Collaboration at the core

When the ‘horizontal governance’ concept was floated, Paralympics New Zealand chair Jana Rangooni CMInstD thought a high degree of buy-in and engagement would be needed, along with people feeling like they were responsible for being part of the process – and not “participants”.

She has not been disappointed. “There’s been a huge amount of cooperation and collaboration, with a high degree of trust. Conversations are open and honest. Many are taking responsibility for trying to make it work and be effective for everybody.

“[Sport New Zealand chair] Bill Moran and [group leader] Martin Snedden have provided good leadership in bringing it together and reaching a good balance in driving it, but also allowing it to be organic and evolving to the needs of the group, rather than having some preconceived ideas around achievements and outcomes. Anything that makes me a better and more effective chair helps the organisation,” she says.

The biggest value for Rangooni has been in developing board- to-board relationships with other NSOs. “Our organisations work well together, our CEOs have strong relationships, but there’s not a strong stakeholder connection at a board-to-board level. Relationships have been operational; now they are also at governance level.”

She says some of the areas that have been useful include a better understanding around the potential impacts of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. The project has also brought into focus where boards are at on their Māori cultural competency journey. They are sharing their experiences and not afraid to ask for advice.

She says one of the big conversations at her board is wellbeing – for Paralympians, those on the pathway, everyone in the organisation and the board. The chair is not immune.

“Being a chair is lonely at times. There’s a lot of issues you are dealing with, including being a sounding board for the CEO and supporting the CEO on behalf of the board. You’re trying to do a good job ensuring the board functions really well.”

This group is a safe place for a chair, especially a new one, to reach out for advice if needed, she says. 

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