Elected Trustee Position | Three Year Term
Sport Northland is seeking applications from individuals interested in being considered for one elected Trustee position on the Sport Northland Board for a three-year term.
Sport Northland is one of 14 Regional Sports Trusts nationwide and is a registered charitable trust with a core purpose, "To enrich Northlanders' lives by inspiring and enabling more movement."
The Trust delivers services and activities across play, active recreation, and sport settings throughout Te Tai Tokerau. In addition, Sport Northland owns and manages McKay Stadium, Kensington Fitness, and Northland Sports House, while also owning and overseeing the management of the Whangārei Aquatic Centre, the Bay of Islands Recreation Centre, and the Kauri Coast Community Pool.
Sport Northland employs more than 80 people (55 FTEs), has an annual turnover exceeding $10 million, and manages assets valued at over $38 million.
Our Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Sport Northland acknowledges that He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni (He Whakaputanga) and Te Tiriti o Waitangi are Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding documents. Sport Northland is committed to upholding the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which includes both the articles (Kāwanatanga, Tino Rangatiratanga, Ōritetanga and Wairuatanga) and the principles (Partnership, Protection and Participation).
The board values the distinctiveness that tangata whenua bring to physical activity and Northland’s success on a local, regional and world stage and believes that a strong bi-cultural foundation is critical to our identity and wellbeing.
About the Board
The Sport Northland Board is a governance-focused board that meets eight times annually. Meetings are held on Monday evenings and generally last less than three hours. Trustees are also expected to participate in several additional commitments throughout the year, including Board sub-committee meetings, governance development opportunities, and the Sport Northland Annual General Meeting held in November.
The Board comprises eight Trustees:
- Three elected members
- Two appointed Māori members
- Two Council representatives
- One iwi representative appointed by Te Kahu o Taonui
This structure reflects the Board's commitment to maintaining 50% Māori representation. The Board is led by two Co-Chairs, comprising a Tangata Whenua Co-Chair and a Tangata Tiriti Co-Chair.
This position is remunerated in recognition of the governance responsibilities, time commitment, and contribution Trustees make to the strategic leadership and oversight of Sport Northland.
The term of appointment is three years.
Election Process
This year, Sharon Carroll has reached the end of her three-year term and is seeking re-election, as provided for under the Sport Northland Constitution.
As this is an elected Trustee position, the successful candidate will be determined through a voting process involving Sport Northland's affiliated Regional Sports Organisations (RSOs). All applications will first be assessed by the Board Appointments Panel, which will evaluate candidates against the Board's desired skills and experience profile and endorse suitable applicants to be put forward for election.
Voting eligibility extends to all affiliated Regional Sports Organisations and current Sport Northland Trustees. The election process will be conducted prior to the Annual General Meeting, with the result formally ratified by the membership at the AGM.
Ideal Applicant
The Board is seeking candidates who can contribute to a high-performing governance team and who demonstrate a commitment to the future success of Sport Northland and the communities it serves.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- Previous governance experience, ideally on a governance-only board.
- A strong commitment to Te Ao Māori and an appreciation of the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in contemporary governance.
- A passion for continuous governance learning and professional development.
- Strategic thinking skills, with the ability to focus on long-term opportunities and opportunities for impact.
- Financial literacy and the ability to contribute to discussions relating to organisational performance, risk, and sustainability.
- Knowledge of, or connections to, the play, active recreation, and sport sector.
- The confidence to contribute constructively to Board-level discussions and decision-making.
- The ability to work collaboratively as part of a governance team, balancing robust debate with collective responsibility.
- A future-focused mindset that is more concerned with creating opportunities and shaping strategic direction than managing day-to-day operational matters.
Join Us
Sport Northland welcomes applications from individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who are passionate about improving the wellbeing of Northlanders through play, active recreation, and sport.
We are particularly interested in candidates who can strengthen the Board's collective capability and help advance our commitment to bicultural governance and leadership while contributing to a future where more Northlanders are active, healthy, and connected through movement.
Ka kati nga tono i te Rāmere 9 o Whiringa-ā-nuku i te 5pm.
Applications close Friday 9 October, 5pm.
Me pēhea te tuku tono
To apply please complete the digital application form below where you can upload a copy of your cover letter.
Application form - HERE
Position Description - HERE
More information on the board is available by emailing John Wansbone via johnw@sportnorth.co.nz
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