Water Safety New ZealandHe angitūtanga - About us
Recreation in, on and around the water is a cultural and popular pastime for millions of people in New Zealand. As an island nation, our beaches, rivers and lakes are some of the most magnificent in the world. A moderate climate, accessible waterways, including public and residential pools provide ample opportunities for Kiwis, immigrants and tourists alike to recreate and participate in water sports and activities year-round. This is part of the New Zealand lifestyle.
With any water comes risk and sadly every year far too many people lose their lives or are injured in, on or around the water. The real tragedy is that most drownings and injuries are preventable.
Drowning is the number one cause of recreational death in New Zealand and the third highest cause of accidental death. In 2020 there were 76 preventable drowning fatalities following 82 in 2019. The 2016 – 2020 five-year average is 80 preventable fatalities. ACC spends more than $72 million a year on water-related injuries.
Water Safety New Zealand is the national drowning prevention agency providing leadership, advocacy, research, and education on behalf of the water safety sector, for the wellbeing of all people in New Zealand.
Our purpose is to lead a step change in New Zealand so people don’t drown. Our vision is that by 2025 more people in New Zealand respect the water and have the skills, knowledge and awareness to connect to and enjoy the water safely.
Water Safety New Zealand is an association of water safety sector member organisations with an elected board and recruited management and administrative team.
The board is now seeking one independent director whose values align with Water Safety New Zealand – ambitious, focused, innovative, inspiring, and giving. If successful, you’ll be joining a board comprising both independent and member representative directors. No incumbent independent director is seeking reappointment. The appointment panel are seeking a candidate with:
- Strong diverse community networks ideally Māori, Pasifika, other ethnicities and/or provincially based
- Commercial and strategic governance experience, with knowledge of the financial requirements for not for profits
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou – what we offer
You will be an active and accountable director with a focus on the future of the water safety sector and Water Safety New Zealand. A team player, you will be part of the collective consciousness about matters that are vital to the organization and the water safety sector’s success, and ultimately, the reduction in New Zealand’s drowning toll.
The appointment is for three years, with the possibility of reappointment subject to effective performance, a modest honorarium of $3,000 is paid annually, expenses are covered and meetings are usually in Wellington.
For more information, please see the New Zealand Water Safety Sector Strategy 2025 and the 2021 Annual Report.
Please apply by email with a covering letter and governance CV to:
Kerry Cooper
021 02587717
Application deadline: Friday 19 August 2022