The Ponsonby Community Centre is a community hub based in Ponsonby, Central Auckland. The buildings are owned by Auckland Council but it is run by an independent governance board. It offers hire spaces for local organisations and individuals with an emphasis on supporting other not for profits and community groups. The centre runs its own preschool, Ponsy Kids, for children 2 -5 years. Ponsy Kids has a maximum session size of 41 children and a higher than average teacher to child ratio. We also manage the historic Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall which currently hosts primarily gym and physical activity organisations. The centre and preschool has 10 employees, including the Manager, 2 admin staff and 7 teachers.
As well as generating income from venue hire and the preschool, we receive operational funding from Auckland Council, under an annual agreement, and the Ministry of Education as a certified preschool.
The Community Centre has been operating in its current form for nearly 30 years and is now in process of change, with new management set to revitalise and develop the programming to include centre run classes and events, focusing initially on activities for children and the elderly. Partnerships and collaboration with other organisations will also be important, to further expand what we are able to offer our community.
In its governance role, the PCC board has oversight of PCC’s strategic direction and operational performance while ensuring the centre meets its legal and financial responsibilities. The board also works with Auckland Council and the Community Centre Manager to set and support the centre’s priorities and policies. As an entity, the board needs to have a cumulative skill-set that serves it, in order to confidently maintain a robust coverage of its responsibilities.
The board is currently seeking to refresh its membership by including new members who ideally reflect diverse professional backgrounds. We are looking in particular, for people with experience in governance and, skills in Finance, HR and the law. It requires some enthusiastic and committed team players who are willing to offer their skills to serve as board members, and support the Manager to meet the needs of the current community.
While the board meets monthly for around two hours to review operational performance and policies, board members can contribute in other ways through our sub committees for finance, property and HR. We anticipate a commitment to 5 hours per month for Board related activities (inclusive of board meetings).
To submit an expression of interest, please contact the Manager for an information pack at [email protected].
More information about the Ponsonby Community Centre and Ponsy Kids activities can be viewed on its website: www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz
Expressions of interest should include:
- a letter outlining your interest in contributing to the PCC
- a short CV or resume and referee contact details.
