Board Trustee

In 2027 the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand will celebrate 50 years as a beacon of wellbeing, advocacy, and community strength. Strong governance is vital to enduring impact, and we are seeking leaders who bring courage, clarity, and compassion to the table. If you are ready to serve, to listen, and to lead, your voice and vision are needed now to ensure that mental health awareness and support remains at the heart of Aotearoa’s communities. 

The MHF is a charitable trust committed to lifting the mental health and wellbeing of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand.  We do this by: 

• Advocating for a better mental health system and society. 

• Promoting everyday actions people can take to lift mental wellbeing. 

• Providing tools that support people through tough times. 
  

Over the past year, over 1,000,000 people have put some form of regular wellbeing action into their lives as a result of our work and   our tools, tips and programmes that support people and communities through tough times reached over 600,000 people.

  

The MHF also maintains a consistent and influential presence, offering trusted advice and advocacy to politicians and government decision-makers. In times of shifting social conditions, it stands as a vital voice for improving mental health services and shaping policies that support the wellbeing of all New Zealanders. 

In all our work MHF are informed by lived experience through our staff and board, our advisory groups, sector relationships and consultation processes.  

Mauri tū, Mauri ora - Creating space for and unleashing the positive life force found in all things. 

 

As a member of the Mental Health Foundation’s board you will: 

• Bring a proven commitment to promote mental health and wellbeing  

• Contribute, at a governance level, to the development, implementation and review of the Foundation’s strategic plan and annual work programme and the support and oversight of the Chief Executive. 

• Contribute to the board’s performance review and development. 

We are particularly seeking applicants with:

• A professional accounting qualification (Chartered Accountant, CA ANZ, or equivalent), at senior manager level or above in practice, or in an equivalent role such as financial controller, finance director or CFO in industry, the public sector or the not-for-profit sector.
• A strong working knowledge of financial processes, controls and reporting, and the ability to read, interpret and challenge financial statements, budgets and forecasts.
• Experience overseeing risk management frameworks and internal controls, and working with external auditors on the annual audit.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain financial and risk matters clearly to trustees and to work constructively with management.
• Proven governance experience, or a clear readiness to step into a governance role, demonstrated through regular work with boards and senior stakeholders, and an understanding of the difference between governance and management.
• The ability and interest to Chair the Foundation’s Board Finance, Risk & Audit Committee

Applicants with Te Ao Māori expertise or with strong understanding of Pasifika, Asian and migrant communities are encouraged to apply. 

At the MHF we often are confronted with difficult stories about mental health, distress and suicide. Please consider your own mental health and ability to be exposed to this information prior to applying. Rainbow and takatāpui candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply. The Mental Health Foundation actively promotes the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  

Commitment required 

• Preparation for and attendance and participation at board meetings (which are approximately quarterly), and membership (and Chair) of the Board’s Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (also approximately quarterly). 
• Board meetings are usually held at the MHF offices in Auckland. Members sometimes participate online. Committee meetings are usually held online.
• Being familiar with and meeting the requirements of the Foundation’s trust deed and governance handbook. 

Term 

Three years. The Board may reappoint Trustees for a further two terms. 

Application

• A short letter summarising the skills and experience you bring to the MHF board and the reasons for your interest in contributing to our work. 

• A resume detailing your work history and relevant experience and qualifications.