In accordance with the dapaanz Constitution, three elected positions are available for the 2026-2029 Board term.
We are seeking candidates with both organisational leadership and governance experience, who would like to meaningfully contribute to the future direction of addiction practice in Aotearoa.
The dapaanz Board plays an important role representing the addiction sector at a national level and stewarding the sustainable growth and development of dapaanz, in the best interests of our members.
The term of the current dapaanz Board ends in December this year and a new Board serving a three-year term will be ratified at our AGM on Wednesday 16 December 2026.
The 2026-2029 Board will comprise:
- Emma Hunter (Chair)
- Takurua Tawera (Pou Whakarae)
- Bridgitte Thornley (Chair, Risk and Finance Committee)
- Three (3) positions elected by the dapaanz membership
- Up to two further appointments as required to meet skill and capability requirements.
Eligibility criteria
All candidates for election must meet the following minimum criteria:
- At least three years’ experience in an organisational leadership role (for example, team manager level or above)
- A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in governance and practice
- A current member of dapaanz
- Endorsement from two referees.
These criteria establish a baseline level of capability, experience and commitment expected of all Board members.
In addition to the core eligibility criteria described above, the Board is interested in members with specific strengths and experience identified by the outgoing Board for the coming term:
- Legal and risk management experience in a governance context.
- Digital/technology experience and/or data security skills.
- Experience within the wider health system, particularly within policy or regulatory environments.
These criteria and skills reinforce the expectation that Board composition should reflect a balanced mix of skills and perspectives. We ask candidates to describe how their skills and experience align in relevant areas described above within their profile statement.
Election timeline
Wednesday 2 – Wednesday 23 September: Applications open
Week of 5 October: All applicants notified of outcome following panel review of candidates
Monday 12 – Friday 30 October: Voting open
Week of 23 November: 2026-2029 dapaanz Board elected members announced
Wednesday 16 December: Dapaanz AGM and new Board ratified
Next steps
If you meet the candidate profile and eligibility criteria described above, please download the role description for more detail.
You can also contact any current Board members [insert link], if you’d like to find out more about what the role entails.
Please submit your application (via email) to Kat Kerr – Finance and Operations Manager, by 5pm on Wednesday 23 September.
Please provide the following in your application:
- A completed proforma profile statement.
- A short CV.
- An election statement to share with dapaanz members when voting opens (no more than 250 words, plus pepeha if including).
- A profile photo (to be shared alongside your election statement).
- Endorsement statements from two referees (the names and current roles of your referees will be shared alongside your election statement when voting opens)
- endorsement statements should include but are not limited to: How your referee knows you; the length of your relationship; and other comments related to your governance experience and other experience or skills pertinent to the role description and skill/capability requirements detailed above.