FMC is looking for the right candidate to appoint to the Backcountry Trust

 

About the Backcountry Trust

The Backcountry Trust is a charitable organisation which funds and supports volunteers to maintain huts and build tracks for outdoor enthusiasts. It is passionate about outdoor recreation and preserving New Zealand’s rich backcountry heritage.

The Trust was established in 2017 by the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ (FMC), NZ Deerstalkers Association, and Trail Fund NZ. These three founding organisations provide ongoing support to the independent Backcountry Trust. Each organisation appoints two trustees to comprise the six-person Board.

The Trust provides the organisational and project management services that are required to enable volunteers and contractors to undertake work on the conservation estate. It works in partnership with, and is partly funded by, the Department of Conservation.

Being a Trustee is a great way to contribute to the work of the Backcountry Trust and help protect and maintain Aotearoa’s backcountry hut and track network.

Further information about the Backcountry Trust can be found here and its rules are here.

Who we are looking for

The Backcountry Trust (BCT) is seeking one Trustee for a two year term starting mid-late January 2027.

This Trustee role will be sought and appointed by one of BCT’s co-founders, the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ (FMC).

This is a volunteer role and the Trustee can be located anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are seeking a candidate who is experienced in strategic leadership, financial governance, and/or backcountry heritage or infrastructure heritage.

They should also demonstrate an understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with Aotearoa New Zealand’s backcountry and a commitment to the mission of the Backcountry Trust.

Trustees must exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills, respect for diverse perspectives and backgrounds, strategic thinking and planning skills, and sound judgement.

Trustees have a commitment of:

• Approximately five Board meetings each year:
  • Four online meetings of two to three hours duration.
  • One two-day face-to-face meeting over two days

• Approximately 50 to 70 hours each year.

You can find more detail about the role requirements here.

How to apply

Please apply by email to Sophie Tucker, FMC Executive Officer at eo@fmc.org.nz.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 6th December 2026.

Your application must include:

• a cover letter
• a short statement outlining how you meet the Trustee Selection Criteria
• a brief curriculum vitae (CV)
• a declaration of any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.

Background photo credit: Peter Ambrose