- Contribute to making Central Lakes region ‘a better place to be’
- Oversight of a diverse investment portfolio
- Community participation and multi stakeholder engagement
About the Trust:
Central Lakes Trust (CLT) is dedicated to supporting charitable organisations within the Central Lakes funding region. Its mission is to ‘enhance assets and enrich lives’ by supporting its communities - making the Central Lakes region a better place to be.
Since its inception in 2000, CLT has had a significant impact, approving grants of $174 million, as of 31 March 2026. Through grants spanning environment, heritage, community wellbeing, recreation, arts and culture, and lifelong learning, CLT supports the organisations that help the Central Lakes communities to thrive.
The Board has eight Trustees, three of whom are appointed. Trustees work collaboratively to ensure CLT fulfils its purpose, manages its assets responsibly, and remains accountable to its community and shareholders. This vacancy arises from the retirement of an appointed Trustee who will step down after completing three terms at the end of November 2026.
This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to communities across the Central Lakes region, while also providing governance oversight of a Trust with significant investment and shareholder responsibilities.
CLT’s office is based in Cromwell.
The Role
CLT is looking for someone who will bring independent thought, sound judgement, and a genuine commitment to the community CLT serves.
You will be an experienced governor with capability across some or all of the following areas:
- Sound governance experience, with the ability to evaluate risk and opportunities, hold management to account, and contribute to strategic decision-making.
- Commercial acumen, with a multi-generational approach to investment decisions and an understanding of investor responsibilities in complex, multi-shareholder entities.
- A commitment to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in governance practice, including how it shapes decision-making, relationships, and accountability.
- Understanding of the Central Lakes region, its challenges and opportunities, and its diverse and evolving communities.
- Energy sector knowledge, including renewables, clean energy, and the regulatory and competitive dynamics of that environment.
- Knowledge of the national and regional funding landscape.
- Board Chair and/or audit & risk committee experience.
The Board’s preference is to appoint someone who resides within the Central Lakes region The successful candidate will be expected to take up the role in December 2026, with the term running for 3 years.
The Board
The Board normally meets 10 times during the year. Trustees are expected to prepare thoroughly, contribute actively, and bring an independent perspective to Board discussions.
The Board has three committees – the Investment Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee, and the Remuneration and Nomination Committee – and trustees may be asked to serve on one or more of these. Trustees also attend community functions to represent CLT across the region.
Trustees receive an annual fee, with additional fees for committee roles as well as the chair and deputy chair positions. Further details are available on request.