Tangata Whenua Co-Chair and Trustee
Applications open Friday, 6 November and close Monday, 30 November 2026
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e rau rangatira mā – nau mai, piki mai ki a mātou o Skylight. Koinei te mihi manahau e rere atu nei ki a koutou katoa e pīkoko ana ki tēnei tūmomo mahi. Haere mai, rarau mai!
About the Opportunities:
Skylight is seeking two people to join its Board: a Tangata Whenua Co-Chair and a Trustee. These appointments offer an opportunity to contribute to the strategic leadership and governance of an organisation committed to supporting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau through trauma, loss, grief, change and tough times. You will help guide Skylight’s future direction, strengthen its sustainability and cultural capability, and support meaningful, equitable outcomes for the communities it serves.
Tangata Whenua Co-Chair:
The Tangata Whenua Co-Chair will be an experienced and accomplished governance leader with the strategic capability, judgement and leadership skills required to guide a national organisation through growth, change and long-term sustainability. As a Māori leader, they will bring deep knowledge of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring these perspectives are authentically reflected in governance, decision-making and organisational direction. The successful candidate will have established credibility within Māori communities and a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, while contributing as an equal governance leader responsible for the overall stewardship and success of Skylight.
Trustee:
The Trustee will contribute to the collective governance and strategic direction of Skylight, bringing sound judgement, strategic insight and a strong commitment to its purpose, values and future direction. Trustees play an important role in providing stewardship, oversight and accountability, helping ensure Skylight remains sustainable, effective and responsive to the needs of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
About Skylight:
Skylight is a not-for-profit charitable trust that enables tamariki and rangatahi aged 5–24 to navigate challenging times by facilitating access to evidence-based information, professional services and support. Skylight also offers education, training and support for professionals, agencies and others assisting young people dealing with trauma, loss, grief and change.
While Skylight’s operational headquarters is based in Wellington, the organisation is national in scope, with a network of programmes, delivery partners, counsellors, facilitators and online information and resources. Revenue comes from government and social agency contracts, client fees, professional development fees, publication sales, philanthropic donations and grants.
Skills and Competencies we are Seeking:
We welcome applications from experienced governance leaders and board members across Aotearoa who can bring energy, commitment, sound judgement, professionalism, critical thinking and diverse perspectives. We are particularly interested in people who offer one or more of the following:
· Strong governance leadership, strategic thinking and an ability to contribute effectively to shared leadership and decision-making.
· Fundraising, partnerships and sponsorships skills and experience strengthening organisational sustainability and growing revenue in a not-for-profit setting
· Human resources and people leadership experience, including organisational development, employment relations, workforce capability and supporting a healthy organisational culture.
· Digital literacy, technology experience and an ability to contribute to strategic technology discussions and decisions around increased cyberthreats, AI, data, regulatory compliance, investments and risk.
· Risk management, organisational oversight and strategic planning experience.
· Experience strengthening cultural capability, Te Tiriti-based governance and meaningful relationships with Māori communities.
· Chairing experience
Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our commitment to equity, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. We particularly encourage Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled people, people from ethnically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals to apply.
Commitment as a Board Member:
The Board meets in Wellington or by teleconference and holds up to six formal meetings each year, typically up to three hours, as well as an annual in-person planning day. Appointees will also serve on one of the Board’s committees, which generally meet two to four times a year for one to two hours. Committees include Finance, Audit and Risk; HR; Digital and Data; and Cultural. Board members are also encouraged to attend stakeholder functions, typically one or two each year.
Board members are appointed for a three-year term, which may be renewed by mutual consent with a maximum tenure of six years. All Board members perform their roles on a voluntary basis.
How to Apply:
Please email info@skylight.org.nz with:
· your curriculum vitae,
· a short cover letter identifying the role you are applying for and describing what you would bring
Applications open Friday 6 November and close Monday, 30 November 2026
Initial interviews will be conducted by a Board sub-panel by teleconference, followed by final interviews with the full Board. An induction programme will be provided for successful candidates.
For further information or a copy of the relevant role description, email info@skylight.org.nz.
