Board Trustee
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Executive Summary
Spectrum Foundation has a clear vision: an Aotearoa in which all disabled people have equal opportunity to live good lives.
As the parent entity of the Spectrum Group, alongside Spectrum Care and Homes of Choice, the Foundation works to break down barriers that prevent disabled people and their whānau from achieving equitable outcomes across health, housing, education, employment and self-determination.
Spectrum Foundation is now seeking a new Trustee who brings lived experience of disability, strong connections across disability communities and the wider disability sector, and established relationships with iwi, particularly across the North Island.
This is an opportunity to bring your lived experience, perspective and relationships to the governance table and help influence decisions that affect disabled people and their whānau. The Board recognises the value that lived experience brings to its thinking and decision-making and wants this perspective to contribute meaningfully to its priorities, relationships and future direction.
As a Trustee, you will join a collaborative Board committed to good governance, inclusion and creating positive and lasting impact. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of a respected organisation working across disability support, housing, community wellbeing and philanthropy.
THE ROLE
As a Trustee, you will share responsibility with other Board members for the governance and stewardship of Spectrum Foundation.
The role is strategic rather than operational. Trustees work collectively to set direction, ask questions, consider opportunities and risks, oversee organisational performance and ensure the Foundation remains focused on its purpose and the people and communities it exists to serve.
As a Trustee, you will contribute to:
- Shaping the Foundation's strategy, priorities, values and long-term direction.
- Bringing lived experience and the perspectives of disabled people and disability communities into Board conversations and decision-making.
- Strengthening the Foundation's understanding of, and relationships with, disability communities, iwi and other key stakeholders.
- Overseeing organisational performance, financial sustainability, investment and risk.
- Supporting and constructively challenging the Chief Executive and executive leadership.
- Ensuring strong governance, accountability and compliance.
- Participating actively in Board and relevant committee meetings and contributing your own perspective while working collaboratively with fellow Trustees.
The Board wants to remain connected to the aspirations, experiences and changing needs of disabled people and their whānau, and to strengthen its relationships with the communities it serves. This appointment provides an important opportunity to bring lived experience, sector connection and relationships into the governance of Spectrum Foundation.
THE CANDIDATE
Spectrum Foundation is particularly interested in hearing from people who bring personal lived experience of disability, together with strong relationships and credibility within disability communities and the wider disability sector, particularly across the North Island.
You will also bring an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and established relationships with iwi across the North Island, enabling you to contribute to the Foundation's relationships, understanding and commitment to equitable outcomes for Māori.
Your leadership and contribution may have developed through advocacy, community leadership, disability organisations, advisory groups, governance, professional roles or other settings. You may already have Board or Trustee experience, but this does not necessarily need to have come through a traditional governance pathway.
What is important is your ability to bring your lived experience, perspective, relationships and judgement to strategic conversations and contribute constructively as part of a Board.
You are likely to bring:
- Personal lived experience of disability and an understanding of the experiences, aspirations and opportunities of disabled people and their whānau.
- Strong relationships, networks and credibility within disability communities and the disability sector, particularly across the North Island.
- Established relationships with iwi across the North Island and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to governance and organisational leadership.
- A commitment to disabled people having greater choice, voice, independence and opportunities to live good lives.
- The ability to think strategically, consider different perspectives and contribute to collective decision-making.
- Confidence to ask questions, offer different perspectives and constructively challenge thinking when needed.
- Strong relationship and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
- Integrity, sound judgement and a strong commitment to the purpose and values of Spectrum Foundation.
Previous Board or Trustee experience would be valuable but should not be seen as a barrier to expressing interest. The Board is interested in the lived experience, perspective, relationships and contribution you can bring, as well as any formal governance experience.
Spectrum Foundation welcomes conversations with potential candidates about any accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments that would enable them to participate fully in the recruitment process and, if appointed, in the Trustee role. Candidate information can also be made available in alternative accessible formats on request.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
We invite you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity with David Price from the HardyGroup. M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
Spectrum Foundation
Spectrum Group is composed of philanthropic funder Spectrum Foundation, disability support provider Spectrum Care and community housing provider Homes of Choice. Spectrum Care and Homes of Choice are registered companies and wholly owned subsidiaries of Spectrum Foundation, a registered charity.
Each entity contributes to the Group Vision of ‘an Aotearoa in which all disabled people have equal opportunity to live good lives’ through its sector-specific purpose. Spectrum Foundation’s purpose is ‘to break the barriers those most in need face in achieving equitable outcomes in health, housing, education, employment and self-determination.’ Spectrum Care’s purpose is ‘to help maximise the potential of the people we support.’ Homes of Choice’s purpose is ‘to empower new possibilities by providing welcoming homes, tailored to people’s needs.’
The Group operates on a not-for-profit basis, with each entity governed by its own Board. Spectrum Foundation has a Board of Trustees governed by a Trust Deed, while Spectrum Care and Homes of Choice have Boards of Directors.
A single Chief Executive leads all three entities, supported by an Executive Team of eight, including shared service leads and executives from Spectrum Care and Homes of Choice.
Spectrum Foundation
Spectrum Foundation’s strategic objectives are focused on supporting equitable outcomes in health, housing, education, employment and self-determination, and include:
- Philanthropy– We fund initiatives that address unmet need in the disability community of Aotearoa. We are focused on achieving genuine, lasting social change that will benefit disabled people now and in the future. We hope to attract and grow support for the disability sector over time.
- Voice – We increase the opportunities for disabled people, whānau and allies to create change by identifying, targeting and supporting sector audiences, and empowering disabled voices in the four Foundation priority areas.
- Cultural partnerships –We build our cultural capacity and capability through the development of authentic partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisational and community collaborations. We respect and are responsive to the needs and aspirations of tāngata whaikaha Māori and Pasifika communities.
- Shared services – We provide our subsidiaries with effective and efficient shared services to support the achievement of their respective strategic objectives and purposes.
For more about Spectrum Foundation, click here.
Spectrum Care | Te Wai Kahukura Atawhai
Spectrum Care’s strategic objectives are focused on promoting and supporting the wellbeing of disabled people and their whānau, and include:
- Embedding Voice and Choice – Voices of disabled people and whānau lead our decision making
- Increasing Equity – Our cultural capability delivers greater equity for those most in need.
- Maximising our Impact – We enhance people’s lives through innovation and challenging the status quo.
- Investing in our Staff – We find, develop and empower skilled, dedicated and resilient staff.
- Leading with Intent – We embrace a culture of empowerment, flexibility, innovation and positive disruption.
- Committing to a Culture of Excellence – We deliver the best possible outcomes for disabled people and their whānau.
For more about Spectrum Care, click here.
Homes of Choice | Ngā Kāinga Awhi
Homes of Choice’s strategic objectives are focused providing great homes that enable choice and affordability for disabled people, and include:
- House People Better – We provide affordable, healthy and accessible homes tailored to the needs of disabled people. Our community housing ensures safe, supportive environments where people can thrive.
- House more people – We increase the supply of welcoming homes in vibrant, diverse communities. We design home environments that are tailored to each person’s unique and evolving needs.
- Growth through partnerships and funding – We grow our ability to meet people’s needs through strategic partnerships that increase access to funding and development opportunities.
For more about Homes of Choice, click here.
Role Specification
The Trustee is responsible for providing governance, stewardship, and strategic leadership to Spectrum Foundation, ensuring that the Trust's assets and resources are applied in accordance with its charitable purposes and objects. The role contributes to the long-term sustainability, effectiveness, and impact of the Foundation and the wider Spectrum Group, comprising Spectrum Foundation, Homes of Choice, and Spectrum Care. Trustees collectively oversee strategy, organisational performance, risk, financial sustainability, compliance, and the achievement of outcomes for disabled people and their whānau.
Governance and Strategic Leadership
- Determine and oversee the strategic direction, purpose, culture, and long-term priorities of Spectrum Foundation.
- Ensure Trust assets and resources are applied to further the Foundation's charitable objectives.
- Provide leadership and governance oversight across the Spectrum Group.
- Monitor organisational performance against strategic objectives and approved plans.
- Approve major strategic initiatives and organisational priorities.
Financial Stewardship and Risk Oversight
- Protect and enhance the Foundation's financial position and long-term sustainability.
- Approve and monitor budgets, financial performance, investment objectives, and resource allocation.
- Oversee risk management frameworks and internal control systems.
- Ensure organisational solvency and prudent financial management.
- Monitor compliance with legal, regulatory, fiduciary, and governance obligations.
Chief Executive Oversight
- Appoint, support, monitor, and evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive.
- Approve remuneration and succession-related matters concerning the Chief Executive.
- Ensure appropriate delegation of operational authority while maintaining governance oversight.
Compliance and Accountability
- Ensure the Foundation meets its contractual, legal, and regulatory obligations.
- Provide governance oversight of health and safety, organisational culture, and ethical conduct.
- Approve and monitor key policies, operating frameworks, and governance processes.
- Maintain appropriate standards of accountability, transparency, and organisational performance.
Board and Stakeholder Responsibilities
- Participate actively in Board meetings, committees, and governance activities.
- Contribute constructively to Board discussions and collective decision-making.
- Support and uphold Board decisions.
- Foster positive relationships with stakeholders and represent the interests of the Foundation.
- Act with integrity, care, diligence, confidentiality, and sound judgement.
View the full scope of these in the Position Description.
Essential Experience
- Experience in governance, executive leadership, senior management, or equivalent strategic leadership roles.
- Understanding of trustee duties, fiduciary responsibilities, and governance best practice.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and the ability to evaluate long-term opportunities and risks.
- Experience contributing to organisational growth, sustainability, and performance.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for disabled people and their whānau.
Desired Skills and Expertise
The Board seeks a complementary mix of expertise across the following areas:
- Philanthropy, fundraising, and income generation.
- Financial management, audit, investment oversight, treasury, and risk management.
- Resource allocation and commercial acumen.
- Disability services, health, housing, education, property, or community sector knowledge.
- Marketing, brand development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy.
- Corporate services including finance, human resources, digital, IT, quality, and shared services.
- Digital transformation and organisational enablement.
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) knowledge and commitment.
Personal Attributes
- High levels of integrity, honesty, and ethical judgement.
- Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strategic agility and sound decision-making capability.
- Creativity, innovation, and continuous learning orientation.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Passion for the Foundation's purpose and values.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a high-performing Board.
Desirable
- Previous Trustee or Board experience.
- Lived experience of disability.
- Experience in leadership roles within the not-for-profit, public, private, or community sectors.
- Chartered Accountant or other relevant professional qualifications would be advantageous for candidates bringing financial expertise.
1. Lived Experience of Disability and Sector Understanding
Personal lived experience of disability, bringing valuable insight and perspective to the governance of Spectrum Foundation and an understanding of the experiences, aspirations and opportunities of disabled people and their whānau. Demonstrates an understanding of the disability sector in Aotearoa New Zealand and a commitment to ensuring the perspectives of disabled people inform strategic thinking and decision-making.
2. Disability Sector Relationships and Community Connection
Strong relationships, networks and credibility within disability communities and the wider disability sector, particularly across the North Island. Demonstrates the ability to build trusted relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders and contribute to Spectrum Foundation's connection, understanding and influence across the sector.
3. Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Iwi Relationships
An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to governance and organisational leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand, together with established and trusted relationships with iwi across the North Island. Demonstrates a commitment to strengthening relationships with Māori and contributing to equitable outcomes for disabled Māori and their whānau.
4. Strategic Thinking and Governance Contribution
The ability to think strategically, consider opportunities and risks, ask thoughtful questions and contribute to decisions about the future direction and sustainability of Spectrum Foundation. Governance or Board experience would be valuable; however, relevant experience may also have been gained through leadership, advisory, advocacy, community, professional or other roles.
5. Commitment to Disability Inclusion, Equity and Social Impact
A strong commitment to improving outcomes for disabled people and their whānau and to advancing greater choice, voice, independence, participation and self-determination. Brings an understanding of the broader factors influencing equitable outcomes, which may include health, housing, education, employment and community participation.
6. Collaborative Leadership and Board Contribution
The ability to work effectively with others, listen to and consider different perspectives, contribute independent judgement and respectfully challenge thinking when appropriate. Brings integrity, curiosity and sound judgement and can contribute positively to collective Board discussions and decision-making.
Reporting Relationship
- Trustee, Spectrum Foundation Board.
- No direct reporting line.
- Collectively accountable with fellow Trustees for the governance and stewardship of Spectrum Foundation.
Key Internal Relationships
- Chair, Spectrum Foundation Board.
- Fellow Trustees.
- Chief Executive.
- Executive Leadership Team.
- Finance and Audit Committee.
- Personnel Committee.
- Boards and leadership teams of Homes of Choice and Spectrum Care.
Key External Relationships
- Disabled people and their whānau.
- Philanthropic partners, donors, and funding organisations.
- Government agencies and sector stakeholders.
- Community organisations and advocacy groups.
- Strategic partners and collaborators.
- Auditors, professional advisers, and regulatory bodies.
Please speak to our HG Principal Consultant
Service Location: Spectrum Foundation Head Office
205 Great South Road, Greenlane, Auckland NZ
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 3rd September 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5557
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Aldie Zuñiga: M: +61 (0)494 101 082 / E: azuniga@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
- An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
David Price
National Manager, HardyGroup New Zealand
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211
E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
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