• Governance with genuine regional leadership
• Seeking broad commercial and investment experience

Mō mātou | About Us

Gisborne Holdings Limited (GHL) is the commercial arm of Gisborne District Council (GDC).  GHL exists to run commercial operations well and to use that commercial capability for the economic good of Tairawhiti.  GHL manages approximately $150 million in assets spanning land operations, property, and tourism accommodation portfolios, underpinning economic resilience and independence across the region.

Driven by a deliberate reinvestment strategy focused on commercial excellence, regional economic good and regional leadership, GHL is ensuring that positive investment performance continues.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

GDC appoints directors to the GHL board under its Board Appointments and Remuneration Policy. GHL currently comprises five directors and is looking to replace a current director who will shortly reach their maximum tenure on the board.

Responsibilities include:

• Governance: providing sound governance oversight of GHL, including strategic direction, risk oversight, and accountability to Council as sole shareholder.
• Commercial and investment stewardship: overseeing GHL’s asset portfolio and contributing to major commercial and infrastructure decisions affecting its long-term performance.
• Community and regional wellbeing: supporting GHL’s role in community housing and city centre revitalisation.
• Stakeholder and partner relationships: engaging with Council, iwi, and community organisations as a trusted regional asset manager.

Ko wai koe | About you

Ideally we are seeking:

• Governance experience at board or senior executive level, ideally in a commercial or investment setting where there are a number of subsidiaries within the business portfolio.
• Experience in investment and deals.  Particular experience in property, community housing or waste management, or related sectors would be valued.
• Sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application to governance.

This is a substantive governance role with real consequence for one of New Zealand’s most distinctive regions.  Given the current board’s strong local representation, we would also welcome applicants from outside of the region however a good understanding of region and a regular in-person presence is essential.

The time commitment is approximately 1-2days per month, and board meetings are predominantly held in-person.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

For a copy of the candidate information pack, please contact Amy Tea or Jo Bell at [email protected]

To apply, please send your covering letter and CV (preferably in PDF format) to [email protected]

Applications close Wednesday 2nd September.

Please note for shortlisted candidates interviews will be held in Gisborne on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this role.