Director Opportunities | Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA)

An opportunity is available for up to two experienced governance professionals to join the Board of the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) and help shape the future economic prosperity of Manawatū.

CEDA is the economic development agency for Palmerston North City and Manawatū District, working with businesses, investors, iwi, central and local government, and regional partners to create sustainable economic growth and position Manawatū as a place where people, business and investment can thrive.

We are looking for Directors who bring strong financial governance and risk management capability, alongside governance experience, strategic leadership and sound judgement, and the ability to contribute constructively around the Board table.

The skills we are seeking

For this appointment round, we are particularly interested in candidates who can strengthen the Board's capability in one or more of the following priority areas:

Financial governance, risk management, regulatory and legal oversight. Demonstrated experience providing governance oversight of financial performance, budgets, audit and assurance, internal controls and organisational risk. Experience navigating complex regulatory, legal or policy environments, particularly within publicly accountable organisations, would be highly valued.

Capital raising and inward investment, demonstrated experience attracting investment, raising capital, developing investment propositions and/or building relationships with significant public or private sector investors.

Tourism, visitor economy or destination marketing, strategic experience in tourism, destination development, visitor attraction or destination marketing, with an understanding of how the visitor economy contributes to wider regional prosperity.

We also welcome applicants who bring complementary skills and experience in areas including:

• economic development and commercial business
• international business and markets
• advocacy and strong relationships with central government, iwi and the private sector
• communications and marketing
• people and organisational capability
• tikanga Māori and Māori business
• KPI setting, project prioritisation and value-for-money assessment
• distribution and logistics
• rural, primary and food sectors
• technology or green energy
• strong regional iwi relationships
• strategic alignment with initiatives such as Te Utanganui - Central New Zealand Distribution Hub, the Manawatū Regional Food Strategy and regional Destination Management planning.

Connections within central government, particularly across transport, economic growth, tourism and the primary sector would also be valuable.

What you will bring

Alongside relevant professional expertise, you will bring strong financial literacy, a clear understanding of risk and assurance, a strategic mindset, sound governance capability and the confidence to ask thoughtful and sometimes challenging questions.

You will understand the distinction between governance and management, be comfortable scrutinising financial and non-financial performance, and contribute to robust decision-making in a publicly accountable environment. You will also bring an appreciation of the role economic development plays in creating long-term community prosperity.

We are looking for people who can see opportunity, build relationships and contribute different perspectives around the Board table. The ability to constructively challenge conventional thinking and the mana to influence positive change will be highly valued.

While strong connections to Manawatū are welcomed, we are equally interested in candidates who can bring valuable national or international perspectives, networks and experience to the region.

Why join CEDA?

As a CEDA Director, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of an organisation working at the centre of some of Manawatū's most significant economic opportunities.

You will help influence regional investment, business and sector development, destination growth and partnerships that support a stronger, more resilient economy for Palmerston North and Manawatū.

The Board meets monthly, with some additional commitment required for strategic sessions, partner meetings and key events.

Interested?

If you have the financial governance, risk management, governance experience, networks and strategic capability to help shape Manawatū's economic future, we would welcome your application.

Please submit your CV and cover letter, outlining the experience and perspective you would bring to the CEDA Board.

For further information about CEDA, visit ceda.nz.

For enquiries regarding the appointment process, or to apply, contact: Karyn Crawley Manawatū District Council 06 323 0000 | 027 263 6391 | Karyn.crawley@mdc.govt.nz