Chairperson / Deputy Chair

Make a meaningful impact through leadership 

Disability Sport and Recreation Hawke’s Bay is committed to enhancing the lives of disabled people through sport and active recreation. 

We are seeking a Chairperson to provide strong, values-led governance and help guide the organisation into its next phase. DSRHB recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi as Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding document and is committed to the principles of tino rangatiratanga, equity, active protection, options, and partnership. 

About the role 

The Chairperson provides leadership to the Committee, ensuring governance processes and decisions align with organisational policies, strategic direction, and values.

This role focuses on effective governance, not operational management. The Chair supports the Committee to function well, fosters a positive and collaborative culture, and represents DSRHB within the community where appropriate. 

Key responsibilities

 Lead and facilitate Committee meetings, including setting agendas and keeping discussions focused Ensure meetings are productive, efficient, and aligned with governance responsibilities 

Promote a culture of collaboration, respect, and accountability 

Ensure all Committee members are encouraged to contribute and are treated fairly 

Support sound decision-making and ensure outcomes are clearly recorded 

Maintain oversight of compliance with policies, legal obligations, and governance standards 

Manage conflicts constructively and maintain focus on strategic priorities 

Support, but not directly manage, the Team 

Lead Represent the organisation externally when required Governance focus 

The Chairperson plays a critical role in maintaining clear boundaries between governance and operations. This includes: Upholding governance policies and processes Ensuring decisions are made collectively, not unilaterally Maintaining focus on strategic direction rather than day-to-day delivery Delegating where appropriate, while retaining overall accountability 

Skills and experience 

We are looking for someone who: Can confidently lead and facilitate effective meetings Communicates clearly and respectfully Understands governance, strategy, and planning Is well-informed or willing to become familiar with the organisation’s activities 

Demonstrates strong ethical leadership Is committed to building a sustainable future for the organisation Has a working knowledge of governance structures (or willingness to learn) Is a supportive and collaborative leader 

Time commitment and term Approximately 2 hours per week Initial term of 2 years, with the option to extend by mutual agreement.