• Audit, assurance and risk management professional
• Supportive & effective communication style
• Governance & Chair experience

Aronga | About The Role

Toitū te marae o Tāne, toitū te marae o Tangaroa, toitū te iwi.

Taking action together to shape a thriving and resilient Waitaha | Canterbury, now and for future generations.

The Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) is responsible for managing our region’s natural resources – the air, soil, water and how land use affects the environment.

Our specific responsibilities are reflected in our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport.

Following a recent refresh of the governance structure to better reflect the three core services, we are seeking an Independent Chairperson for the Audit and Risk Committee. This role will lead the Committee to ensure the Council’s financial integrity, compliance and risk management practices are robust and effective.

The Audit and Risk Committee has a membership of up to seven Councillors and two independent members.  Its primary role is to provide advice and assurance to the Council and its Committees on audit and risk management matters

Mātau ā-wheako | Skills & Experience

The key focus is to bring a high level of relevant expertise and governance leadership, ideally related to the public/local government sector, to help the Committee meets its Terms of Reference, which include: statutory financial reporting and external audit; internal audit and assurance; risk management; internal controls; fraud; and health and safety.

We are seeking Canterbury based experienced and strategic governance professionals who can demonstrate the following competencies and experience:

• Important to have senior level experience/understanding of risk management, audit & assurance with a strategic and future focus; plus understanding of risk in the context of a changing operating model.
• Chair experience with proven successful governance leadership.
• A good level of financial management literacy.
• An effective communication style & can point to a track record of supporting board/committee members, building team effectiveness and fostering consensus - as well as communicating effectively with management.
• Ideally knowledge of local government structures and experience working with elected members. 
• The ability to act independently while having a sound understanding of sector issues and address the requirements of Environment Canterbury with a high level of objectivity.
• An understanding of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at a governance level. 
• An appreciation of Te Ao Māori and experience working with mana whenua in partnership as relevant to organisational risk and assurance approaches. 

The successful candidate will be based in Waitaha | Canterbury and be able to attend meetings in person at the offices in central Christchurch. This is a remunerated position.

Commitment Required

Attendance at a minimum of four Committee meetings per annum, as well as attendance at related workshops or briefings.  Attendance at regular meetings with the Committee’s Deputy Chair and the organisation’s responsible Director. The appointment term is three years, with the option to renew for a further three years.

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury governs the largest region in the South Island, with its area of jurisdiction comprising all river catchments on the east coast of the South Island from the Clarence River, north of Kaikoura, to the Waitaki River in South Canterbury. The region includes the Canterbury Plains, North and South Canterbury and the major braided rivers of the South Island. With a vision and purpose of “Taking action together to shape a thriving and resilient Waitaha | Canterbury, now and for future generations” Environment Canterbury is responsible for managing the region’s natural resources – the air, soil, water, and the impact of land use on the environment.

The Canterbury Regional Council has a partnership agreement with Ngāi Tahu which seeks to ensure Kotahitanga (unity), anchor the relationship in face to face engagement to build shared understanding and be committed to resolving any differences, create an intergenerational partnership that is dedicated to enhancing outcomes for current and future generations, and recognises the role of both parties in caring for our environment. 

Whanonga Pono | Values                 

Manaakitanga | People first – people, customers and staff come first

Whanaungatanga | Collaboration – together works best

Kaitiakitanga | Stewardship – good decisions today for tomorrow

Pononga | Integrity – trust in us and our information

Māiatanga | Can do – be brave and make it happen