Establishing a Governance structure
Establishing a Governance structure
Why governance matters
Good governance gives your club clear decision-making, accountability, and direction. It defines roles, responsibilities, and processes, and helps members, volunteers, and staff work well together.
In short Governance:
- Provides a framework for decisions and accountability
- Clarifies who does what
- Builds trust and cohesion among members
Your structure should reflect your club’s culture and values, and support a sense of belonging.
Governance models
Board Model
Best for larger, financially complex clubs.
- Separates governance (strategy, oversight) from management (day-to-day operations)
- Roles:
- Board Chair – Leads the board, sets priorities, represents the club externally
- Board Members – Elected by members; diversity and inclusion are key
Committee Model
Ideal for smaller clubs.
- Committee handles both governance and operations
- Usually made up of elected volunteers
- Runs the club on behalf of members
Key governance roles
- Chairperson/President provides leadership, chairs meetings, represents the club externally and ensures the committee functions effectively
- Secretary manages correspondence, maintains records, takes minutes, and ensures compliance with meeting procedures and legal requirements
- Treasurer manages finances, prepares budgets and financial reports, ensures proper financial controls and compliance with tax obligations
- General committee members contribute to decision-making, take on specific responsibilities and support club activities (eg coaching, marketing, fundraising, youth representative, Health & Safety, volunteer manager)
Governance principles
Follow these principles to guide your club’s governance:
- Accountability – clear roles and reporting lines; members are accountable to the club
- Transparency – open communication about decisions, finances and performance
- Integrity – follow your constitution, code of conduct and legal obligations
- Inclusiveness – involve members in key decisions and ensure fair representation
- Effectiveness – balance long-term planning with efficient daily operations
Māori governance models
As a Treaty partner, your club should consider Māori governance approaches.
This includes:
- recognising Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles: rangatiratanga (leadership), partnership and ōritetanga (equity)
- integrating tikanga Māori values such as:
- whakapapa – relationships and connections
- manaakitanga – care and respect
- kaitiakitanga – guardianship
- kotahitanga – unity and collective responsibility
- establishing a Māori advisory group
- actively recruiting Māori members and leaders
- valuing Māori knowledge and leadership
This strengthens relationships with local hapū and iwi, and creates a more inclusive and culturally rich club environment.
Key actions
- Decide on the right governance model for your club
- Define roles and responsibilities clearly
- Ensure your constitution reflects your structure
- Promote diversity and inclusion in leadership
- Engage members in decision-making
- Consider Māori governance principles and representation
Wearing the right hat
In small clubs, you may juggle multiple roles. Keep governance and management responsibilities clear to avoid blurred lines.
| Area | Board role | Management role |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy | Sets direction | Implements strategy |
| Policy | Creates policy | Follows policy |
| Budget | Approves budget | Manages budget |
| Risk | Oversees risk | Manages daily risks |
| Performance | Monitors performance | Delivers performance |
Find out more
Further information including job description templates: Committees, roles and meetings
