Board Member

Drowning Prevention Auckland (DPA) is the lead agency for drowning prevention education in the Auckland region, working to build water competence and encourage safer behaviours in, on, and around the water.  Our long-term objective is to minimise preventable drowning occurrences across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and, increasingly, Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are seeking committed governance leaders who want to use their skills for real-world community impact.  This is an opportunity to join a purposeful, collegial Board and contribute to strategy, risk, sustainability, and the conditions that enable drowning prevention programmes, research, and advocacy to save lives.

At this stage, we are particularly interested in candidates who can bring strength in one or more of the following areas:

• Proven senior leadership or governance experience in relevant sectors (ideally in the aquatic sector), with the ability to strengthen DPA’s strategic relationships, stakeholder engagement, and impact.
• Confidence in reading financial reports, supporting prudent financial management, and contributing to financial sustainability and resourcing decisions.
• Capability in digital transformation, systems, data, product innovation, or technology-enabled service delivery, with an eye to improving reach and effectiveness.

What the role involves

This is a governance, not management, role.  Board members work in partnership with the Chief Executive to set and monitor strategic direction, ensure sound stewardship of resources, manage risk, and uphold DPA’s values, equity focus, and Te Tiriti commitments.

Board members are expected to:

• Attend meetings and actively contribute to discussion and decision-making
• Read papers in advance and come prepared
• Participate in at least one sub-committee or agreed project
• Act as an ambassador for DPA within relevant networks

Terms

We are seeking people who are absolutely committed to the role and can be committed for the full term of appointment.

• This is a three-year term, expiring at the end of the AGM.
• The Board meets 10 times per year plus one Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • To support accessibility, every second meeting is online (one hour), with the remaining meetings held in person in Westhaven, Auckland. .
• Time commitment is approximately 3 to 6 hours per month (meeting preparation, attendance, and follow-up), and there is an expectation that Board members will be part of at least one subcommittee/project.

Successful candidates will have a firm commitment to personal accountability, consistent attendance, excellent preparation, and active engagement between meetings when required is essential.

This is a voluntary role and ideal for a person who has a commitment to philanthropy within this sector.  However, there is typically up to $3,000 per annum per person available for governance expense reimbursements (for example, mileage) and governance-related professional development.

About you

We are seeking applications from individuals who bring a philanthropic mindset aligned with DPA’s purpose and values.  You are strategic, thoughtful, and willing to ask good questions.  You understand the line between governance and management, and you are motivated by measurable community impact.

You will also be able to meet eligibility requirements to serve as a Board Member (including background checks relevant to working with children and vulnerable people, and Charities Act requirements).

Applications/Enquiries

DPA offers a purposeful governance opportunity where your expertise can help advance drowning prevention through education, research and advocacy.  You will join a committed Board working closely with the Chief Executive on strategy, sustainability and stewardship.

For more information about the role, please contact Nicola Keen-Biggelaar, Chief Executive, on 021 541 222 or nicola@dpanz.org.nz.  Any queries or applications will be handled with complete confidentiality.

For more information about the role, or to apply, please contact Nicola Keen-Biggelaar, Chief Executive, on 021 541 222 or nicola@dpanz.org.nz.  Any queries or applications will be handled with complete confidentiality.