Governance Committee Member (Voluntary)

NZAVS is inviting expressions of interest from people who would like to join our Governance Committee in 2026. This voluntary role is for people who care about ending animal experimentation and supporting ethical, animal-free and human-relevant research in Aotearoa.

NZAVS is one of Aotearoa's longstanding animal advocacy charities. Since 1978, we have worked to end animal experimentation and support a future where science does not harm animals. Our work includes successful campaigns to ban the testing of cosmetics and legal highs on animals, and the W.E. Bradshaw University Innovation Grant, which supports research and teaching that replaces animal use with modern, human-relevant methods.

Our work is guided by integrity, evidence, non-violent advocacy, inclusive practice, respect for Māori, care for the environment, non-partisan advocacy and values aligned with vegan practice. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including tangata whenua, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people and people from other marginalised communities.

About the role

As a Governance Committee Member, you will work with other committee members and the Executive Officer to help set NZAVS's long-term direction. The committee oversees strategy, finances, risk, policy and accountability, and supports NZAVS to strengthen its capability, partnerships, advocacy and practice as a Te Tiriti partner.

What you will help with

• Attend monthly online Governance Committee meetings and one in-person meeting each year
• Contribute to strategy and organisational direction
• Review key policies, budgets, risks, performance and major decisions
• Support clear financial oversight, reporting and accountability
• Provide governance-level support to the Executive Officer
• Help strengthen NZAVS's capability, partnerships, advocacy and practice as a Te Tiriti partner

Skills and experience we are seeking in 2026

To complement the Governance Committee's current skills, we are particularly interested in applicants with knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Employment relations, human resources and organisational culture
• Financial literacy, financial management or accounting
• Fundraising strategy and income generation
• Legal knowledge or professional legal experience
• Marketing, communications and promotion
• Philanthropy, donor engagement and relationship management
• Te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including experience supporting organisations to strengthen their Tiriti practice

Prior governance experience is welcome but is not essential. Applicants who are new to governance should bring a relevant skill set or experience that complements the committee's current needs, along with a willingness to learn and contribute at a governance level.

Commitment to the role

We are looking for people who are genuinely interested in the mahi and ready to make a consistent commitment. Committee members are expected to attend meetings, read papers in advance, take part in discussion and decisions, and contribute between meetings when needed. The expected time commitment is around 5 to 8 hours per month.

This role is likely to suit people who bring good judgement, communicate clearly and respectfully, work well with others, and support NZAVS's purpose, values and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Interested?

People are welcome to contact NZAVS with questions or to discuss the role before applying.

Learn more about NZAVS and the current team: www.nzavs.org.nz/about-us/our-team

If you are passionate about animal rights and believe you can contribute to our mission, we would love to hear from you! 

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to jade@nzavs.org.nz.