Snow Sports NZ 2025 Board Vacancies

Remuneration	Expenses Only
Applicant Location	NZ Wide
Term	Three Years
Time Commitment	Nine Board Meetings per year

Position Description

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of Snow Sports New Zealand. Working with a highly skilled and qualified board and management team, leading and building on the international success of our snow sports athletes.

Approximately 9 board meetings per year, held by a combination of in person meetings in Wānaka and virtual meetings.  There are three sub committees of the board (Audit and Risk, People and Culture, Alpine)  with each board member having membership of at least one sub committee with a further 3-4 committee meetings each year.

There are 2-3 positions being recruited for.

Elected Members | One Elected Member term is coming to an end at the 2025 AGM. The incumbent elected member whose term is ending at the AGM has expressed their intent to re stand.  
 
Appointed Members | Two Appointed Member vacancies are being recruited one for appointment at the 2025 AGM and another in early 2026.    Roles are for a term of three years from the AGM at which their appointment takes effect.

These roles are not remunerated but all expenses are reimbursed.

About the organisation

Snow Sports NZ is the national sporting organisation representing the interests of free skiing, snowboarding, adaptive snow sports, freeride, alpine ski racing and cross country skiing. Our purpose is to lead the growth and success of competitive snow sports in New Zealand. Our vision is Fuelling our Competitive Stoke.

Snow Sports NZ represent the interests of our sports nationally and internationally. We are a membership organisation and recognised by Sport NZ, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Paralympics New Zealand, and other key international snow sports organisations.

We are a not-for-profit Incorporated Society (246217) operating out of Wānaka, Otago.

Organisational priorities currently include:

• Maintaining the organisation’s High Performance focus in readiness for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics/Paralympics and preparation for the 2030 games;
• Appropriate management, decision making, governance and risk management of the newly established Dry Slope operations;
• Continued focus on wellbeing/athlete voice in the programme and mechanisms to facilitate feedback;
• Progress commercial and sponsorship opportunities;
• Progress and secure funding for the delivery of a refreshed Alpine pathway strategy;
• Progress Hine Tāpuhipuhi (Mountain Women) project in line with Sport NZ and community expectations;
• Establishing Freeride disciplines within SSNZ including related pathway development and FIS requirements in readiness for Freeride being included as an Olympic sport.

Ideal Applicant:

The Board Appointment Panel is interested in hearing from those with commercial and governance experience and a strong affinity for snow sports. Additionally, one or more of the following backgrounds would be of particular interest:

• Solid understanding of governance principles, legal obligations, roles and responsibilities as well as board dynamics and decision making processes;
• Proven ability to support the organisation in the acceleration of the development of commercial models;
• Experience building positive stakeholder relationships with various stakeholders and community/membership engagement;
• High level of personal experience, or track record of supporting CEOs,  in the development of organisational strategy & monitoring/supporting its execution/KPIs;
• Experience in high performance sport or snow sports is required across the mix of board members;
• For one candidate, a potential to assume a role as Chair in due course.

The role is open to individuals living throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, noting that in person attendance at board meetings is expected approx. 4 times per year at a minimum. Board members must have the capacity to be able to contribute fully through their attendance at Board and Sub Committee meetings.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse board and seek applications from candidates of all genders and backgrounds.

Information required for you to apply:

Please apply via email to Nic Cavanagh CEO, at [email protected] providing an up to date CV and covering letter clearly setting out why you are interested in the role and where and how your experience aligns with the criteria listed above.   

Please state whether your application is for the appointed role/s or the elected position.

Early applications are appreciated and often receive greater attention.

Closing date for applications is 23 June 2025 and interviews expected early July.