• Governance with genuine regional impact.
• Seeking Commercial acumen with scale and breadth

Mŏ mātou | About Us

Trust Tairāwhiti is a community trust based in Gisborne, founded to preserve capital and provide for the people, whānau and communities of Tairāwhiti.  We invest in and support initiatives across economic development, community development and our environment, guided by our Tairāwhiti wellbeing framework.  Our work is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to equity, sustainability, and integrity for present and future generations.

The Trust operates through a strategic framework focused on four outcomes: Te Mana (shared pride), Te Ihi (shared prosperity), Te Wehi (shared opportunity) and the long-term preservation of the Trust Fund. Trustees oversee investments including our ownership of Tairāwhiti Investments Limited formerly Eastland Group, as well as our role as Regional Tourism Organisation and Economic Development Agency for Tairāwhiti.

Mŏ tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Gisborne District Council appoints trustees to Trust Tairāwhiti under its Board Appointments and Remuneration Policy.  The Trust board comprises up to seven trustees whose responsibilities include:

• Governance: Providing sound governance oversight of the Trust, including strategic direction, risk oversight, and accountability to beneficiaries.
• Investment and financial stewardship: Overseeing investment strategy, audit and risk, and the long-term preservation of the Trust Fund for current and future generations.
• Community and regional wellbeing: Guiding investment and distribution decisions across economic development, community development and the environment.
• Stakeholder and partner relationships: Engaging with iwi, hapū, councils, businesses and community organisations to support the Trust’s role as a trusted regional anchor.

Ko wai koe | About you

The Trust is seeking proven governance experience along with a strong business background, a knowledge of Mātauranga and ideally a connection to the Tairāwhiti region.  In particular you will need:

• Governance experience at board or senior leadership level, ideally in an investment or commercial setting.
• Strong business and commercial experience in finance, risk management, or investment oversight.
• Knowledge of and commitment to te ao Māori and Te Tiriti.
• Ideally a connection to Tairāwhiti, whether through whakapapa, whānau, professional engagement, or long-term commitment to the region.

This is a substantive governance role with real consequence for one of New Zealand’s most distinct regions. The Trust’s kaitiakitanga of community wealth is a responsibility taken seriously, and the board seeks a trustee who will do the same.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

For a copy of the candidate information pack, please contact Amy Tea or Mel Keane at info@amytea.co.nz

To apply, please send your covering letter and CV (preferably in PDF format) to apply@amytea.co.nz  

Applications close Sunday 31 May 2026.

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