Associate Board Role

  • Developing future leaders

    The Associate Board Member role has been established to provide a development opportunity for the future leaders of Rural Women New Zealand and rural communities. It allows us to foster emerging leaders, supports our succession planning and helps us achieve a broader balance of skills and diversity.

  • Learn in a safe and supportive environment

    The Associate Board Member role is a ‘step up’ role aimed to attract candidates who do not have Board-level experience but could succeed in leadership and/or governance roles. This is a great opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, supportive environment alongside our Board.

  • Represent and promote rural communities

    The Board’s principal role is to drive the vision, governance framework, strategic direction, purpose, outcomes, and key results of the organisation. Additionally, the Board is to effectively represent and promote the interests of its members with the mission of supporting and representing rural communities, women, and children.

Apply Now

Include your Governance CV (link below for an example in ‘helpful documents’) and a Cover Letter.

Applications close at 5pm on the 10th of May 2024. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.

Requirements & Responsibilities

    • An interest in rural communities, women and children.

    • A willingness to learn and develop the skills required of a Board member.

    • Able to assess complex information and situations before reaching a conclusion.

    • Evidence of a sound team-working approach, the ability to support others, and work effectively with people of all levels.

    • Capacity and skills to give and take advice.

    • Able to show sound judgement in formulating and proposing difficult compromises and can work to reconcile different positions.

    • Some experience of dealing with diverse stakeholders but not essential.

    • Senior level and/or business experience.

    • Have completed some form of professional governance or leadership development and has a proven commitment to ongoing learning.

    • Integrity and high ethical standards.

    • Independence of mind and sound judgement with analytical capacity and the ability to provide impartial, objective and pragmatic input.

    • The willingness and availability to devote the necessary time to understand the work of RWNZ, the Board and membership.

    • Personal credibility and ability to work as an individual and as part of a team with a constructive style and the ability to actively listen, communicate and influence effectively.

    • An ability to develop a productive working relationship with the Board, staff and members.

    • Contribute to the overall strategic direction of Rural Women New Zealand. Contribute to the effective functioning of the Board.

    • Assist the Board in ensuring the efficient delivery of the Strategic and operating plans within budget, and to meet effective governance standards.

    • Assist the Board to provide oversight so that RWNZ fulfils its core objectives and complies with all statutory and administrative requirements under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

    • Assist the Board to maintain the highest standards of governance and member accountability.

    • Applicants are required to be a financial member of Rural Women New Zealand.

    • RWNZ policy requires Board Members to declare all conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest.

    • Upon appointment the Associate Board member will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.

    • The Associate Board member cannot be nominated for a full Board role during their associate tenure.

“When I first joined the board, I was so terrified that I was going to muck it up. I had all these thoughts about how I wasn’t experienced enough, that I’m not sophisticated enough. But it is such a supportive environment. You can be passionate and speak not only for your community, but all rural communities”.

Sharron-Davie Martin

Current Board Member

“It’s a fantastic Board to be a part of and an amazing organisation. Leading into our 100th year, there is a lot of movement into what our organisation will look like in the future. We want to encourage others to build their confidence, sit around the Board table and add their voice”.

Claire Williamson

Current Board Member