OPPORTUNITES

2025 BOARD ELECTIONS

We’re pleased to announce that the 2025 National Digital Forum (NDF) Board Elections will be held this November. NDF is looking to fill five vacant board positions. These are volunteer positions.

Together with our five remaining board members, this is an opportunity to take NDF into a new chapter: bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to our 23-year-strong existence. 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

NDF welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of their ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation or age. We invite and encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and occupations, and implore people from typically under-represented groups to apply. 

In addition, to ensure that a diverse range of institutions are represented on the board across the GLAM and cultural heritage sector, candidates are encouraged to review the current board members’ list and see how they can add new perspectives and interests to the board.

We are particularly interested in candidates who may represent Te Waipounamu South Island and/or Māori and Pasifika led cultural organisations. 

The following organisation types, or experience within them, could also be better represented:

• Libraries

• Archives

• Iwi

• Records

SKILLS ARE WE LOOKING FOR

We’ve taken a look at the skills of the remaining and departing board members and identified the areas where the new board members will be most needed. These are:

• Digital Kaupapa Māori 

• Fundraising and Revenue Generation

• Communications and Marketing

• Governance and Strategy

• Audience Development / Engagement

• Te Reo Māori  

• Relationships with Mana Whenua

• Te Ao Māori Leadership

• Experience Design

• Visitor Services

• Membership Association

However, we encourage all members of the community with an interest in serving NDF to put their hand up!

WHY SERVE ON THE NDF BOARD?

The National Digital Forum is a network of people working together to enhance digital interaction with culture and heritage in New Zealand. We host an annual conference, support local events, and provide capability improvement and professional development opportunities for the cultural sector.

For past, present and future Board Members, this is an opportunity to guide NDF in supporting the digital transformation and capability of the Aotearoa GLAM sector. Joining the NDF board offers invaluable professional development and an opportunity to work with a team of committed and talented GLAM professionals.  

WHAT’S EXPECTED OF NDF BOARD MEMBERS?

The NDF Board directs and supervises the strategy and operations of the National Digital Forum. They meet every month, alternating between a Board and Operational Meeting. 

Board Members hold a three-year term (with a maximum of two consecutive terms). Institutional Members nominate individuals for election, and Institutional and Individual Members then vote on the nominees.

As part of a working board, NDF board members are expected to dedicate about 3 - 5 hours per week working on NDF business. This includes attending monthly conference calls with fellow board members, in addition to other committee meetings and follow-up tasks related to those committee functions. At busy periods of the year (around conference time), hours per week can increase. The board is supported by a part-time coordinator.

The Board Members do not currently receive remuneration. This is a volunteer position. 

Once appointed, NDF Board Members serve a three-year term and may serve two terms consecutively. 

Since 2020, most of NDF’s core business has taken place online. This has enabled NDF to broaden our areas of focus, and, with little financial disturbance, allowed Board Members to be based anywhere locally or internationally. There is the expectation that Board Members will meet in-person for strategic planning once a year and where possible, all Board Members are expected to be in attendance for the annual conference. Travel costs, accommodation and hospitality is provided where travel is expected.

A successful Board will have members with a mix of skills and attributes, which include: 

• a passion for the objectives of NDF, and an interest and enthusiasm for the range of activities NDF is involved in

• the ability to provide collective leadership for NDF 

• governance skills and experience or an understanding of governance skills 

• the ability to help shape the strategic direction for NDF and monitor progress 

• independent thought and the ability to debate and defend viewpoints 

• objectivity and the ability to take a broader perspective  

• the ability to work as part of a team and support the collective view of the Board 

• a willingness to adopt particular portfolios according to interest, skills and experience 

• project governance or project management experience 

Full descriptions of the roles and responsibilities can be found here:

• NDF Board Member - General

WHAT’S THE NOMINATION AND ELECTION PROCESS? 

To be considered as a new Board Member, you must be nominated by a current NDF Kauri or Nikau Member (Institutional member).

Nominations will open on September 15, with elections to be held in November. 

More details, including the nomination form, will be released closer to the time.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

If you have any additional questions, please contact admin@ndf.org.nz. You are also most welcome to reach out to a current NDF Board member.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply or hope that you will refer someone you think would be a qualified candidate. 

Thank you for being interested and invested in NDF.