Te Ara Tāwhaki FAQs

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort will open on 1 September 2025 and close at 5pm, 29 September 2025.

Te Ara Tāwhaki NFP Mentoring Programme is a 10-month mentorship that seeks to supports emerging not-for-profit (NFP) directors in their governance journey, drawing on wisdom and guidance of our experienced mentors.  

The programme provides a platform for participants to build capacity as community leaders at the coalface and contribute to the governance of Aotearoa’s community organisations.

Te Ara Tāwhaki acknowledges that to ascend with mana and govern with purpose, each individual brings valuable knowledge, wisdom and insights from which others can learn and grow. The experience will be mutually beneficial for both our mentors and our mentees.

By the end of the programme, both parties will leave with an expanded worldview and wider networks.

Applications are open to all IoD members with fewer than five years’ experience on an NFP board and currently serving on an NFP board. 

Further information is provided in the eligibility page. Please review these thoroughly before submitting an application.

Yes. However, if you are selected you will need to join as a member to participate in the programme.

There is no fee associated with applications for Te Ara Tāwhaki NFP Mentoring Programme.

The mentee and mentor will each bear any expenses incurred in participating in the programme. Where mentees have indicated that they are prepared to travel to meet with their mentor, the mentee will meet these travel costs.

All governance development workshops will be delivered online so there are no costs for attendance. 

Yes. We have mentors based across New Zealand. Mentees will be asked whether they prefer a mentor in their own location or are prepared to travel to meet with their mentor.

Mentees may be matched with a mentor outside their region if a mentor is not available in their location. 

We recommend mentees meet with their mentors 6-8 times throughout the year. 

Mentors provide guidance based on their experiences on NFP boards, including networking, positioning conduct and presentation. The form of mentoring will vary from mentee to mentee and mentor to mentor.

While the programme provides exceptional support and may open new doors for our mentees, we do not guarantee that you will obtain a board position after completing the programme.

We aim to select up to 20 mentees for the programme per year.

Mentees are shortlisted by an internal selection panel at the IoD. The final selection will be made by our selection panel, consisting of the IoD’s CEO, GM People and Culture and an independent leading director.

All applicants will be notified by late October 2025 if they have been successful or not.  Selections will be final and no review will be undertaken.

Mentees will be matched to their mentors within a month of selection. Prior to your first meeting your mentors you will be required to attend an online induction session where we will outline how the programme will work in greater detail. Expectations of mentees and mentors will be covered, along with advice on how to get the most out of the programme. Each mentee will receive an electronic copy of a mentee guide.

Throughout the year there will be online governance development workshops to support your mentoring. Dates will be added to your calendars once you are onboard.

The programme runs for a 10-month period. We suggest that mentors and mentees meet for at least an hour every 4-6 weeks. 

The mentor and mentee are free to withdraw from the programme at any time by contacting the programme manager. If a mentor withdraws from the programme within the first six months, the IoD will attempt to find a suitable replacement. 

We would expect to publish a list of mentees on the IoD website and through our social media channels.
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.

Please review these thoroughly before submitting an application.

Applicants who are not selected for Te Ara Tāwhaki in 2025 can apply to join the programme in future years.

Expressions of interest can be submitted by those with the following experience:

• • A minimum of 10 years’ governance experience on NFP boards
  • Governance experience on both community and commercial entity boards
  • Availability to attend 6-7 mentoring sessions either in person, online or a combination of both
  • A willingness to be part of an evaluation process at the end of the programme

If you are interested in becoming  a mentor for this programme (or future intakes), please contact us.