Job Description

Sport NZ Ihi Aotearoa is on the lookout for two exceptional individuals to join our panel of Approved Governance Evaluators. If you’re passionate about good governance and want to support Boards across Aotearoa to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose—this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Mō mātou | About Us

At Sport NZ, we’re proud to be the kaitiaki (guardian) of play, active recreation and sport in Aotearoa. We work in partnership with organisations across the sector to build a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable system—one that empowers everyone to be active and realise their potential.

Our Governance Evaluation Programmes are a key part of this mahi. They help Boards assess their performance, identify opportunities for growth, and develop strategies that reflect their values and aspirations.

Mō te tūranga | About the Role

As a Governance Evaluator, you’ll work directly with Boards to deliver tailored evaluations and support their development journeys. You’ll be part of a small, trusted panel of evaluators who are helping to lift governance capability across the sector.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct in-depth assessments using Sport NZ’s governance standards and tools
• Engage with Board members and senior leaders through interviews, surveys, and observations
• Prepare clear, constructive reports that highlight strengths and areas for development
• Facilitate and coach Boards to create and implement Development Plans
• Collaborate with Sport NZ’s Business Capability and Governance team
• Maintain accurate records in the Governance Evaluation System (GES)
• Engage in induction and ongoing learning, bringing a collaborative mindset and a commitment to working closely with fellow Evaluators and Sport NZ teams to strengthen system outcomes and uphold the integrity of the programme and sector governance.
• Operate independently, managing your own engagements and invoicing on a fixed-fee basis.

Ko koe tēnei | About You

We’re looking for experienced governance professionals who are:

• Culturally intelligent and committed to inclusive practice
• Deeply knowledgeable in governance practices and standards
• Experienced in the sport, active recreation, or not-for-profit sectors
• Skilled in evaluation, analysis, and constructive feedback
• Excellent communicators who can build trust and rapport
• Digitally literate and confident using evaluation systems
• Flexible, responsive, and committed to integrity and confidentiality.

We are especially seeking to attain at least one Evaluator on the Panel who demonstrates cultural excellence—bringing deep understanding and lived experience in integrating Māori perspectives, rights, tikanga, and cultural practices into governance and decision-making.

Ngā painga | What We Offer

• A meaningful opportunity to support governance capability across the sector
• A collaborative and supportive environment, including a Tuakana-Teina model for your first evaluation
• A two-day induction (in Auckland or Wellington) to set you up for success
• Flexible, independent contracting with fixed-fee engagements
• Additional bespoke services may be negotiated separately.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close: 13 June 2025

For a confidential kōrero or to request the full role specification, please contact:

Carl Church
Email carl.church@nicherecruitment.co.nz Ph. 021 166 6441

Awhina Kanohi
Email awhina.kanohi@nicherecruitment.co.nz Ph. 027 484 9939