The National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges (NCIWR) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most established family violence organisation. NCIWR supports over 40 Independent Member Refuges across the country and plays a vital leadership and advocacy role in eliminating violence against women, children, families and whānau.
A new Chief Executive is now sought to lead the organisation through its next chapter. This role is a unique opportunity to shape national strategy, influence policy, and ensure the voices of local refuges remain central to the movement.
The Chief Executive will be responsible for driving NCIWR’s strategic priorities and leading a National Office that provides policy, advocacy, capability-building, and operational support to its Member Refuges. Working closely with the governing body, Te Taumata o Te Kōwhai, the role requires a leader who can build strong relationships, uphold a kaupapa Māori framework, and navigate the complex social, cultural, and political context in which the organisation operates.
This is a high-trust role that requires a deep understanding of family violence in Aotearoa and a commitment to bicultural practice grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing national leadership and direction in line with NCIWR’s values and kaupapa
- Advocating for meaningful social and legislative change
- Supporting and strengthening the capacity of affiliated Refuges
- Leading the National Office Team and ensuring operational and financial sustainability
- Maintaining strong and respectful relationships with Iwi, Government agencies, Funders and Sector Partners
- Promoting the principles of parallel development between Tangata Whenua and Tauiwi
The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership experience in a values-based organisation, whether in the not-for-profit, community, public, or kaupapa Māori sectors. You will be confident in policy and advocacy settings, experienced in complex stakeholder environments, and comfortable working with and for a diverse membership base. You will be deeply aligned with the mission of the Collective and bring a leadership style that is collaborative, grounded, and principled.
The preferred candidate will bring a strong understanding of the family violence sector or a closely related field, along with proven experience leading at both a strategic and organisational level. They will be deeply familiar with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bring lived or professional experience working within bicultural frameworks. Strong communication skills, integrity, and empathy are essential, as is a demonstrated ability to work in genuine partnership with Māori and uphold kaupapa Māori practice.
For more information or to apply, please contact Lucinda Beamish at Hobson Leavy Executive Search: beamish@hobsonleavy.com
Applications close on the 19th of June 2025.
