THE OPPORTUNITY
Reconnect Trust is a purpose-led charitable organisation committed to improving the health, wellbeing and long-term outcomes of rangatahi, whānau and communities. Through its stewardship of Reconnect Family Services Te Ope Pirita (RFS-TOP) and related initiatives, the Trust supports young people experiencing complex challenges across care and protection, youth justice, therapeutic support, mentoring, housing and community wellbeing.
Reconnect’s kaupapa is grounded in the belief that lasting change comes through connection – strengthening rangatahi, whānau and communities and creating environments that are culturally grounded, mana-enhancing and future-focused. Its work is underpinned by the Pou of Manaakitanga, Whānaungatanga, Kaitiakitanga and Kotahitanga.
As a Trustee, you will join a governance Board responsible for the strategic stewardship and long-term sustainability of the Trust. The Board provides oversight of organisational performance, financial sustainability, risk, contractual obligations and stakeholder relationships, while ensuring Reconnect remains focused on its purpose, values and the communities it serves.
This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful and lasting social impact, helping shape the future direction of an organisation supporting some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most vulnerable rangatahi and whānau. Trustees play an important role in bringing independent judgement, diverse perspectives and strong governance to ensure Reconnect continues to evolve, remain sustainable and deliver positive outcomes for the communities it serves.
THE ROLE
As a member of the Board, the Trustee shares collective responsibility for the governance, stewardship and long-term success of Reconnect Trust. Trustees provide strategic oversight and exercise their legal, fiduciary, ethical and financial responsibilities in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries.
Key responsibilities include:
- Contributing to the development and oversight of the Trust’s strategic direction, organisational purpose and culture.
- Appointing, supporting and monitoring the performance of the Chief Executive.
- Reviewing and overseeing annual plans, budgets, organisational goals and performance measures.
- Providing governance oversight of risk management, policy frameworks, delegations and organisational controls.
- Ensuring appropriate health and safety oversight for employees and those supported through Reconnect’s services.
- Protecting and enhancing the Trust’s financial sustainability and ensuring contractual obligations are met.
- Supporting high-quality relationships and engagement with stakeholders, partners and communities.
- Participating in Board committees and contributing to collective decision-making, informed debate and constructive challenge.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be a values-driven governance professional who brings sound judgement, integrity and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for rangatahi, whānau and communities. They will understand the responsibilities of trusteeship and contribute strategically and independently while working collaboratively within a high-performing Board environment.
You will demonstrate:
- Governance experience gained through trusts, charitable organisations, community entities or other complex organisations.
- Strategic thinking, independent judgement and the ability to contribute effectively to collective governance decisions.
- A strong understanding of governance responsibilities, fiduciary duties and best-practice Board processes.
- A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within governance through partnership, participation, protection, equity and support for Māori aspirations.
- The ability to maintain clear governance boundaries while constructively supporting and holding management to account.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A collaborative, inclusive and purpose-led approach, with the time and commitment required to actively participate in Board activities.
The Board is seeking to maintain a complementary mix of skills and perspectives across its membership, with strong IT, digital and technology experience a particular priority for this appointment. Candidates with the ability to contribute strategic governance insight across areas such as digital enablement, technology investment, information systems, data, cyber risk and technology-related organisational transformation will be particularly welcomed. Complementary expertise may also include governance and stewardship, finance and audit, risk management, investment and asset management, youth wellbeing, social services, public sector relationships, property, legal and regulatory matters, philanthropy, fundraising or stakeholder engagement.
Candidates must be Auckland based and have the capacity to actively participate in Board meetings, committee activities and other governance responsibilities as required. Diversity of experience, perspective and lived experience is highly valued, alongside a commitment to Reconnect’s kaupapa and the communities it serves.
Reconnect welcomes conversations with potential candidates about any accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments that would enable them to participate fully in the recruitment process and, if appointed, in the Trustee role. Candidate information can also be made available in alternative accessible formats on request.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
David Price
National Manager, New Zealand
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 16 September 2026.
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5567.
