Under the Stars is a Tauranga based charity supporting people experiencing hardship through access to kai, practical support and meaningful community connection. Our kaupapa is grounded in dignity, compassion and equity.
As our organisation grows, we are looking for two new trustees to join our board and help guide the next stage of our development.
With a General Manager and Operations Manager leading our day-to-day activities, our board is increasingly focused on shaping our strategic direction, identifying opportunities to grow our services and ensuring Under the Stars continues to make a meaningful difference for the people we serve..
We are particularly looking for people who can bring experience and connections in one of two areas:
Māori represent the largest proportion of the guests we support, and we want to ensure our strategy and governance reflect and respond to the communities we serve.
We are seeking someone with strong, established connections within Māori communities in the Bay of Plenty, who can bring an understanding of te ao Māori and tikanga Māori to our governance.
We particularly value someone who is recognised and trusted within their community and can help shape our future direction, strengthen community relationships and identify opportunities to expand the support we provide.
Like many community charities, our ability to deliver services depends on grants, donations and strong funding relationships.
We are seeking someone with experience in fundraising, grants, philanthropy or donor relationships who can bring strategic insight and practical expertise to our board.
You will help shape our funding strategy, support our GM in developing sustainable funding relationships and identify opportunities to grow our services and community impact.
Alongside these two priority areas, we also welcome candidates who bring experience or knowledge in:
Charity governance or previous board roles
Charity compliance, risk or financial management
Mental health, social services or community support networks
Lived experience of hardship, housing insecurity or challenges faced by the communities we support
You don't need to tick every box. We are looking for two people whose skills, experience and perspectives will complement our existing board.
We are looking for people who share our kaupapa and want to play an active role in shaping the future of Under the Stars. Whether through strategic thinking, community connections or specialist expertise, you will help us strengthen and grow the impact of our services.
You will bring:
A commitment to dignity, compassion and equity
The ability to think strategically, identify opportunities and contribute to decisions that will shape the future of Under the Stars.
A collaborative, respectful approach and willingness to work as part of a small team
The time and commitment to contribute meaningfully to the board
Previous governance experience is welcome but is not essential, particularly if you bring strong community connections or relevant lived or professional experience.
These are unpaid, volunteer trustee positions.
Our board meets quarterly, with trustees also helping to progress strategic priorities, explore opportunities for growth and provide advice or support between meetings where their skills and experience can add value.
We are a small, committed team and value trustees who are engaged, collaborative and willing to contribute beyond board meetings when needed.
We would love to hear from you. Please send us a short expression of interest telling us about yourself, your relevant experience and what you would bring to the Under the Stars board to board@underthestars.org.nz
Expressions of interest will be reviewed from 20 November 2026.
Our purpose at Under the Stars is to increase access to kai for the homeless and those in need within our Tauranga community. We believe that providing a meal in a compassionate, judgment-free environment is what truly creates change.
Our work is guided by five strategic pillars to ensure we deliver on this promise with integrity and impact: