The Sport NZ Group (SNZ Group) provides comprehensive system leadership through partnership and investment into sector organisations. This investment is to support the strategic outcomes of both Sport NZ (SNZ) as the guardian of play, active recreation, and sport in Aotearoa New Zealand, and High Performance Sport NZ (HPSNZ) with its focus on achieving inspiring world-class performances on the world stage.

The development of a board-led strategy, in the first instance a Statement of Strategic Direction (SSD), is a critical governance function for partner boards, making clear the results they intend to deliver in their strategic period. The quality of the SSD is important for the board’s monitoring, evaluation and reporting accountabilities. Done well, it also makes clear to external stakeholders, particularly funders, how they intend to use other’s funds to produce the desired results.

A key pillar in SNZs support for partners is the development of good practice, board-led SSDs. This is achieved by – time and advice from the Sport NZ Business Capability Governance team, Sport NZ investment in SSD facilitation, and SSD peer-review. 

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role

Sport NZ wishes to expand its small panel of strategic facilitators to accommodate demand from partner organisations. As an approved facilitator you will be engaged directly by the board to assist in the development and use of good practice, results-based SSDs.
The development of each SSD is an iterative process, typically taking between three to six months, and at times longer depending on scope and capacity of each board.

In undertaking this role, facilitators will need to understand and apply the concepts within the Carver Policy Governance model, and specifically the distinction between Ends and Means and how this distinction can be valuable across wider governance functions. 
You will join a well supported team, where you will have access to other Sport NZ strategy and governance providers who can collaborate on the resolution of issues and challenges and the continued evolvement of good practice.

There may be a requirement for follow on planning related support for the board and management team once the SSD has been finalised.
 
Ko koe tēnei | About you

We are seeking experienced governance professionals, with a strong background in the development of results-based strategies.
In particular, we are looking to engage Facilitators who bring:

• Cultural intelligence and intellectual curiosity.
• Board-focused strategy development experience, from a range of sectors, and importantly the not-for-profit and sport and recreation sectors.
• Extensive governance experience, particularly in the not-for-profit and sport and recreation sectors.
• An affinity for and experience in guiding boards to develop and leverage results-based strategies.
• The ability to work with boards to identify themes, pulling together seemingly disparate concepts into SSDs.
• Experience in coaching boards that leaves behind new capability and confidence.
• A willingness to work collegially with the small team of approved providers and Sport NZ teams on a ‘learn and improve together’ basis.
• Demonstrated experience operationalising outcomes into annual planning and related processes.

Importantly, and as a priority, we are seeking at least one provider with lived experience working in Te Ao Māori environments, ideally with experience incorporating Matauranga Māori into governance practices.
 
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

For a confidential kōrero and to request the role specification, please contact Carl Church at 0211666441 - carl.church@nicherecruitment.co.nz or Awhina Kanohi at 0274849939 – Awhina.kanohi@nicherecruitment.co.nz
Applications close on 13 June 2025.

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