CA | CMInstD | Co-Axiom Co-Founder & Director | Governance, Risk & Compliance Leader

Avasha Singh-Naidoo is a highly accomplished governance, risk and compliance (GRC) professional with approximately 20 years of experience in internal audit, assurance, enterprise risk management and regulatory compliance. As the Co-Founder & Director of Co-Axiom Associates, Avasha partners with organisations to enhance governance structures, strengthen risk oversight, and implement strategic assurance frameworks that drive sustainable business success.

With a Chartered Accounting background, Avasha has held leadership roles in financial services andconsulting environments, where she has successfully led complex risk transformation programs, regulatory remediation initiatives, and organisational change management. Her ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, navigate regulatory complexities and deliver pragmatic risk solutions makes her a sought-after advisor to businesses, boards, executives and risk committees.

Beyond her corporate engagements, Avasha is a dedicated board member, mentor, and advocate for community-driven initiatives. She actively contributes to not-for-profit organisations locally and globally, providing governance expertise and financial oversight to initiatives focused on social impact and poverty alleviation.

A natural leader with strong ethical principles, Avasha is known for her collaborative approach, strategic mindset and commitment to empowering teams.

She is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, fostering inclusive governance cultures and driving meaningful change in the risk, compliance and audit landscape.

What to expect in each workshop:

• Topic overview: Each session begins with an engaging overview of the focus topic, presented by an experienced speaker.
• Speaker insights: Learn from leading professionals in the field, who bring a wealth of expertise to the discussion.
• Curated resources: Attendees will receive resources (for example: links, podcasts or documentation) to reinforce learning and support ongoing professional development.
• Interactive case study: Each workshop includes a practical case study discussion, allowing participants to apply concepts in a real-world context and exchange ideas with peers.
• CPE credits: Members who attend the full session will receive Continuing Professional Education credits.

Why join?

The Online Learning Lab Workshops are your opportunity to stay up-to-date with emerging trends and critical issues within Internal Audit. Whether it's exploring Global topical requirements, Risk in Focus report topics or revisiting elements of the Global IA Standards, these sessions are designed to provide relevance and value to IA professionals at all stages of their career.

Who should attend?

These workshops are ideal for Internal Audit professionals seeking to:

• Enhance their understanding of emerging topics and challenges.
• Gain insights into practical applications through real-world case studies.
• Network with like-minded professionals and learn from experienced speakers.

Don't miss out. Join us for these engaging and valuable sessions to expand your knowledge, earn CPE credits, and take your internal audit expertise to the next level. Register today to secure your place in one or more of the upcoming Online Learning Lab Workshops!