Trustee – The Federated Mountain Clubs Mountain & Forest Trust

 

About the Trust

The Federated Mountain Clubs Mountain & Forest Trust is a registered Charitable Trust founded in 1985. Its purpose is to support mountain recreation and the conservation and good management of the natural environment. The Trust has grown to have a considerable capital base from donations, bequests and investment returns.

The Trust can make grants for a range of relevant purposes as allowed by its Deed. Examples are grants for youth expeditions, outdoor focussed books and safety videos and tramping club safety instruction. It is a major funder of the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC), which has more than 90 member clubs and many individual supporters. FMC appoints all Trustees to the Trust.

Being a Trustee is a great way to support the outdoor recreation community and the work of FMC. Further information about the Trust can be found here and its Deed here.

Who we are looking for

Two long standing Trustees have recently ended, or will soon end, their terms. The opportunity has therefore arisen for two new Trustees to be appointed.

The Trustee term is four years and will commence in March 2026. It is an unpaid volunteer role and can be located anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Trustees have two core responsibilities – firstly, the protection and growth of the Trust’s capital base and second, reviewing grant applications and allocating available funds accordingly.

Trustees are expected to be familiar with and support the kaupapa of FMC and the FMC Mountain & Forest Trust.

Trustees need to be able to make informed decisions, think strategically and have good communication and interpersonal skills. They need to take a collaborative and respectful approach to teamwork and demonstrate strong personal integrity.

We are particularly interested in at least one new Trustee having good financial stewardship experience including not-for-profit financials, investment assessment or trustee expertise.

Other desirable experience could include practical experience in outdoor recreation or conservation, including Club administration; knowledge of other not-for-profit organisations including fundraising and bequests; and communication skills to socialise and raise awareness of the Trust.

Commitment of Trustees:

• two meetings per year, which may be physical or online, with pre-reading.
• undertake actions and projects as required.
• commit to a full Trustee term of four years.
• Trustees must be independent. Potential or actual conflicts of interest must be declared and managed in accordance with Trust requirements.

How To Apply

Please apply by email to FMC to sophie.tucker@fmc.org.nz by 23 January 2026.

Your application should include a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position, a short CV or profile, and two references one of which must be from an FMC member club or FMC individual supporter.

For a confidential discussion before you apply please contact Stu Gray, the interim Chair of the Trust at stu.gray@fmc.org.nz or mobile 021 384240, or Sophie Tucker, the FMC Executive Officer at sophie.tucker@fmc.org.nz or mobile 021 597709.