Public Transport Council-controlled organisation (Auckland Transport) | Board Directors (x2)

Public Transport Council-controlled organisation (Auckland Transport) | Board Directors 

• Two Director positions on the Auckland Transport Board, at a pivotal time for public transport in Tāmaki Makaurau
• Help lead AT's delivery of public transport outcomes for Aucklanders as broader governance reform reshapes the wider transport system

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council is seeking two Directors to join the Board of Auckland Transport (AT), the council-controlled organisation responsible for providing public transport services in Auckland that connect communities in an efficient, effective, and safe manner.

This appointment comes at a time of significant change for transport governance in Auckland. The Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Act was passed in April 2026 and a transitional period is underway to realign the delivery of transport functions in line with this legislation. Under these new arrangements the focus of the Auckland Transport will be on public transport with Auckland Council directly responsible for delivery of other transport functions. The advertised board opportunities seek directors to lead the new organisation.

Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates who can bring:

• Rail operations experience — direct experience operating a metro rail network, bringing valuable operational insight to the Board and helping to ensure Auckland gets the greatest benefit from its significant investment in rail.
• Marketing and commercial acumen — to strengthen the Board’s  oversight and leadership of initiatives that grow public transport patronage.
• Public transport operations experience — the core skillset for the AT Board, where additional depth will strengthen the Board's leadership of AT.
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori — bringing a Māori perspective to Board discussions and decision-making, while contributing broadly across all areas of governance. This supports AT's obligation under the Local Government Act 2002 to establish and maintain processes for Māori to contribute to its decision-making, and brings a tikanga lens to Board discussions and decisions.

He kōrero mōu: About you

Beyond the specific capability areas above, Auckland Council would like to hear from leaders with the following skills and experience:

• leadership within relevant industries
• successful commercial and financial leadership
• understanding of the Auckland context for transport governance and democratic accountabilities

We are also interested in candidates who have expertise in:

• improving customer experience
• health and safety
• climate response

Directors are expected to act with a public service ethos, have a commitment to collaborate across the council group, demonstrate financial accountability, customer focus and drive to value for money at Board level. You will act with personal integrity and moral leadership with sensible and thorough decision-making. Board members are accountable and responsive to the direction set by Council as the shareholder.

Auckland Council encourages diversity on boards and seeks a range of perspectives to support robust decision-making. You will have a passion for Auckland and improving outcomes for Aucklanders. Auckland Council prefers Auckland-based candidates who have a deep understanding of the issues facing our city.

Directors will have an understanding of te ao Māori and will seek improved outcomes for Māori.

O Mātou Kōrero: About Us

• Auckland Council makes appointments to boards in line with the Appointments and Remuneration Policy for Board Members of Council Organisations.
• Auckland Transport is one of Auckland Council's largest council-controlled organisations, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the region's transport network.

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Applications close: 11.59pm, Sunday 16 August 2026.

For more information: Please contact Rhonda.Maxwell@auklandcouncil.govt.nz for a confidential conversation.

Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.

By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at privacy@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.