Board Chair | THINK Hauora - National
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- Governance leadership for innovative primary health organisation
- Shape the future of community health across the MidCentral region
- Progressive, values-led and high performing PHO
Mō mātou | About Us
THINK Hauora is a charitable trust delivering primary health care services across the MidCentral region, including Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Ōtaki, Manawatū and Tararua. Contracted by Health New Zealand as a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) we serve a diverse community with a strong commitment to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples.
Our work is built on genuine partnership with Iwi, and our provider network. We employ approximately 80 people across multiple sites, with over 70% in clinical roles. THINK Hauora’s Alliance structure extends governance in partnership with Health New Zealand to drive whole-sector collaboration and strategic development.
The organisation has navigated significant change over the past 18 months and that change is still occurring. THINK Hauora is now at an inflection point, with a strategic refresh under way and the board is actively resetting its culture and governance foundations. The organisation is well positioned to move forward, and the incoming Chair will play a central role in providing stability, momentum and leadership through this next phase.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
The Chair is the principal governance leader of THINK Hauora, accountable for the performance of the board and responsible for the Chief Executive. This is a working governance role that requires genuine investment of time and energy, particularly during the initial stabilisation period.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading board meetings and strategic planning processes, including finalising the strategic refresh.
- Overseeing the performance of the Chief Executive through regular engagement and constructive support.
- Leading a constitutional review of board composition and succession, working across a board with diverse representation frameworks.
- Building and sustaining relationships with Health New Zealand, iwi partners, community organisations, and the wider health sector.
- Supporting the ongoing board culture reset and managing succession as several long-standing members consider their futures.
The board meets every second month in Palmerston North, with committee meetings in the alternate months. The overall time commitment is approximately three to four days per month.
Proximity to Palmerston North is preferred, though the board is open to regular online engagement for those who can commit to monthly in-person attendance.
Ko wai koe | About you
We are looking for an experienced governance leader who is progressive, relationally skilled, and ready to lead an organisation through a period of positive change. Deep health sector experience is not a prerequisite, what matters most is governance expertise, sound judgement, and the ability to build trust across a diverse stakeholder environment.
You will bring:
- Significant governance experience, ideally including experience as a Chair or Deputy Chair.
- A demonstrated ability to work constructively with an experienced Chief Executive, providing clear direction and accountability as well as support and coaching.
- Strategic thinking and comfort operating in complex, resource-constrained environments.
- Sound capability in risk management and financial oversight.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, particularly in navigating ambiguity and competing accountabilities.
- A genuine commitment to equity and to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- The time and energy to give this role what it requires.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
For a copy of the information pack please email Amy at info@amytea.co.nz
To apply, please email your cover letter and CV (preferably in PDF format) to apply@amytea.co.nz
Applications close 19 June 2026.
Please be assured that a human will carefully read every application. We encourage judicious use of AI.
You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this position.
