- Establish independent training board for HVAC&R industry
- Bring your governance experience and knowledge of vocational training
- Paid role. Can be based anywhere in NZ
New Zealand's heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration sector is at a pivotal moment. Given that Cabinet approved the drafting of regulations which will require qualified technicians by 2028/29 and a regulated product stewardship scheme taking effect, there is an urgent need for consistent training standards and professional recognition.
The Refrigerant & HVAC Industry Standards Training and Licencing Board (the Board) is being established as an independent charitable trust to address this critical gap. The Board will maintain training standards, operate an industry licensing system, and provide independent validation of technician qualifications for approximately 12,000 - 15,000 professionals.
The Opportunity
As Independent Chair, you will unite a historically fragmented sector around the shared purpose of training excellence and professional standards. This is a rare opportunity to establish New Zealand's first independent standards training and licencing board for the HVAC&R industry, working with regulatory bodies, training providers, and diverse stakeholder groups to shape the sector's future.
About You
You are a strategic leader with proven governance experience, ideally with deep of knowledge vocational training for regulated industries or professional licensing regimes. Your independence from sector commercial interests enables you to remain impartial whilst building consensus across competing groups.
You bring outstanding governance capability and the ability to chair complex, multi-stakeholder boards. Your experience navigating regulatory environments and government agency relationships, combined with strong stakeholder engagement skills, positions you to establish the Board as the authoritative voice on HVAC&R training standards.
Time Commitment
The Board will meet at least six times per annum. During the establishment phase, you should anticipate additional time for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and developing foundational governance frameworks.
Remuneration
$40,000 - 50,000 per annum.
Timeline
Shortlisting will be completed during December 2025, with second-round interviews completed and formal appointments confirmed in January 2026.