Shape the future of New Zealand's largest disability organisation

• Three nationally focused governance appointments across the IHC Group
• Support strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability
• Advance the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities

• Advance the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities

About IHC Group

IHC Group is one of New Zealand’s largest and most complex purpose-led organisations. For more than 75 years, it has advocated for the rights, inclusion and welfare of people with intellectual disabilities while building a nationwide network of disability support, community participation, accessible housing and charitable services. The Group includes IHC New Zealand, IDEA Services, Choices New Zealand and Accessible Properties, bringing together a membership-based charity, large-scale service delivery and New Zealand’s largest non-government community housing provider.

The scale of IHC creates a significant and rewarding governance opportunity. At 30 June 2025, the Group generated annual revenue of approximately $450 million and held property assets valued at $1.6 billion. Its services supported more than 3,200 people, employed more than 2,700 full-time equivalent staff and delivered over 7.4 million hours of support annually. Accessible Properties managed more than 2,700 properties nationwide. As IHC prepares for important decisions about its future, three Directors are being appointed across the Group to bring complementary expertise, perspectives and connections to its governance and long-term direction.

The appointments

Each Director will contribute to collective governance, strategic stewardship and sound decision-making. IHC is seeking candidates for the following appointments, all of which sit on the IHC Group board, and two of which will also sit on subsidiary boards including IDEA Services and Accessible Properties:

IHC Group Director - Cultural Leadership and Community Connection

This Director will bring strong Māori, Pacific or broader cultural leadership and perspectives to the IHC Group Board. They will support culturally responsive governance, strengthen relationships with diverse communities and contribute to IHC's continued cultural development. The role calls for sound judgement, confidence and the ability to work constructively within an evolving environment.

IHC Group Director and subsidiary board member - IDEA Services

This Director will bring senior leadership or governance experience from a large and complex service-delivery environment, ideally across disability, allied health or social services. They will understand the opportunities and challenges of delivering high-quality, person-centred services, alongside appropriate oversight of performance, workforce, risk and regulatory responsibilities.

IHC Group Director and subsidiary board member - Accessible Properties

This Director will bring strong property-sector expertise, ideally across property investment, development, asset management, social housing or a related field. They will provide strategic insight into property performance, portfolio planning, investment and long-term sustainability, with an appreciation of the importance of safe, suitable and accessible housing.

What you will contribute

Candidates will have governance or senior leadership experience and be ready to contribute effectively at Board level. Alongside expertise relevant to one of the appointments, you will offer:

• A strong commitment to the rights and aspirations of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and whānau
• Sound strategic judgement and an organisation-wide perspective
• Financial and commercial literacy, with an understanding of risk and accountability
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and communities
• Integrity, cultural awareness and respect for different perspectives
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to constructively challenge

Commitment and location

The Boards meet six times each year, with additional participation in occasional stakeholder events, community activities and site visits. Candidates may be based anywhere in New Zealand.

Express your interest

If you are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to IHC's purpose and believe your experience aligns with one of these appointments, we welcome your application.

Please note in your cover letter your preferred director vacancy.

• IHC Group Director - Cultural Leadership and Community Connection – REF#193
• IHC Group Director and subsidiary board member - IDEA Services - Service Delivery - REF#194
• IHC Group Director and subsidiary board member - Accessible Properties - REF#195

Please click HERE, to view the candidate pack including all Director profile descriptions.

To apply, hit the apply button on this ad. 

Applications close 14 October 2026.
For a confidential discussion, please contact John Bell 021 599 586 or Naomi Widener 021 069 1457.