Vision & Values 

​Candidate Information Pack

Hutt Valley Women’s Refuge: Treasurer & Board Member

 

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in joining our Board as Treasurer. This pack outlines our organisation, the role, and the experience we are seeking. We welcome candidates who share our commitment to the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women and children. This is a voluntary governance role.

 

About Hutt Valley Women’s Refuge

Hutt Valley Women’s Refuge provides crisis response, safe housing, advocacy, and practical support for women and children experiencing family violence. Our kaupapa is grounded in compassion, empowerment, and the belief that every woman and child deserves to live free from violence.

 

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the NCIWR Cornerstones, and we work to ensure our services are culturally competent, confidential, and accessible to diverse communities. Our partnerships with iwi, community organisations, and government agencies help ensure women and children receive the support they need.

 

The Board provides governance, stewardship, and strategic direction, ensuring the Refuge remains strong, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our community.

 

Our funding comes from a mix of government contracts, grants, donations, and community fundraising.

 

The Role: Treasurer & Board Member

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The Treasurer ensures effective and accountable financial management of HVWR, in addition to the general responsibilities of all Board members.

 

You will provide strategic financial oversight, ensure robust financial systems and controls, and support high‑quality decision‑making at the Board table. You will work closely with the Refuge Manager and Operations Lead to ensure accurate, meaningful financial information is presented to the Board.

 

While management handles day‑to‑day financial tasks, the Treasurer is required to engage in detail when required — including reviewing journals in Xero, authorising payments, reviewing GST returns, supporting business cases, and ensuring Charities Services filing requirements are met.

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Key Responsibilities

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Financial Oversight & Strategy

• Lead financial oversight, including adoption and monitoring of the annual budget and monthly accounts

• Oversee budgeting processes and ensure alignment with strategic goals

• Ensure accurate financial records are maintained and reported to the Board

• Monitor financial risks and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements

• Lead any finance committee or working group established by the Board

 

Governance & Compliance

• Present financial reports at Board meetings, ensuring clarity and accountability

• Ensure financial policies, procedures, and risk management align with best practice and legal obligations

• Support management in preparing the annual performance report and audit

• Work closely with auditors and the Refuge Manager to maintain financial transparency

• Ensure annual accounts and statements are filed with Charities Services

• Promote ethical governance, transparency, accountability, and inclusion

 

Ethical Stewardship & Confidentiality

• Safeguard financial integrity and ensure funds are used responsibly

• Maintain confidentiality regarding financial matters

• Provide financial advice to the Refuge Manager, including business case development

 

Fundraising & Resource Allocation

• Support the Board in securing funding, including grants, donations, and sponsorships

• Provide financial insights for programme decisions and funding bids

• Ensure financial resources are allocated effectively to support refuge services

 

Cultural Competency & Inclusivity

• Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in financial decision‑making

• Ensure financial strategies support equitable access to services

• Align financial stewardship with the NCIWR Cornerstones

 

Time Commitment

• Board meetings every two months (2-3 hours, held in evenings.  Some in person; some online)

• Occasional short meetings online

• Regular meetings with the Refuge Manager and Operations Lead

• Authorise payments as required

• Provide advice and respond to urgent matters when needed

• Contribute to tasks within the Board work programme

• Additional time during the annual audit and budgeting cycle

 

Experience and Attributes

We welcome candidates who bring:

• Experience in finance, accounting, audit, or related fields

• Sound judgement and clear communication of financial information

• A willingness to engage in both strategic thinking and practical detail

• A collaborative, values‑aligned approach to governance

• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and culturally grounded practice

• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, family violence dynamics

 

Compliance, Eligibility & Vetting

• This is a voluntary governance role.

• All Board members, including the Treasurer, must complete a satisfactory Police vetting check prior to formal appointment and maintain the requirements.

• Board members must comply with HVWR’s confidentiality policy and all legal and ethical obligations relating to privacy and safety.

• Board members must be eligible to serve as officers under the Incorporated Societies Act and Charities Act (e.g., not an undischarged bankrupt and not prohibited from being a director or manager).

• All actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest must be disclosed and managed under HVWR’s Conflicts of Interest Policy.

 

How to Apply

Please provide:

• A short cover letter outlining your interest in the role

• A CV highlighting relevant experience

 

Applications can be sent to: georgina@hvwr.org.nz