Equestrian Sports New Zealand seeks to attract Board members with experience, networks and skills that will add value to the Board and governance leadership of the organisation.  The role is open to permanent residents living within New Zealand.  

Purpose and context

Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) is the national body that exists for the equestrian community to participate in organised, safe and inspiring competitive and recreational equestrian sport experiences. 

Our vision is, ‘To enrich lives of humans and horses through equestrian pursuits’. 

ESNZ delivers competitions and administration in conjunction with its four discipline bodies (Eventing, Jumping and Show Hunter, Dressage, Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding) as well as Para Equestrian. The organisation’s core values include integrity, excellence, inclusion and wellbeing of our people and horses.  ESNZ has around 20 staff and a Wellington based head office.

The Board is currently made up of the Chair of each of the four Disciplines (or their nominee),  four appointed board members and two co-opted members.   The current vacancies have arisen due to rotation.

This role would appeal to individuals who have an affinity with horses and a desire to be associated with an organisation with a worldwide reputation. You would be keen to be a positive influence on creating and supporting pathways for competitive, recreational and high-performance riders wanting a long future in equestrian pursuits. 

Person Specification

A  Board Member will ideally have the following attributes and abilities:

  • Appreciate and support the organisation’s Vision, Mission and Objects and be committed to a better future for equestrian sports in New Zealand;
  • Understand the position of the organisation in its environments and its relationship to key stakeholders, including Members, Officials, Organising Committees, Volunteers, and other equestrian entities;
  • Ensure that strategies are adopted and processes implemented that will deliver desired outcomes for the organisation, its members and equestrian sports in general;
  • Provide leadership in the exploration of strategic issues and to be able to understand the implications and impact of issues from a broader perspective;
  • An inclusive approach towards cultural and gender diversity;
  • An understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te tiriti o Waitangi and the nation’s founding document.

The backgrounds we are seeking between the appointees are:

  • Strong business, financial acumen, and experience. .
  • Governance experience
  • IT project/programme governance or oversight
  • Experience in organisational change, creating benefit for customers and stakeholders.
  • Proven ability at a strategic level.

It is important to ESNZ that there is gender balance on the Board, and we currently have a majority of self-identified women.

Time commitment and term

Eight board meetings are held each year, usually during business hours. Some of these meetings are conducted online while the others are predominantly held in Wellington. Other time commitment may include sub-committee membership and meetings and email dialogue between meetings.   

The role will commence immediately for a term of three years. Board members are eligible to be appointed for further terms.

Remuneration

The role is unpaid and expenses, including travel, will be reimbursed.  

To Apply

For further information on the role please email:

Lynda Clark, Board Chair or mobile +64 27 432 3286. 

To express interest in the role please email cover letter and Governance CV to Board Appointment. 

The closing date for applications is 6th September at 5.00pm.