INDEPENDENT CHAIR – FINANCE, AUDIT & RISK KOMITI
Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue Iho Ake Trust Group
A senior independent governance opportunity to strengthen financial stewardship, assurance and risk oversight across a kaupapa Māori group delivering enduring outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi.
At a glance
- Status: Independent governance appointment (not an employment position)
- Term: Up to 3 years, renewable once
- Meetings: At least 4 each year, potentially more to begin with
- Remuneration: Board-determined; confirmed on appointment
- Location: Meetings may be held in person or electronically
- Applications close: 4pm, Wednesday 2 September
Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue Iho Ake was established by and for Ngāti Whakaue to realise the aspirations of our iwi across education, te reo Māori, housing development and social wellbeing. Through high-quality, whānau-centred programmes, services and partnerships, our work creates meaningful and lasting improvements for Ngāti Whakaue and the wider communities in which we live.
Our kaupapa is guided by manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, pono me te tika and mana motuhake. These values shape how we govern, lead, make decisions and uphold accountability across the Group.
The opportunityWe are seeking an experienced and values-aligned Independent Chair to lead our Finance, Audit & Risk Komiti. The Komiti supports the Board to discharge its responsibilities for financial reporting, audit, enterprise risk, internal controls, compliance and assurance across the Te Taumata Group.
This is a governance appointment, not an employment position. The Chair will bring independent judgement, sound financial and risk oversight, constructive challenge and tikanga-informed leadership, while maintaining clear separation between governance and management.
Key areas of leadership- Lead inclusive, focused and effective Komiti meetings aligned with tikanga and Te Taumata values.
- Guide rigorous review of financial statements, budgets, forecasts, cashflow, accounting judgements and material variances.
- Oversee auditor independence, audit scope, findings, management responses and assurance actions.
- Strengthen oversight of enterprise risk, internal controls, fraud prevention, compliance and organisational resilience.
- Ensure emerging digital, data, cyber, technology and AI risks are considered ethically and with appropriate controls.
- Demonstrate a commitment to Ngāti Whakaue aspirations, operate effectively within a kaupapa Māori organisation, and balance robust scrutiny with respect, relationships and collective responsibility.
- Experience with multi-entity groups, charities, public benefit entities, Māori organisations or similarly complex settings.
- Demonstrated governance leadership, ideally as a committee chair, director, trustee or senior adviser.
- Strong financial literacy and confidence engaging with accountants, auditors and senior leaders.
- Substantial experience across at least two of finance, audit, risk, internal control, compliance or technology governance.
- Ability to translate complex information into clear governance insight and constructive challenge.
Term: Initial term of up to three years, with eligibility for one further term subject to Board review. Maximum continuous tenure will normally be six years.
Commitment: At least four scheduled Komiti meetings each year, plus preparation, Board reporting and reasonable engagement between meetings. Additional meetings may be required.
Remuneration: As determined by the Board and confirmed in the letter of appointment. Reasonable pre-approved expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Te Taumata policy.
Location: Meetings may be held in person or online.
How to applyWe ask that you also include detail outlining your relevant technical capability, your governance approach and your alignment with the kaupapa and values of Te Taumata.
Please also disclose any interests, relationships or other commitments relevant
If you have any pātai please contact Lauren on 021 192 3497.
A copy of the Position Description is available on request.
Ngāti Whakaue Iho, Ngāti Whakaue Ake – Strong Whakaue Culture, Whānau, Hapū and Iwi
Skills Required
- Commitment to Ngāti Whakaue aspirations and ability to operate effectively within a kaupapa Māori organisation
- Experience with multi-entity groups, charities, public benefit entities, Māori organisations, or similarly complex settings
- Demonstrated governance leadership as a committee chair, director, trustee, or senior adviser
- Strong financial literacy and confidence engaging with accountants, auditors, and senior leaders
- Substantial experience across at least two of finance, audit, risk, internal control, compliance, or technology governance
- Ability to translate complex information into clear governance insight and constructive challenge
- Availability for at least four scheduled committee meetings annually, preparation, Board reporting, and engagement between meetings
- Ability to disclose relevant interests, relationships, and other commitments
