1. Background
The Waikato Wellbeing Project (WWP) is a regional initiative to achieve a more environmentally sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive Waikato region. The project is led by an Executive Director, with guidance from a Kaitiaki Advisory Board. A leadership network of 25 manu taki (community outcome leaders) provides activation, direction and connection for the project.
Our vision is that Our Mokopuna are Thriving and our mission is To hear our People and Transcend their Future through Positive Impact. Our 2030 wellbeing targets have been developed through community conversations across the Waikato and are framed using the United Nations Sustainanable Development Goals (SDGs).
The WWP has identified the following focus areas:
· Tuatahi: Poutoko - Lead, Facilitate and Fund Impact Projects
· Tuarua: Purakau - Share Wellbeing Stories Through Data, Insight
· Tuatoru: He pakipūmeka - Lots of Little Fire
· Tuawha: Waha - Use Our Voice to Advocate for Positive Change
· Taurima: Waikato - Support the Waikato Plan and Waikato Spatial Plan
You can learn more about the WWP, its priorities and actions by taking this link: Wellbeing Progress Update 2023 | Waikato Wellbeing Project. In 2023, under Tuatahi: Poutoko, the WWP is focusing on the challenge of creating a region where there is no hunger, especially amongst children. A dedicated project leader will be responsible for activating this initiative.
2. Kaitiaki Advisory Board
The role of the Kaitiaki Advisory Board is to provide governance support and oversight advice to the Waikato Wellbeing Project. The Kaitiaki Advisory Board supports the Executive Director to develop and implement a programme of action to meet the goals and targets of the project. The current board member profiles can be viewed at this link:
Kaitiaki Advisory Board | Waikato Wellbeing Project
A Terms of Reference sets out the roles and responsibilities of the board. The Waikato Wellbeing Project is not a body corporate/legal entity. The project operates under the umbrella of the Waikato Regional Council’s financial, risk, IT systems and procurement protocols, but it is not a subsidiary of the council. Any financially material decisions, procurement or other risks will be approved by the Waikato Regional Council’s Chief Executive.
Kaitiaki Advisory Board members do not have the fiduciary duties of company directors but are still expected to apply an appropriate duty of care, reflective of the significance of the Waikato Wellbeing Project.
3. Structure, Meeting Frequency and Remuneration
The Terms of Reference require that the board has two co-chairs, with one selected by Waikato iwi to reflect a treaty partnership. The board must have no less than 5 members. The current board has seven members, all appointed in mid-2021. The term for the initial board members was three years, with no rotation policy. In line with the Terms of Reference, all board positions will expire in August 2024, with agreement on succession before that date.
The Board meets every 8 weeks on a Monday with meetings taking about 2 hours. Meetings are generally in person, but participation is Zoom is accepted if travel is impractical. Board members can claim a meeting fee of $250 (+ GST if applicable) plus travel disbursements, payable upon invoice.
4. Vacancy
We have an opportunity to welcome a new member to the Kaitiaki Advisory Board. In line with our strategic framework and priorities, we are looking for somebody to join our board who has the following attributes and skills:
· A broad interest and curiosity in regional wellbeing
· A sound understanding of te Ao Māori o Waikato
· Significant experience and understanding of the Waikato kai system
· Excellent relationships and connections across the Waikato kai system including at least some of the following: community and iwi food providers, growers, suppliers and retailers
· An appreciation of the lived experience of hunger and food insecurity
· A good understanding of food supply chains and networks
· A strong understanding of the interrelationships between food security, poverty, health, environmental quality, Maatauranga Māori, climate change and other determinants of wellbeing.
As a regional initiative, we are particularly interested in candidates who reflect the geographic, cultural, gender, age and socio-economic diversity of the Waikato region.
5. Registration of Interest
If you are interested in joining the WWP Kaitiaki Advisory Board, we would love to hear from you.
Please respond to the Executive Director at the address below, including a short cover letter detailing your suitability for this role, and an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
An appointment panel will review the expressions of interest received and will invite a short-list of candidates to an interview. An interview will take place ether in person or via Zoom. The successful candidate should expect to attend their first Kaitiaki Advisory Board meeting in August 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact WWP Executive Director Harvey Brookes at the address below or phone 021 913 418.
Harvey Brookes
Executive Director
Waikato Wellbeing Project
360 Tristram Street
Hamilton 3204
