Associate Director - Governance Development Programme

Type: Governance

Location:

Description

Associate Director – Governance Development Programme

Te Rūnanga o Waihao

Te Rūnanga o Waihao invites expressions of interest from whānau who are seeking to grow their governance capability and contribute to the long‑term wellbeing and leadership of our people.

This Associate Director Governance Development Programme is an 18‑month, learning‑focused pathway designed to support whānau who are interested in governance, leadership, and service and who wish to deepen their understanding in a supported, values‑based environment.

This is not a paid governance position, nor does it guarantee future board appointments. It is a structured development opportunity grounded in whanaukataka, reflection, and practical exposure.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute meaningfully to Board hui and wānanga, with attendance primarily in person and occasional participation via online platforms.

Programme Overview

Duration: 18 months

The programme provides participants with:

• Structured governance learning
• Mentoring and engagement with experienced governance leaders
• Observation of governance processes across Rūnaka entities
• Time, space, and support to develop confidence and capability

The programme is intentionally focused on learning and readiness, rather than remuneration for attendance.

What the Programme Includes

1. Study Grant

Participants will receive a tax‑free study grant of $1,000 per quarter (up to $6,000 over 18 months) to support approved governance, finance, or leadership learning aligned with the programme.

1. Mentoring & Engagement

Participants will be supported through structured engagement, including:

• Bi‑monthly meetings with the Rūnanga Chair to explore governance practice, leadership responsibilities, and reflection
• Quarterly engagement with the Holdings Board Chair, focused on operational, financial, and strategic governance
• Quarterly engagement with a TRoNT representative, supporting broader understanding of governance across organisational and Treaty‑based contexts

1. Observation Opportunities

Participants will observe governance in action, including:

• Incorporated Society Board meetings (observer role)
• Holdings Board meetings (observer role)
• Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• Optional observation of a TRoNT meeting
• Additional exposure to hapū, iwi, local and central government engagements
• Whānau and hapū events and activities

These opportunities are observational only and carry confidentiality expectations.

1. Formal Governance Training (Funded)

Participants will complete the following Institute of Directors (IoD) courses:

• IoD Governance Essentials
• IoD Finance for Directors
• IoD Audit & Risk

Who This Programme Is For

This programme is suitable for whānau who:

• Are interested in governance as service
• Are committed to learning, reflection, and growth
• Can make time over an 18‑month period
• Understand the importance of confidentiality, collective responsibility, and tikanga‑aligned conduct
• Are exploring governance pathways now or in the future
• Formal governance experience is not required.

Our Whānau‑Focused Appointment Process

Our appointment process is designed to be mana‑enhancing, transparent, and relational. We are seeking alignment and readiness, to create a genuine pool of interested whānau in pathways to governance.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Whānau are invited to submit a short Expression of Interest introducing:

• Who you are and what shapes you
• Why you are interested in governance development at this time
• What draws you to this programme specifically
• Any experience (formal or informal) that has influenced your interest in governance

Stage 2: (Written): Short Reflective Submission

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a brief written reflection.

This is not an academic exercise. It is an opportunity to share your thinking and values.

This stage may explore:

• Your values and how they guide your decisions
• Your understanding of governance as a collective responsibility
• Your commitment to learning, confidentiality, and service
• Your readiness to balance whānau, work, and governance development

Stage 3: Values‑Based Kōrero

Selected candidates will be invited to a kanohi‑ki‑te‑kanohi or online kōrero.

This kōrero will focus on:

• Values alignment with Te Rūnanga o Waihao
• Commitment and capacity to engage over the 18‑month programme
• How you approach learning, feedback, and growth
• What support you may need to participate well

This is a two‑way conversation, grounded in whakawhanaukataka and clarity.

Send your application, including a covering letter and CV to [email protected]

This EOI will remain open until 5pm, Sunday 9 August 2026.