the joy of teaching, the love of learning

the joy of teaching, the love of learning

Board Vacancies

Nominations for Board Member positions are now open.
Close off for nominations is midnight Sunday 7 May 2023.


Kia ora koutou

If you are a team player, interested in the future of kindergarten, are wanting to learn about governance roles and looking for opportunities to gain new skills or experiences then you may be interested, or know of other people who would be interested, in joining our Board.


Board Induction Booklet can be viewed here.
Napier Kindergartens' Constitution.
Napier Kindergartens' Governance Manual
Napier Kindergartens' Membership booklet

We currently have several Board Member positions vacant. 

Anyone with an interest in being elected to a Board position is most welcome to contact our General Manager (027 442 3163 or gm@napierkindergartens.co.nz) for an obligation-free discussion about the role, so that you can make an informed decision about whether this role is for you.

Being a Board Member is a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Learn about governance
  • Influence policy and decision making
  • Meet and work with new people
  • Gain an understanding of how the Association runs
  • Learn about issues facing early childhood education and Napier Kindergartens

Board Members do not need to have prior governance experience to be on the Board. We have a great induction process with information and support available to guide new Board Members into their roles. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, committed and willing to contribute their views for their 2 year term.

Board membership is great preparation for those considering joining school Boards of Trustees. We are much larger than most schools, with 16 kindergartens, over 100 employees and a gross income in excess of $6 million per annum.

Board Members are not required to actually run the Association – that responsibility has been delegated to the General Manager. We do decide however what we want to see happening in our kindergartens and what we want our children, staff and families to experience from their time at kindergarten.

Although Board Members are volunteers we are paid fees for attending meetings and any participation on the Appointments or Staffing Committees.

We ask Board Members to be prepared to attend up to 11 Board meetings per annum of approximately 1 to 2 hours duration, as well as the Association AGM and a Strategic Planning Day of approximately 6 hours duration. Additional time should be allowed for reading of Board papers.

We are looking for Board members willing and able to able to think about issues strategically, are able to make courageous decisions, and who truly value kindergarten.

Co-option by the Board means that you don't need to go through the full election process to commence your position on the Board. However you will be required at the next AGM (21 June 2023) to stand for election by the Members.

The formal process for election to the Board is:

We have a 3 stage process for electing Board Members:

1. Nominations are received and seconded by the Board (see below for more details about
    submitting a nomination)

2. Nominees information is shared with our Members prior to the Annual General Meeting

3. Association Members vote at the Association’s Annual General Meeting to elect nominees to the
    Board

Who may be a nominee?

Any person who is a registered Member of Napier Kindergartens, excluding Association 
employees, may be a nominee as long as they have consented to being nominated.
Another registered  Member has to nominate you.

A nominee can be a person who does not have a child attending kindergarten.

If you are not a registered Member of the Association, you can submit your Association Membership Application at the same time as submitting your nomination.

Who can make a nomination?

Any registered Member of the Association, excluding employees, may make a nomination. (eg a registered Member who is a kindergarten parent, a Board Member or a Life Member may make a nomination). You should nominate a person you think would make a great Board Member, and ask them if they would be happy to be nominated.

Alternatively a person wanting to be nominated may ask another registered Member to nominate them.

How is a nomination made?

Nominations are submitted to the General Manager no later that 11.59pm on Sunday 7 May on a Board Nomination Form (which can be also obtained from your kindergarten or the General Manager).

The nominee must agree to being nominated and attach a letter to the nomination form stating why they are interested in being a Board member. The Nominee should also include a brief resume, references, referee details and a completed Criminal Disclosure Authority Form (the General Manager can help nominees with this part of the process).

Why do nominees need to have their nomination seconded by a Board Member?

Our constitution requires nominations to be seconded by a Board Member. Before deciding if a nomination should be supported the Board is keen to know that the nominee understands what the role involves, that they are genuinely committed and available to participate, that they share the values of the Board and are prepared to be an actively contributing member. We will ascertain this by arranging a meeting for you with a Board Member at your convenience in person or via zoom.

What happens after my nomination is submitted and seconded by the Board?

Your letter of interest will be distributed to Association Members at least a week before the AGM, which will be held on the 21 June 2023.

At the AGM nominees will be introduced to the Members present, who are given the opportunity to ask nominees any questions they may have about their standing for a Board position.

Voting will occur at the meeting. Nominees must receive 50% or more of the votes of those Members in attendance to be elected to the Board for a 2 year term.

Nominees who are elected to the Board will commence an induction process and will attend the next Board meeting on 28th June 2023.

Our General Manager is available to provide any assistance required to prospective nominees (ph 027 442 3163). She will be available to discuss what the role involves, help you to complete the forms needed and arrange a meeting with a Board Member.


 

Contact Us

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Phone:  06 835 7890

Email:   info@napierkindergartens.co.nz

66 Kennedy Road, Napier

PO Box 4298, Marewa, Napier

New Zealand

Mission and Vision Statements

Our Vision
Learning is child's play and teaching is a passion.

Our Mission:
Children and parents look forward to their kindergarten experience