Our Organisation:

RNZ is the national sports organisation for all rowing in New Zealand, representing the interests of a diverse community. Our two enduring outcomes are to foster and promote the sport of rowing in New Zealand (in all its forms and classifications) and to achieve success internationally at our pinnacle events – the World Championships and Olympic Games.

After a successful Olympic Games last year, the Board is now focused on the next campaign cycle to LA in 2028. The overarching role of the Board is to balance those high-performance aspects of the sport with the need to support the whole rowing whānau as well as providing greater access and connection with the wider community.

The Board’s short-term focus, in addition to its regular responsibilities, includes undertaking a board performance review facilitated by Sport New Zealand, and progressing key work streams arising from the recent constitution review and re-registration process under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

The Appointment

Rowing New Zealand (RNZ) is seeking one independent Director (appointed) due to a vacancy that has arisen on the Board.

In accordance with Sport New Zealand’s Board Gender Equity Policy, we are seeking applications from individuals who self-identify as women to fill this board vacancy. This appointment will support our commitment to achieving and maintaining minimum gender diversity requirements as required by our qualifying partners.

The Personal Attributes

The background we are seeking in a new appointee is:

• Former experience as a rowing athlete may be favourably looked upon (not essential, but favourable)
• Experience in governance including a good understanding of the difference between governance and management and setting purpose and strategic direction
• Broad business experience and/or knowledge of building strong organisational performance
• Understanding of legal, fiduciary and ethical requirements of directors
• Has a strong understanding of strategic planning processes particularly in relation to Sporting and / or NFP Organisations
• Knowledge and experience in the management of risk – financial, contractual, reputational and conflicts of interest
• A link to sport, possibly with an affinity for rowing and an understanding that the role of a RNZ Board member is a national one rather than a representative one
• An ability to form relationships with funders/philanthropists would also be helpful

Personal traits of our successful board member include:

• Ability to form an independent opinion, but remain adaptable in board interactions when appropriate
• Analytical, critical reasoning and problem solving skills, with a growth mindset
• The energy, commitment, motivation and the time to properly meet the Board’s requirements and discharge its responsibilities
• Must have strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact and communicate with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Must be able to demonstrate honesty, independence and integrity at all times without compromise
• Can work harmoniously within the group, to recognise and value contributions from others, to be diplomatic, supportive and accept majority Board decisions.
• A personal style that does not detract from a Board culture of capability, candour, trust and professionalism.
• Ability to add value to Board meetings and discussions so that the right decisions are made at the right time and in the right way

The Commitment

The Board may meet up to twelve times per year. Meetings are a mix of in-person and remote. In-person meetings are typically held between RNZ’s headquarters at Lake Karāpiro and Auckland.

Board meetings are generally held on a Friday during business hours. Board members are expected to prepare for and make themselves available to attend all meetings. The AGM is typically held on a Saturday in May (location varies) and board members are expected to attend.

It is expected that board members are available to serve on at least one committee (additional meetings required) and be available to attend functions hosting donors and sponsors, for example, in an ambassadorial capacity, on an ad hoc basis.

The term will commence on appointment with an expectation that it will finish at the end of the 2028 AGM (subject to ratification by the Association Members at the 2026 AGM). This will count as the Appointed Directors’ first term. Generally, appointments are for a term of three years, and Directors are eligible for re-appointment for a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms.

To Express Interest

For further information or to apply, please email the RNZ Office Manager at teresa@rowingnz.kiwi

Applications must include a cover letter and your governance CV. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 18 July 2025. Email to teresa@rowingnz.kiwi