Our direction

Auckland Pride is entering an important new chapter. Our vision is for Takatāpui and Rainbow Communities to lead and influence an equitable Aotearoa through transformational storytelling. 

Our strategy is organised around three pou:

• Pathways - growing the capability and reach of Takatāpui and Rainbow artists and advocates.

• Festival -  strengthening Auckland Pride as a destination arts festival.

• Systems change -  advancing equity and justice through advocacy, collaboration and sustained institutional change.

Our kawa, Te Niho Taniwha, places the Board within a shared system of guardianship alongside Te Rōpū Māori, kaimahi and members. Each holds distinct responsibilities; none dominates.

We are seeking experienced governors members who can bring sound judgement, constructive challenge, collective leadership and relevant expertise to help Auckland Pride translate our 2026–2031 strategy into sustainable organisational and community impact.

The Board’s role

The Board governs Auckland Pride by:

• setting strategic direction and monitoring progress, impact and organisational performance

• protecting the kaupapa and supporting Te Tiriti-aligned, culturally grounded governance

• overseeing financial sustainability, risk, legal obligations and organisational wellbeing

• supporting and holding the Executive Director to account, while respecting the boundary between governance and management

• strengthening relationships with members, communities, artists, funders and strategic partners

• contributing actively to Board development, fundraising and agreed strategic priorities

What you will bring

We are looking for people ready to contribute from the outset to a values-led Board navigating growth, strategic change and increasing organisational complexity. Strong candidates will bring:

• demonstrated experience contributing to effective governance, including strategic oversight, sound decision-making and collective accountability

• a clear understanding of officer duties, risk and the distinction between governance and operations

• commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tino-rangatiratanga, equity and the aspirations of Takatāpui, MVPFAFF+ and Rainbow Communities as a community member or ally

• the confidence to engage constructively with complexity, diverse perspectives and difficult decisions

• capacity to prepare well, participate consistently and support work between meetings when agreed

Priority experience

To complement the current Board, we particularly welcome governance candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• membership organisations, membership growth, community engagement or communications

• people and culture, sustainable human resource management, organisational development, policy development

• fundraising, partnerships, philanthropy or diversified revenue

• digital strategy and governance, including digital marketing, website optimisation, SEO and cybersecurity

• te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, Moana-nui worldviews or Indigenous governance

Commitment

This is a voluntary, unpaid role for a two-year elected term. The Board meets monthly at the Pride office on Karangahape Road, Tāmaki Makaurau. Allow up to eight hours a month for meeting preparation, meetings and agreed strategic work, with additional attendance at key events, particularly during Pride month in February.

How the election process works

Board members are elected by Auckland Pride members at the AGM on Saturday 10 October 2026.

To stand for election, you must be an Auckland Pride member, meet the constitutional eligibility requirements, and submit a nomination endorsed by two current members by 28 September. We can help external candidates understand the membership and nomination process and connect with members through a fair, consistent process.

Express your interest

We are committed to an accessible and inclusive application process. Please let us know if you need information in another format or any reasonable accommodations to apply or participate in the process.

For questions, access support or help understanding the membership and nomination requirements, please contact chair@aucklandpride.org.nz 

A Microsoft Words version of this article is downloadable from here.