Chair - Barnardos

OverviewAs Board Chair of Barnardos Aotearoa, you will lead the governance of New Zealand's largest children's charity at a pivotal time and help shape a more equitable future for tamariki and whanau across Aotearoa.With approximately 700 staff and turnover of around $60 million, Barnardos is one of the largest non-Government organisations in New Zealand.

Over the past 56 years, Barnardos has supported over half a million tamariki, rangatahi and whanau across the country.

Barnardos offers community and social services, early childhood education, foster care and therapeutic residential programmes.

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Barnardos also advocates to ensure that our laws, policies, and systems meet the needs of children and respect, protect and uphold their rights.The Barnardos Chair guides the Board and plays a central role in shaping Barnardos' long-term vision, ensuring clear strong strategic direction, courageous decision-making, and collective accountability.

The role contributes to strategic planning, social and business investment, programme prioritisation and provides performance, policy and risk oversight.

The Chair also enables effective organisational leadership by supporting the Chief Executive to deliver on the organisation\'s vision, while championing the values and kaupapa that drive Barnardos\' impact every day.Vision / MoemoeaAn Aotearoa where every child shines bright.Mission / KaupapaEvery day we work to make a lasting difference to the lives of tamariki and whanau in need, so they thrive.Childhood shapes a lifetime, and every child deserves the best possible start in life.

At the heart of Barnardos\' work is a holistic, child-centred approach that recognises the interconnected needs of tamariki within whanau.ResponsibilitiesIn the role of Barnardos Chair you will : Guide the Board and shape Barnardos' long-term vision and strategic directionProvide governance oversight across strategy, performance, policy and riskSupport the Chief Executive to deliver the organisation\'s mission and ensure alignment with values and kaupapaFoster courageous decision-making and an engaged, collaborative cultureContribute to strategic planning, social and business investment, and programme prioritisationQualifications / What you will bringTo add meaningful value as Barnardos Chair you will bring : Credible governance experience within large organisational settingsHigh level networks, ideally spanning both political and business spheresStrategy development expertise, and capacity to support effective executionCommercial acumen within resource constrained environmentsCapacity to support an engaged, empowered, collaborative cultureA relevant executive background that may include high level public service, commercial or social services leadershipThe ability to navigate and nurture strong relationships with iwi, hapu and MaoriImpeccable integrity, with commitment to the Barnardos cause and Kaupapa.Confidential enquiries and applications should be directed to Guy Brew or Vishnu Nair at Ichor Leadership Search by 5.00pm on Friday, 5 September 2025.

Email us at

• or call +64 4 499 8230.SenioritiesExecutiveEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionBusiness Development and SalesIndustries : Staffing and RecruitingLocation : Wellington, New Zealand

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