Poari (Board) Members – Southern Regional Collections Trust

Te Kupeka Tiaki Taoka Southern Regional Collections Trust

• Kaitiakitaka (guardianship)/Governance of Southland’s principal regional heritage collection.
• Opportunity for two Kaitiaki (Guardians)/Trustees to join the Poari (Board).

About the Opportunity

Te Kupeka Tiaki Taoka Southern Regional Collections Trust is a registered Charitable Trust and CO (Council Organisation) of Invercargill City Council, he rōpū tiaki taoka (a group that protects taoka/treasures) o Murihiku (Southland) committed to the protection and care of significant regional taoka.

The purpose of the Poari (Board) is to provide independent governance of a nationally significant collection of art and artefacts, mō te paika o te iwi o Murihiku (for the benefit of the people of Southland), and hei tautāwhi, hei tautoko (to support and uphold) the people of Southland. This reflects the Trust’s role in upholding taoka for present and future generations.

The Poari (Board’s) principal governance responsibilities include te whakapiki (enhancement), te tiaki (preservation), me te whakatika (maintenance) of the collection; te whakaāhei i te uruka (enabling access) for display; and providing opportunities for te hono hapori (community connection) with the collection. These responsibilities ensure the collection remains protected, accessible, and meaningfully connected to the communities it serves.

These responsibilities are delivered i raro i te whakaaetaka ratoka (under a service level agreement) with Invercargill City Council, with all Museum and Heritage services delivered e kaimahi o te Kaunihera (by Council staff), primarily from its transitional and new Museum facilities – He Waka Tuia Art+Museum; Te Unua Museum of Southland; and Te Pātaka Taoka Southern Regional Collections, i konei ki Waihōpai (here in Invercargill).

Skills and Experience

Candidates will be expected to bring significant governance experience and a demonstrated sound understanding of governance policy and processes.

Members will also be appointed based on some or all of the following competencies:

• A demonstrated interest in Southland arts, culture and heritage — toi, ahurea, taoka tuku iho (arts, culture, treasured heritage).
• A strong foundation of Southland community connections and relationships — hono hapori (community connection).
• An understanding and appreciation of the role of Museums in the community — te wāhi o ngā whare taoka ki te hapori (the role of museums in the community).
• Demonstration of cultural awareness and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and opportunities, particularly relating to taoka Māori (Māori treasures).
• A record of excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills — pūkenga whakahaere honoka (relationship management skills).
• Proven ability to think strategically, be innovative, challenge and drive continuous improvement — whakaaro rautaki, auaha, whakahihiri (strategic thinking, innovation, challenge).
• Experience working in and with local government, central government, charitable, not‑for‑profits and community services sector.
• Business acumen and competence in financial stewardship — pūkenga pakihi, tiaki pūtea (business skills, financial stewardship).
• Commitment to being present and engaged, including attending Poari (Board) meetings kanohi‑ki‑te‑kanohi (face to face — unchanged).

Terms/Information

The term of office will be three years, with a maximum of two terms.

The Poari (Board) meets approximately five times a year, both in‑person kanohi‑ki‑te‑kanohi (face to face) in Waihōpai (Invercargill) and in online meetings.

Participation in Poari (Board) matters outside of the meeting schedule, and occasional attendance at special meetings may be required.

The annual time commitment for a trustee is 60 hours per annum.

The role will receive an honorarium.

Our strong preference is to appoint iwi o Murihiku (people of Southland) to the roles. Applicants based outside of the region (who can demonstrate a strong connection to Murihiku (Southland)) will be considered.

Learn more

For further information, or to express you interest, contact Thilini.Amarasingha@icc.govt.nz

Applications close 30 September 2026