Expression of Interest – Governance Policy Review Consultant
Te Paepae Arahi Trust
Te Awakairangi / Hutt Valley | Contract opportunity
Te Paepae Ārahi Trust
Te Paepae Ārahi Trust is seeking expressions of interest from an experienced governance consultant to lead a comprehensive review and renewal of our governance policy framework.
We are a kaupapa Māori mental health organisation committed to strengthening governance arrangements that reflect contemporary best practice while remaining firmly grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori and the communities and whānau we serve.
Te kaupapa | The opportunity
Working alongside our Board and Governance Ōhu, the successful consultant will lead a structured governance policy renewal programme over approximately 3–6 months.
We already have an established Governance Policy Framework, existing policies and access to national governance policy templates. The focus of the engagement is on reviewing, adapting and strengthening these resources for Te Paepae Ārahi, while developing new policies where gaps are identified, rather than rebuilding the entire framework from scratch.
The work will broadly involve:
Stage 1 – Governance Review & Planning
- Review our existing governance policies and framework
- Map available governance templates against our requirements
- Undertake a governance gap analysis (including legislation compliance requirements)
- Develop a detailed policy renewal work programme
- Present recommendations to the Governance Ōhu
Stage 2 – Policy Development
- Draft, review and customise the governance policy suite
- Ensure cultural and kaupapa Māori alignment across the framework
- Progressively present policies to the Governance Ōhu
- Incorporate feedback and maintain momentum across the programme
Stage 3 – Board Approval & Implementation
- Incorporate Governance Ōhu and Board feedback
- Support policies through the final Board approval process
- Establish appropriate version control and review schedules
- Compile the completed Governance Manual
Ngā pūkenga e rapua ana | Skills and experience
We are particularly interested in hearing from people who bring a combination of:
- Demonstrated understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application within Māori governance
- Demonstrated kaupapa Māori capability and the ability to work effectively within a tikanga-based governance environment will be important considerations in the selection process.)
- Governance expertise and experience developing governance frameworks and policies
- Experience working alongside Māori organisations, whānau and communities
- Commitment to upholding tikanga Māori
- Strategic planning experience
- Values and ways of working that align with the kaupapa and aspirations of Te Paepae Ārahi
- Experience and understanding of the health and disability sector
- Practical knowledge of mental health, ideally including community-based services
- Strong policy writing, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to work constructively with the Board and Governance Ohu, senior management and subject-matter experts
Engagement
This is an independent contractor engagement anticipated to run for approximately 3–6 months, with an indicative commitment of around one day per week, although flexibility around how the work is scheduled can be discussed. Indicative project budget: Up to $20,000 + GST, with an anticipated requirement of up to approximately 180 hours. Applicants are invited to propose their consultancy rate within these parameters. The project has an established scope and budget, with final contractual arrangements to be agreed with the preferred contractor.
Expression of Interest
If this kaupapa aligns with your experience and values, we would welcome an expression of interest outlining:
- your relevant governance and policy experience;
- your experience working with Māori organisations and communities;
- your understanding of Te Tiriti, tikanga Māori and kaupapa Māori governance;
- relevant health, disability and/or mental health sector experience;
- your proposed consultancy rate; and
- a current CV or professional profile.
- examples of one or two comparable governance or policy review projects undertaken; and
- your availability to commence and capacity over the anticipated 3–6 month engagement
We welcome expressions of interest from experienced independent consultants and suitably qualified professionals who can bring both strong governance capability and genuine cultural alignment to this mahi. Applicants will be required to disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest as part of the selection process.
Applications / Expressions of Interest close: 5pm Wednesday 4th September 2026
For further information or a confidential kōrero about the opportunity, please contact:
Jeremy Tumoana
Kaiwhakahaere | General Manager
Te Paepae Ārahi Trust
Email: jeremy@tepaepae.co.nz
