May 2023 - New trustee positions

Are you passionate about seeing more affordable, quality housing for people in need? If so take on a rewarding, impactful role as a board member of Dwell Housing Trust, a Wellington based community housing provider. This is your chance to bring your specialist skills to Dwell, to further strengthen its foundations and be part of creating a long-term housing legacy.

We are seeking potential trustees with the following experience and skill sets:

Te Ao Māori
Social housing experience
Governance including potential to be chair
Finance
Legal and secretarial

All trustees are expected to have strong relevant networks and enjoy networking, plus be part of our fundraising work.

Dwell has significant projects underway to provide new quality housing in the Wellington region with an aim of 250 homes by 2025. We need trustees who can assist the Board in fulfilling its governance role over these new projects and the ongoing growth of Dwell.

As well as your specialist skills you will have a social heart, be a sound strategic thinker, a strong people person and a great team player. It is desirable that you have a track record as a board member with a good knowledge of governance. The responsibilities and qualities of the Trust board members, are listed below. This is an unpaid role.

Dwell is seeking to appoint two new trustees to fill current vacancies and to allow for continuity when existing long serving trustees conclude their terms.

Dwell has a minimum of eight board meetings each year including a strategic planning day. Most meetings are held early evening in Wellington CBD. There is a lot of information about our great organisation on this website including biographies of our people, information about Dwell and what we do, and our latest annual report.

If you would like to speak with someone about Dwell and the role of trustee you are welcome to contact Keith Taylor, Chair at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 021 836419 or Alison Cadman, Chief Executive at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 027 554 2621.

To apply please email Alison on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 5pm on 6 June 2023 with:

Your up-to-date CV showing your career history and governance experience
A brief supporting statement detailing how you are a good candidate for trustee
A completed declaration form

Key dates and selection process

Closing date: 5pm 6 June 2023

Shortlisting and interviews: 7 to 14 June 2023 (this may vary depending on interest)

Appointment panel’s recommendations submitted to board for approval: 19 June 2023

First board meetings: 31 July or 11 September

The above dates are indications only. We may also appoint strong candidates as applications are received.

Role profile for trustees

Responsibilities of all trustees

Agree the strategic direction of Dwell and supporting strategic plan
Establish and regularly review the strategic goals and objectives of Dwell
Agree the priorities and policies of Dwell
Agree policies and making decisions on key issues, including matters that involve significant financial or other risk to Dwell or affects its ability to achieve its vision or strategic objectives
Ensure Dwell’s assets and resources are used effectively, and in line with its values, to achieve the vision and strategic objectives
Monitor Dwell’s performance
Appointing and monitoring the performance of the chief executive who is responsible for the day-to-day management of operations
Ensure Dwell is conducting itself lawfully and ethically in all matters, in line with its vision and values
Commit to excellence in governance, including regularly monitoring, assessing and improving its own performance
Attend all meetings, or if absolutely unavoidable, apologise in advance for absence
Prepare well and in advance for all meetings, including reading all board papers and other information provided
Consider, debate and vote on issues before the board based on the best interests of Dwell
Develop and maintain good working relationships with board members and the chief executive
Manage stakeholder relationships as agreed
Look to the future and keep informed of issues and trends that may affect the vision and organisational health of Dwell
Complete work in the agreed timeframes
Be an ambassador for Dwell and act in and support of its best interests at all times

Qualities of all trustees

Commitment to Dwell and demonstrates Dwell’s values
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Good relationship management
Good governance knowledge and skills
Team player
Problem solving/ solution seeking
Professional
Strategic thinking