15th May, 2026
Mālo ni, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Kia orāna, Tālofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Talofa, Noa'ia, Ni sa bula vinaka, Mauri, Tēnā koutou katoa and warm greetings.
On behalf of the Minister for Pacific Peoples, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as the Board Chair of the Centre for Pacific Languages Board.
About the Centre for Pacific Languages
The Centre for Pacific Languages (CPL), is the central hub for Pacific Languages and Cultures in Aotearoa. CPL was one of the first Pacific organisations to provide support to the early wave of Pacific migrants entering New Zealand in the 1970s. CPL operates as a Charitable Trust to preserve, maintain, and promote Pacific languages in New Zealand. Its client base is Pacific adult learners. The CPL Board undertakes actions, programmes and activities that support generations of Pasifika people to achieve and share educational success in Aotearoa. More information about CPL can be found at its website.
Board Chair skill requirements
Must be a Pacific person. The key skills and experiences required at this time are:
- Extensive governance experience at board level, including experience as a chairperson.
- Board leadership and cultural stewardship, with strong Pacific cultural competence to uphold Pacific worldviews, protocols, and community perspectives.
- Sound understanding of statutory and collective board duties, with a demonstrated commitment to integrity, transparency, and effective management of conflicts of interest and sensitive information.
- Strategic governance expertise, including setting direction, testing strategic options using evidence and community insight, and overseeing performance, financial sustainability, and risk.
- Strong relationship management, including the ability to partner constructively with the Chief Executive (with clear governance/management boundaries) and engage effectively with the responsible Minister and key stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills to represent CPL appropriately in community, sector, and public forums.
- Chairing and facilitation capability to set strategic agendas, focus governance time on strategy/risk/performance, lead inclusive discussion, and apply sound meeting and governance procedures.
- Experience leading board effectiveness and capability processes, including reviews, continuous improvement, succession planning, and fair, evidence-based Chief Executive performance planning and appraisal.
Commitment Members shall hold office for a term of three (3) years. The Minister for Pacific Peoples may vary the term of appointment at any time as the Minister considers appropriate. The Board shall meet at such times and places as it determines, being not less than three (3) monthly.
Remuneration The Board is classified as a Group 3a, Level 5 Governance Board under the Cabinet Fees Framework. The Chair currently receives an annual fee of $25,800.00.
Interested? - How to apply Please complete an online application form by clicking 'Apply' below or through our careers site at www.mpp.govt.nz. Please provide a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
If you would like more information, please email nominations@mpp.govt.nz quoting the position title and ref: Board Chair - Centre for Pacific Languages in the subject line.
Closing date: Friday 29 May 2026
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