Trustee – Mātai Moana Charitable Trust

• Contribute to a nationally significant cultural and environmental legacy
• Help establish a strong, enduring governance foundation
• Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara

 
Ko wai mātou | About us
Mātai Moana is a 72-hectare area at the northern end of Te Motu Kairangi (Miramar Peninsula), recognised for its cultural, historical and ecological significance. The land includes pā sites, wāhi tapu, regenerating native bush, old NZDF structures and important heritage features. Motu Kairangi in its entirety, is recognised as a tūpuna maunga for Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika (Taranaki Whānui), reflecting an ancestral identity, and therefore deep cultural connection to the whenua and iwi.
 
A Charitable Trust has been established between Port Nicolson Block Settlement Trust (PNBST), the post-settlement trust for Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika and Wellington City Council, reflecting a joint management approach to control and manage the new Mātai Moana reserve; in accordance with the Reserves Act to benefit Taranaki Whānui and the communities of Wellington for the purposes of:  

• Acknowledging the cultural and historical significance of Mātai Moana.
• Protecting and preserving the natural landscape and character of Mātai Moana.
• Protecting, preserving and promoting Mātai Moana as a place of historical and cultural significance.
• Community benefit including the enhancement of and access to Mātai Moana.

At its heart, the Mātai Moana Charitable Trust is about caring for the reserve, building and maintaining strong relationships and setting a foundation that will endure over generations.
 
 
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
We are seeking to appoint five trustees to this newly formed Trust to support the Trust through its formative years and beyond.  Trustees sit at governance level, and their role includes responsibility for providing strategic oversight and ensuring the Trust is well set up for the long term.
 
Key areas of focus include:

• Shaping a clear long-term vision for the Mātai Moana reserve.
• Guiding how the whenua is cared for, protected and managed as a reserve.
• Creating a strong governance foundation, including a clear charter, robust policies and procedures, and an agreed management plan.
• Supporting constructive, respectful relationships across a wide stakeholder environment.

  
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We are intentionally seeking a mix of trustees, recognising that strong governance comes from a balance of skills, perspectives, and lived experiences. Collectively, we are interested in people who bring strengths in some or all, of the following areas:

• Governance and stewardship, with experience operating at board or oversight level.
• Strategic leadership, including long-term and intergenerational thinking.
• Financial and commercial capability, supporting sustainable decision-making.
• Cultural and place-based leadership, that reflects responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and associated tikanga.
• Environmental and heritage outcomes, including care for the whenua and taiao.
• Communication and engagement across complex stakeholder environments.

 
Trustees will engage with Mana Whenua, community groups, and multiple agencies. We are looking for people who bring sound judgement, presence, resilience, and who are comfortable holding space for a range of views.
 
Trustees will be appointed for a term of up to three years and may be eligible for reappointment. The anticipated time commitment includes board meetings every six to eight weeks, occasional strategy workshops, and site visits. As a charitable trust, trustee remuneration is currently under review. Any remuneration determined will recognise the responsibilities and commitment associated with the role.
 
 
KA KATI NA TONO / APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Friday, 18th September 2026
MŌ TE TONO, MŌ TE TIROTIRO TĀTAI TŪRANGA / APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION: www.jacksonstone.co.nz
TAUPĀNGA / REFERENCE: BH-11618
ME HE PĀTAI ANŌ / FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Annalee Hoogeveen 04-550 8041 / 021 921 802 or Emma Dewson 027 218 4129