• Part Time
• Application Closes 23 Aug 2026
• Manawatu - Manawatu
• Business Operations Specialist

Provide Governance Leadership. Deliver Regional Impact. 

 MW LASS Ltd is seeking a respected and experienced governance leader to lead its Board as Independent Chair, bringing strategic insight, sound judgement and a collaborative leadership style. 

About MW LASS Ltd 

Owned by seven councils across the Manawatū-Whanganui region, MW LASS Ltd is a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) that delivers shared services and collaborative initiatives that create value for local government and the communities it serves. The Chair will play a pivotal role in guiding the organisation's strategic direction, governance performance, and long-term success.

MW LASS Ltd is jointly owned by:

• Horizons Regional Council
• Horowhenua District Council
• Manawatū District Council
• Rangitīkei District Council
• Ruapehu District Council
• Tararua District Council
• Whanganui District Council

The company operates as a Council-Controlled Organisation with responsibility for delivering collaborative services and initiatives on behalf of its shareholder councils. 

The Opportunity 

As Independent Chair, you will lead a high-performing Board and foster a culture of effective governance, strategic thinking, accountability, and integrity. You will guide the Board in setting organisational direction, overseeing performance and risk, and ensuring the organisation delivers value to its shareholders and the wider region.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership to the Board and ensuring effective governance practices.
• Leading strategic discussions and oversight of organisational performance.
• Ensuring robust risk management, audit and assurance processes.
• Building constructive relationships with shareholder councils and key stakeholders.
• Supporting and overseeing the Chief Executive's performance and development.
• Promoting high standards of ethical conduct, accountability and compliance.
• Leading board evaluation, succession planning and director development.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate independence and be free from relationships that could compromise their ability to exercise objective judgement. Any actual or potential conflicts of interest must be declared and appropriately managed.

Time Commitment 

This role requires an estimated commitment of 2-4 days per month, including Board meetings, preparation, shareholder engagement, committee oversight and occasional ad hoc matters. The appointment is for an initial three-year term, with eligibility for reappointment subject to performance and shareholder approval.

Essential Experience 

You will bring:

• Proven experience as a Board Chair, Deputy Chair, or senior non-executive director.
• A strong understanding of local government, public sector governance, or Council-Controlled Organisations.
• Experience overseeing strategy, organisational performance, risk and assurance frameworks.
• A track record of building productive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

You will demonstrate:

• Independence of thought and judgement.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong facilitation, communication and leadership skills.
• Financial literacy and the ability to interpret organisational performance information.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability. 

Desirable Skills and Experience 

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Information technology and digital transformation.
• Finance and audit.
• Commercial leadership.
• Entrepreneurship and innovation.

Why Join MW LASS? 

This is an opportunity to provide governance leadership for a unique regional organisation that supports collaboration, efficiency and innovation across local government. You will help shape initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes for councils and communities throughout the Manawatū-Whanganui region.

If you are an experienced governance professional who is passionate about public value, regional collaboration and organisational excellence, we welcome your application.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 23 August 2026.