Applications are now open for the fourth intake of Tauranga City Council’s Aspiring Directors Programme for its council-controlled organisations (CCOs).
The programme aims to expand the number of local people with governance experience, while enhancing the diversity and depth of the governance talent pool available to organisations in Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty.
This is a valuable opportunity for aspiring directors to gain hands-on governance experience by interning with one of the following CCOs:
- Bay Venues Limited – Guardian of over 20 community facilities in Tauranga Moana, including Mercury Baypark and the University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance.
- Tourism Bay of Plenty – Jointly owned by Tauranga City Council and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, this organisation leads the sustainable growth of the visitor economy across the sub-region.
The 12-month, voluntary intern roles offer a range of benefits, including:
- the opportunity for aspiring board members to start their governance careers in a supportive environment
- mentoring and professional development training
- the chance to build networks within the organisation and wider community.
To be considered, interns must live in the Tauranga area, demonstrate a strong commitment, motivation and desire to pursue directorship opportunities in the next two to three years, as well as being able to commit enough time to undertake the programme effectively. This is estimated to be around three hours per week.
Since 2022, the internship programme has supported seven interns who have worked alongside the boards of Bay Venues, Tauranga Art Gallery Trust and Tourism Bay of Plenty.
Current Bay Venues Aspiring Director, Sam Hastings, describes his time as “an incredibly rewarding experience that has given me valuable insights into how large organisations are governed and how good decisions are made.”
“I’ve grown significantly throughout the programme and am deeply grateful for the mentorship I received from the directors. They were welcoming and accommodating, took the time to engage with my questions and comments, and created a space where I could gain real experience of what it’s like to operate at a directorship level,” says Sam.
“I would strongly encourage anyone considering applying to go for it. It’s a fantastic opportunity and the team genuinely invest in you. I’ve gained new skills, built valuable friendships and connections and developed a deeper appreciation of what good governance looks like.”
Current Tauranga Art Gallery Trust Aspiring Director, Grace Hakaria, says her internship has been a transformative experience.
“I've gained a deeper understanding of the inner workings of a Board within the local government environment. It’s complex, nuanced and also exciting and fulfilling,” says Grace.
“The mentorship I've received and the insights shared by the Board have broadened my perspective – not just as an aspiring director, but as someone passionate about the impact of arts and culture on our community. For anyone considering this opportunity, it’s more than an internship, it’s a chance to be part of something truly meaningful and to give back."
Mayor Mahé Drysdale thanks both Grace and Sam for their tenure.
“Their contributions have made a meaningful impact, and it’s been a pleasure to see their growth and enthusiasm. I wish them both every success in their future endeavours and look forward to seeing where their governance journeys take them.
“As we wrap up this cohort, I’m also excited to welcome the next group of interns and continue building on the strong foundation Grace and Sam have helped create.”
For further information about the Aspiring Directors Programme, please visit Council-controlled organisations.
Applications close at 10am on 24 October and interviews will be held in Tauranga on 11 and 13 November, with the internships commencing in December 2025.
| Image caption | Current Aspiring Directors – Sam Hastings and Grace Hakaria. |