Vision & Values 

Hutt Valley Women’s Refuge (HVWR) is seeking to appoint two Board members to add value to the
governance of the organisation, alongside our five current committed and knowledgeable Board
members. These are roles where your skills, knowledge, experience, and networks can make a real
difference to women and children in the Hutt Valley. These are voluntary roles.

About Hutt Valley Women’s Refuge
Established in 1983, HVWR is one of forty women’s refuges affiliated to the National Collective of
Independent Women’s Refuges, the primary family violence organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We believe that everyone deserves to live free from violence and our purpose and vision drive
towards this aim. We work to create safety and improved wellbeing. Our brilliant staff team and
volunteers operate alongside a sister Māori refuge, Kokiri Marae Māori Women’s Refuge, in the Hutt
Valley, providing crisis and support services to women and children who are impacted by family
violence. Both refuges operate in all suburbs across Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Wainuiomata and
Petone. The women and their children accessing our HVWR services are drawn from diverse tauiwi
groups, including a significant number from Pasifika communities.

The Board of HVWR
The Board of HVWR is responsible for the effective governance of the organisation. Board members
provide purpose driven governance, are ambassadors for the work of HVWR, and bring their
knowledge, skills, experience and networks to the role. This is your opportunity to play a key part in
an important and well-respected organisation, alongside knowledgeable and trusted Board
members and Refuge leaders.

Ideal Applicant
We are seeking expressions of interest from experienced and aspiring board members, who are
aligned with our purpose and our vision and who wish to make a contribution to this vital not-for-
profit organisation.

We are seeking one of the two board members to have experience in finance, audit and risk, to
provide support to the Treasurer.

Ideally, applicants will have some of the following areas of knowledge, experience and skills:
 Alignment to HVWR values and commitment to living violence free
 Governance experience is welcome but not essential
 Knowledge of and commitment to the not-for profit sector, preferably in social services
 Management and/or leadership experience
 Fundraising
 Multicultural competence
 Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
 Experience in finance, audit and risk
 Strong networks with government, business, and community agencies – especially those in
the Hutt Valley
 A good team member with excellent communication skills, and the ability to discuss issues
with an open mind.

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Time Commitment: 6 bi-monthly Board Meetings per year, held at the Refuge office in Lower Hutt,
plus the AGM and potential SGM. Board members may also pick up specific governance tasks
between meetings.

Applications close 30 April 2025.

 

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you
would be an ideal candidate to boardchair@hcwr.org.nz
For further information or to discuss the role, call Brenda Pilott (Board Chair) at 027 430 6016