Chief Executive – Comcare Trust

THE OPPORTUNITY

Comcare Trust has been a leader in community mental health, addiction recovery, and social housing for over 30 years. Established from a vision to support people to live well in their communities, Comcare has grown into a financially strong, values-driven organisation with a turnover of approximately $20 million, more than 140 staff, and a strong balance sheet.

With services spanning community support, housing, employment, education, peer support, and wellbeing, Comcare plays a unique role in combining mental health and housing solutions – enabling people to live with dignity, stability, and purpose. The Trust’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan charts an ambitious pathway for growth, including geographical expansion across Te Waipounamu (South Island), diversification of funding, and continued innovation in person-centred, wraparound support.

The next Chief Executive will step into a highly regarded organisation with a strong governance board, solid Tier 2 leadership team, and significant opportunity to shape the next phase of Comcare’s journey.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Trust Board, the Chief Executive is accountable for leading Comcare with vision, integrity, and courage. The CE will:

• Deliver on the strategic priorities set by the Board, with a focus on expansion, diversification of services and funding, and further embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
• Provide empowering leadership to the Executive Team and staff, fostering a culture of wellbeing, peer support, innovation, and accountability.
• Manage and grow Comcare’s role as a major provider of social housing for people experiencing mental illness and addiction, ensuring housing assets are well governed, maintained, and developed.
• Strengthen relationships with funders (Health NZ, MSD, Kāinga Ora), philanthropic partners, and the wider community, ensuring Comcare remains trusted, influential, and financially sustainable.
• Represent Comcare at local, regional, and national levels, advocating for sector development and influencing mental health and housing policy.
• Ensure organisational resilience through robust financial management, risk oversight, and technology adoption, while safeguarding client and staff wellbeing.

This is a role of scale, complexity, and impact – combining commercial acumen, deep understanding of mental health, and an ability to inspire confidence and trust with diverse stakeholders.

THE CANDIDATE

The Board is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader who brings:

• Proven chief executive (or senior executive with equivalent accountability) experience in complex organisations.
• Deep understanding of the health and mental health sectors, alongside insight into housing, community development, and social enterprise.
• Commercial acumen to manage significant assets, housing development, and diversified funding streams, while balancing social impact with financial sustainability.
• Strong partnership skills, with the ability to engage credibly with iwi, government, philanthropic funders, and the wider NGO community.
• Authentic alignment with Comcare’s mission, vision, and peer-led kaupapa, and a personal leadership style marked by integrity, empathy, and gravitas.
• A track record of delivering strategy, building cohesive senior teams, and ensuring organisations are fit for purpose in a changing landscape.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most respected community organisations and to have a lasting impact on the wellbeing of individuals, whānau, and communities.

We invite you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity with:
David Price from the HardyGroup
​M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
OR
Paul Ingle from the HardyGroup
​M. +61 (0)402 796 125 | E. pingle@hardygroupintl.com

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 23rd November 2025. The reference number to include in your application is H25_5304.