Board Trustee

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most remarkable conservation stories. Enclosed within the world's largest mainland pest-proof fence — 47 kilometres protecting 3,363 hectares of native forest — Maungatautari is home to some of our most treasured taonga species, including kākāpō, kōkako, takahē, kiwi, and kākā.

Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT) was established to protect and enhance the mauri of the maunga. We are a world-class visitor destination, a leading conservation science hub, and a community anchor in the Waikato. Our co-governance model with mana whenua shapes everything we do.

Our vision: to make the maunga sing.

Our mission: to be internationally recognised and nationally cherished.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a new Trustee to join our volunteer Board as part of our succession planning. This is a genuine opportunity to contribute your skills to a cause that matters — to be part of a visionary group working to protect one of Aotearoa's most significant natural landscapes and to help shape a future that lasts a thousand years.

As a Trustee you will:

• Provide strategic governance and oversight of MEIT's operations, finances, and programmes.
• Support the Chief Executive and leadership team with clear direction and sound stewardship.
• Contribute actively to fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and relationship building.
• Participate in Board meetings (a mix of on-site and online) and key sanctuary events.
• Act as an ambassador for Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and its kaupapa.
• Help shape MEIT's 1,000-year vision and the five-year action plans that will bring it to life.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We welcome applications from people with a genuine connection to conservation and community. No single candidate will hold all the skills below — what matters most is enthusiasm, integrity, and a commitment to the maunga. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring one or more of the following:

• Governance experience — from board, trustee, or directorship roles in any sector.
• Financial or commercial acumen — including fundraising, philanthropy, or business development.
• Tourism, marketing, or digital expertise — to help grow our visitor numbers and public profile.
• Conservation, science, or environmental management knowledge.
• An affinity with Te Ao Māori and a genuine willingness to support our co-governance journey with mana whenua.
• Strong networks in the Waikato, Auckland, or beyond — particularly in philanthropic or corporate circles.
• Community leadership and a track record of building trust with diverse stakeholders.

WHY JOIN THE MEIT BOARD?

Joining the MEIT Board means becoming part of something truly extraordinary. You will:

• Be part of a passionate, purpose-driven Board guiding a world-class conservation sanctuary.
• Contribute to a 1,000-year vision aligned with iwi aspirations — thinking beyond generations.
• Connect with leading conservation scientists, iwi partners, and community champions.
• Witness world-first conservation milestones — like the first kākāpō booming on the mainland in over a century.
• Be part of an organisation at the forefront of conservation finance innovation in Aotearoa.

"Mavericks founded the sanctuary, and that spirit remains in our DNA. We are building something that will last a thousand years — and we want people with heart and vision to help us get there."