We are seeking enthusiastic and experienced leaders to join our governing Council and help shape the future of vocational education in the construction and infrastructure industries.

Te āhua o te tūrunga – The nature of the position

Waihanga Ara Rau is the Workforce Development Council (WDC) representing construction and infrastructure. Our vision is a construction and infrastructure sector that enables everyone to reach their potential.

We ensure industry, including Māori, Pacific peoples, and people with disabilities have a strong voice in the vocational education and training system and that their needs are reflected in the qualifications and standards available within vocational education in Aotearoa.

Our core functions are to:

• Provide skills leadership by ensuring our essential building, construction and infrastructure sectors are training new and existing workers to the highest and most consistent standards.
• Lead the development of industry qualifications, set industry standards and assess training provision against these industry standards.
• Bring consistency to industry standards and learning outcomes – making sure they are applied across the motu and all learning modes.
• Be the voice of industry to represent their interests as well as being a system leader providing input on policies that matter most to industry.
• Provide advice to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) on investment in vocational education and determine the appropriate mix of skills and training for the industries we cover.

Since we began operating in October 2021, Waihanga Ara Rau has grown and developed into a strong, cohesive entity, united in purpose, and capable of delivering extraordinary outcomes and demonstrable impacts. Keeping up the momentum requires good governance and a governing body that provides clear direction to our executive team, whilst regularly evaluating progress against agreed goals.

Three Council Members are due for rotation this year and we are now seeking expressions of interest for governance professionals to join our Council.

Ngā tino pūkenga/whēako – Essential skills/experience in this role

The Waihanga Ara Rau Council is a dynamic, fast-moving governance entity that is expected to make a real impact and provide authentic industry leadership. Council members will create strategic relationships within our industries, across the vocational education system and with our Te Tiriti partners.

As a council member, you will have significant governance experience and excellent communication and collaboration skills across the Construction and Infrastructure sector.

An understanding of vocational education would be an advantage, as will be an understanding and commitment to our priority learners, including rangatahi, wāhine, Pacific people and people with disabilities. Experience in co-chairing on governance forums would be an advantage.

Additional information

Appointments are for terms of between 2 and 4 years with a maximum of 8 years over multiple terms.  There is an expected time commitment of approximately 3-4 days per month.  Meetings are held 9 to 11 times per year and are a mix of virtual and in-person meetings. Occasional travel will be required.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Waihanga Ara Rau values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reflect the diversity of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the industries and people we work to support. Our governance council requires diverse membership.

Te tono – How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a completed expression of interest form (with any other supporting documentation) to [email protected]. Applications close Friday 19 May 2023 at 5.00 pm.

If you wish to nominate someone for this role, please encourage them to apply as above, and include information on who has nominated them for the role.