Research Funding New Zealand Board - Chair

On behalf of the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as Chair of the Research Funding New Zealand Board.

About Research Funding New Zealand Board

The Government is making changes to New Zealand’s research, science, innovation, and technology system to clarify priorities, lift economic outcomes, and harness advanced technology for a more prosperous future. These changes will maximise the value of public investment in the system, ensure it responds to priorities, and keeps pace with technological advances. 

Research Funding New Zealand (RFNZ) Board (the Board) is the cornerstone for these changes, established as an independent board for the purpose of translating Government science priorities into investments that make a difference for New Zealanders. 

The Board is responsible for making funding decisions to determine the recipients of science, innovation, and technology funding. The Minister will: 

• Require the Board’s funding decisions to align with Government priorities, and to be consistent with and deliver the outcomes sought for the science, innovation, and technology system.
• Invite the Board to develop plans for Ministerial approval, to give effect to those priorities and monitor the performance of the funds for which it is making decisions. 

The Board will deliver on its purpose by making its funding decisions in a manner that:

• Is independent, fair, and transparent. 
• Takes a portfolio view of science, innovation, and technology investments.
• Complies with public sector accountability and transparency requirements, and the Appropriation Acts for Vote Business, Science and Innovation.

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.

Membership of the Board

The Board comprises eight members, including the Chair. Members are appointed by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology for terms of up to three years.

Time commitment and remuneration

The Board is likely to meet monthly, with a greater time commitment during its establishment phase. 

Members are entitled to receive remuneration at a rate determined by the Minister in accordance with the Cabinet Fees Framework. 

The Chair will receive an annual fee of $62,300 for their governance responsibilities. An additional daily fee of $1,025 may be claimed for approved advisory work, with claims monitored by the secretariat to ensure alignment with Board remuneration policies. 

Board members are also entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out Board duties.

Person specifications – Chair 

Specific skills required

The Minister is seeking candidates for Chair of the Board who bring the following mix of skills and experience:

Governance and Leadership 

• Strong governance experience, including serving as Chair on public or private boards. 
• Proven strategic leadership, with success in shaping and delivering long-term strategies in complex environments. 
• Experience leading diverse, high-performing boards, with a focus on inclusive decision-making and effective group dynamics.

Science, Innovation and Technology Funding Expertise

• Deep understanding of New Zealand’s science, innovation, and technology system, including its institutions, funding mechanisms, and policy settings.
• Understanding the relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori within the science, innovation, and technology system.
• Experience in funding disbursement, grant allocation, and application assessment processes.
• Knowledge of investment decision-making best practice, particularly in science and innovation contexts.
• Familiarity with research impact assessment and performance monitoring frameworks.

Public Sector and Accountability.

• Understanding of public accountability, including the machinery of government, Cabinet processes, and ministerial relationships.
• Experience working with or advising Ministers, including navigating political and policy environments.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain relationships across science, innovation, and technology sectors.
• Ability to represent the Board and its work with credibility and integrity.

Personal Attributes

• Sound judgment and integrity, with a commitment to transparency and ethical leadership.
• Collegial and facilitative leadership style, able to build consensus and manage differing views constructively.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including valuing Mātauranga Māori and other knowledge systems.

Disclosure of interests

Before a person is appointed as a member of the Board, the person must:

• consent in writing to being a member
• certify that they are not disqualified from being a member
• disclose to the Minister the nature and extent (including monetary value, if quantifiable), all interests that the person has at that time, or is likely to have, in matters relating to the Board.

Candidates must complete a Disclosure Form so the responsible Minister can understand any relevant interests or potential conflicts related to a board appointment. This helps assess whether the candidate can contribute effectively, and ensures any conflicts can be properly managed.  

Candidates with conflicts that cannot be properly managed will not be appointed.  This includes people in senior leadership or governance roles at New Zealand public research organisations and universities.

Additional information

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