Tautua Pasifika FAQs
The Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme is a 10-month mentorship that seeks to bridge the gap between western governance principals and traditional Pasifika leadership models.
The programme provides a platform for aspiring Pasifika leaders who wish to pursue a future in governance and learn from leading directors in Aotearoa New Zealand. As part of the process, participants (mentees) will have an opportunity to meaningfully contribute diverse perspectives to the governance landscape.
‘Tautua’ or servant leadership in the Pasifika context infers reciprocal learning pathways for both mentors and mentees. We recognise that each individual on the programme brings valuable knowledge, wisdom and insights that others can learn from and grow. The experience will be mutually beneficial and culturally enriching for both our mentors and our mentees.
Applications are open to Pasifika IoD members and non-members based in New Zealand.
Further information is provided on the eligibility page. Please review these thoroughly before submitting an application.
Yes. Applications are open to members and non-members of the IoD.
There is no fee associated with applications for the Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme.
Mentees will cover the cost of their own travel including relevant costs associated when meeting with their mentors.
Mentees are invited to attend two in-person fono held in Auckland during the year. Mentees will be notified of the dates and locations, and will be expected to cover their own travel costs to and from the events. For those travelling from outside of Auckland, we will reimburse the costs of your flights up to a maximum of $500 for the whole year to attend our two in-person fono.
We aim to select up to 20 mentees for the 2026 programme.
Mentees are shortlisted by the IoD, with the final 20 mentees chosen by a selection panel consisting of a member of the IoD’s Leadership Team, a member of the IoD’s Pacific Advisory Group, and the Diversity Programmes Manager.
All applicants will be notified by 8 December 2025 as to whether or not they have been accepted into the programme. Selections will be final and no review will be undertaken.
Further information is provided in the terms and conditions. Please review these thoroughly before submitting an application.
Yes, the programme is open to all eligible applicants from across the motu.
Applicants do not need to be a member of the Institute of Directors to apply.
Mentors provide guidance based on their experience, and the mentoring process will vary depending on the individual but will focus on the specific challenges Pasifika leaders face. A range of tools will be available for both mentors and mentees to guide the sessions if needed.
Successful applicants will be notified by the IoD via email on or before 8 December 2025.
We will match mentees with suitable mentors based on their experience, expectations of the programme and governance aspirations.
The programme runs from February to November 2026 --mentors and mentees will be formally introduced in February 2026 via email. This will be followed by our first in-person fono/ induction session on 12 February to discuss the outline of the programme, including expectations around the roles and how to get the most out of the experience. Each mentee will receive our Mentee Guide.
We suggest that mentors and mentees meet for at least one hour, six to seven times during the designated programme period.
The mentor and mentee are free to withdraw from the programme at any time by contacting the Diversity Programmes Manager. If a mentor withdraws from the programme within the first five months, the IoD will look to find a suitable replacement.
The IoD reserves the right to use your information for marketing and publicity purposes as outlined in the terms and conditions within the application form. A list of successful mentees will be published on the IoD website and through our social media channels.
Further information is provided in the terms and conditions. Please review these thoroughly before submitting an application.
Those applicants who are not selected for the 2026 programme may reapply for future intakes.
Our mentors come with vast experience and knowledge across a range of sectors and industries. We will confirm their details at a later date.
If you would like to be a future mentor for our Tautua Pasifika Mentoring programme please contact iodprogrammes@iod.org.nz for more information.
There is no requirement for references or nominations to apply for the programme.