Governance nominations database and resources
Whaikaha supports disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, Deaf and Tūri Māori to apply for governance roles in the public sector.
Disabled people are needed in roles so decision-making includes a disability perspective. Disabled people also have the right to participate in public life, including governance, under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
To support diversity and the rights of disabled people, Whaikaha maintains a nominations database of disabled people interested in governance. We also promote the benefits of having disabled people on this country’s more than 430 public sector boards.
What governance is
Governance is about the rules, relationships, and practices an organisation must have to make good decisions and succeed over time.
Board members:
- guide strategy
- monitor the chief executive
- set performance measures
- ensure financial responsibility.
Board members do not manage daily operations. That is the job of the chief executive and senior leaders.
Board members are not advocates. They govern for the benefit of everyone, not just to represent a specific community.
What the nominations database is
Whaikaha is asked by government agencies to nominate people for governance and advisory positions. We promote these roles to people on our nominations database.
Database members also receive:
- information about governance opportunities in the public sector
- a quarterly newsletter on governance resources and success stories
- information about courses and opportunities to build governance skills.
How nominations happen
Nominations happen in 2 ways:
- The agency advertises a board role which Whaikaha promotes to people on the nominations database who have the relevant skills and experience.
- The agency runs a closed nomination and asks Whaikaha to nominate people for their role and provide CVs. The agency will only contact a nominee if they are shortlisted. If you do not want to be put forward for a closed nomination you can opt out when joining the database.
Join our nominations database
To join the database, fill out the online expression of interest form and attach your CV. Board members need the following skills:
- strategic thinking
- problem solving
- communication, negotiation and influencing
- knowledge of tikanga Māori
- risk management
- financial literacy.
Lived experience of disability, or strong links to the disability community, bring valuable insight but are unlikely to be enough, on their own, to get a governance role.
Complete an online expression of interest on Accessible Surveys external URL .
If you have questions or have difficultly completing the online expression of interest email nominations_service@whaikaha.govt.nz
Resources to increase your governance skills
Whaikaha guide to writing a governance CV (DOCX 105KB)
Institute of Directors
Several guides on how to work well in governance.
- Guide: Creating a governance CV - Institute of Directors external URL
- Guide: Getting on board with diversity - Institute of Directors external URL
- Guide: Managing conflicts of interest - Institute of Directors external URL
Local Government New Zealand
A guide for good governance in local democracy. The Good Governance Guide - Local Government New Zealand external URL
Community Governance Aotearoa
Resources, information and courses to support good governance in not-for-profit community organisations. Community Governance - Supporting community governance in Aotearoa external URL
Ministry of Women
Information about governance and leadership skills including videos of women speaking about their governance experience. Leadership Learning Hub - Manatū Wāhine Ministry of Women external URL
Ministry for Ethnic Communities
A list of all public sector boards and committees across the public service. Ministry for Ethnic Communities Te Tari Mātāwaka external URL