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ACAT Chairperson wanted

Volunteer Board role | Governance | Climbing access & conservation

Vacant chair with ACAT logo on a belay ledge in the mountains.

ACAT is seeking a new Chairperson. Photo: Your daily dose of AI slop.

About ACAT

The Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust (ACAT) exists to protect and advocate for public climbing access across Aotearoa New Zealand. We work at the intersection of policy, land management, and community – building relationships with landowners, DOC, Councils, and the wider climbing community to keep crags open, well-managed, and cared for. We're a young, energetic organisation with big ambitions, and a Board that is deeply integrated in the climbing community and isn't afraid to roll up its sleeves.

The role

ACAT is looking for a new Chairperson to lead our Board of Trustees. We have a pipeline of high-impact projects underway – from crag access negotiations to policy advocacy to community organisation – and we need a Chair who is genuinely excited to help shape what climbing access and conservation looks like in this country for years to come.

This is a hands-on leadership role. Alongside the usual duties of chairing monthly board meetings, guiding strategy, and supporting good governance, you'll be working alongside a Board that gets stuck into the detail of our projects. We're after someone who wants to do the same.

Executive positions are chosen annually but we’re currently looking for someone who is willing to commit to the Chair role for a couple of years. 

Who we’re looking for

A climber. You are – or have been – a dedicated rock climber, and you see yourself as part of the climbing community. You understand what's at stake for climbers when access is lost, and what it takes to earn and keep trust with landowners, agencies, and the community.

Capacity and drive. You're excited by the scale of what ACAT is taking on, and you have the capacity to match that ambition and make the most of this opportunity to contribute.

Governance experience. Some experience of being on, or working with, a board of trustees or directors is essential. You don't need to have been a chairperson before, but you understand what good governance looks like and can bring structure and rigour to a growing organisation.

What you’ll bring

  • Deep personal connection to rock climbing and the climbing community in Aotearoa
  • Proven governance capability
  • Strategic thinking paired with a willingness to be hands-on
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders 
  • Genuine enthusiasm for climbing access, crag management, and conservation

Why join us

You'll be leading a passionate, capable Board at a genuinely exciting time for ACAT – with the chance to shape major projects and help build the organisation into the long-term guardian of climbing access that Aotearoa needs.

Interested?

Contact ACAT’s General Manager Edwin Sheppard at  or on 022 397 0891 – either to submit your application or for a preliminary chat if you want to discuss the position.