Director/Tangata Whenua Representative for Bay Venues Limited

Role: Director/Tangata Whenua Representative for Bay Venues Limited (1)   

Location: Tauranga

Closes: 19 April 2026      

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About Bay Venues Limited

Bay Venues Limited (Bay Venues) is Tauranga City Council’s largest council-controlled organisation, delivering sport, recreation, event and community facilities across more than 20 venues, including Mercury Baypark, Mount Hot Pools, the University of Waikato Adams High Performance Centre, Baywave, and local halls and community centres.

Its purpose is: “Connecting our community through exceptional experiences by providing the best venues for Tauranga.”

The Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic direction, financial management and stewardship of significant facility assets, on behalf of the community.

The opportunity

From 1 July 2026, Bay Venues seeks one Tangata Whenua Representative to join its Board. The role is vital in ensuring Tangata Whenua aspirations, values, and perspectives meaningfully inform the strategic direction of Bay Venues and its delivery of services to the community.

The successful candidate will bring a balance of governance experience, cultural leadership, and strong relationships across iwi and hapū. The successful candidate will complement the skills and experience of the current Board of Directors and contribute to effective, future-focused, and culturally grounded governance.

What we’re looking for

Key requirements

The key requirements of this role are someone who has the ability to represent and articulate Tangata Whenua perspectives and views, and has strong local Tangata Whenua connections.  

Tangata Whenua expertise

• Deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an ability to implement its principles in governance, decision-making and engagement.
• Working knowledge of Tangata Whenua in the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty including iwi, hapū, marae, and Māori entities.
• A strong understanding of iwi and hapū governance arrangements and existing relationships, commitments and obligations including Treaty settlement arrangements and obligations.
• Ability to integrate Māori values and mātauranga Māori into strategic planning, monitoring and operational frameworks.
• Strong cultural competency and extensive experience in relationship management with iwi and hapū.

• Skilled in engaging, partnering, and working authentically with Māori communities.
• Ability to engage confidently in Te Reo Māori, in both verbal and written contexts.

Governance skills

• Strong governance experience is essential
• Commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing of the organisation and the community is essential.
• Understanding of balancing a commercial return on investment and ensuring community outcomes are prioritised.

Other valuable attributes

• Experience in local government is preferred and understanding of public service ethos.
• Understanding of facility or asset management or project delivery.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Strategic mindset, good judgement, and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.

Additional information

Bay Venues operates autonomously but within a political environment, and with a requirement to meet the expectations of Council and the community in accordance with an agreed Statement of Intent.

Board meetings are held in Tauranga. Remuneration is provided and will be confirmed prior to appointment. The successful candidate will be appointed for a three-year term subject to Te Rangapū Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana and Tauranga City Council approval. A comprehensive induction will outline responsibilities, expectations, and governance frameworks.

While applicants are not required to live in Tauranga, the ability to maintain relationships across the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty is essential.

Applications and next steps

Applications close Sunday 19 April 2026, with interviews scheduled for mid‑May.

All applications will be managed in strict confidence, with an information pack provided to all applicants.

Council’s Appointment of Directors to Council Organisations Policy is available here.

To start your application, please click apply.

For any further information please email: cco@tauranga.govt.nz