New Zealand Growth Capital Partners - Chair role

About New Zealand Growth Capital Partners

New Zealand Growth Capital Partners Limited (NZGCP) was established in 2002 under the Companies Act 1993, to build a vibrant early-stage investment market in New Zealand.

The objective of NZGCP is to stimulate a well-functioning capital market for early-stage technology companies. NZGCP are responsible for two investment vehicles; the Aspire NZ Seed Fund (Aspire Fund) and the Elevate NZ Venture Fund (Elevate Fund), which are designed to stimulate private investment into this space through co-investment and fund of funds models.

Specific skills and experience sought

The Chair must possess a high level of credibility, and the presence required to act as the external face and champion of NZGCP. In addition to this, the Chair should provide a number of the following specialist skills, experience and attributes:

• A genuine interest in developing New Zealand’s early-stage investment market and helping early-stage companies grow.
• Extensive governance experience, including as a chairperson.
• Proven leadership, strategy and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong market connections and networks within the start-up, angel and seed funding community.
• Professional investment governance experience, including private equity and venture capital skills, both domestically and internationally.
• Risk and regulatory management experience.
• An understanding of public accountability.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Chair responsibilities

• Lead the Board in line with its purpose and the Minister’s expectations, including public representation when required.
• Ensure effective governance and accountability practices are upheld. 
• Oversee the Board’s performance to ensure it is efficient, consistent, and financially responsible, in line with public service values.
• Chair Board meetings to ensure effective governance and decision making, including:
• • Setting the annual calendar and agendas with the secretariat.  
  • Managing conflicts of interest.
  • Supporting informed discussion and inclusive participation. 
  • Facilitating consensus and summarising outcomes. 

• Participating in recruitment processes for new Board members, including:
• • Maintaining oversight of the desired skills, experience, and diversity of the Board.
  • Supporting Ministers (via MBIE) in the (re)appointment of members.
  • Guiding and supporting the ongoing development and performance of Board members.

• Maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including the Minister, MBIE, and the wider science, innovation, and technology sector.
• Promote a culture of integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the management of strategic risks and reputational matters.
• Lead periodic evaluations of the Board’s performance and effectiveness.
• Exemplify the highest standards of governance, like all Board members, by:
• • Acting with honesty and integrity.
  • Acting in good faith and not at the expense of the Board’s interests.
  • Acting with reasonable care, due diligence, and skill.
  • Not disclosing, or making use of information that would otherwise not be available to them.
  • Adhering to the Standards of Integrity and Conduct(external link) — Public Service Commission.

Time commitment and remuneration

Fees for the Board are set by the Treasury Crown Company Fees Methodology. The Chair is paid a fee of $76,140 per annum based on approx. 50 day per year.

Further information

A position description for the role can be found here: New Zealand Growth Capital Partners Limited Board - Chairperson | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment 

Please note that applications close 9 December at 11.59pm.

For enquiries about the position, email: board.appointments@mbie.govt.nz