Our thoughts are with our members and their organisations impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. Boards have a key role to play in the wake of any crisis. See guidance for chairs and directors. 

Our thoughts are with our members and their organisations impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. Boards have a key role to play in the wake of any crisis. See guidance for chairs and directors. 

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Frequently asked questions

What are the programme’s objectives?

The Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme has been designed to connect new and experienced chairs from across the community sector to benefit from ako (two-way learning) to enhance their skills and knowledge, contributing to better governance.

Which organisations are eligible to apply?

Applications are open to current chairs of a community organisation (including NFPs, charities, NGOs and community groups) with Tier 3 or 4 status as defined by Charities Services.

Please use the below graphic and information on the Charities Services website to confirm if your organisation meets this criteria before applying

Further information is provided in the Terms and Conditions. Please review these thoroughly before submitting an application.

Why are you focusing on community board chairs?

This programme addresses the need for increased resource and partnership in the community sector as outlined in the National Action Plan for Community Governance, developed in 2020. A Tuakana Teina programme was identified as a key action to increase expertise across chairs in the community sector through expert and timely mentoring. View more information about the Plan.

Can Deputy Chairs apply?

The Tuakana Teina programme is specifically designed for chairs. This means that other board members, including Deputy Chairs are not eligible to apply.

Is there a cost to participate in the programme?

There is no application fee to apply for the Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme.

Where mentees have indicated that they are prepared to travel to meet with their mentor, the mentee will meet these travel costs.

Mentees are invited to attend the two collaboration sessions held during the year in a main centre (Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch). The dates and locations for these are still to be confirmed.  A contribution of up to $250 (per session) toward travel costs will be provided per mentee ($500 in total). Receipts of travel costs will need to be provided as part of expense claim process. 

How many mentees are selected?

We aim to select up to 35 mentees for the programme.

What is the selection process?

Mentees are shortlisted by an internal selection process by the IoD and Community Governance Aotearoa (CGA). The final 35 mentees will be chosen by a Selection Panel, consisting of the IoD’s CEO, the Programme Director of CGA and two independent Chairs with community governance experience.

The selection process will match mentees with suitable mentors based on their geographic location (to enable face-to-face mentoring), experience, expectations for the programme and governance aspirations.

All applicants will be notified by 31 March 2023 as to whether they have been successful or not.  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.

Is the programme open to applicants throughout New Zealand?

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. One-on-one sessions will be subject to the latest COVID-19 level restrictions and may be online if required.

Do applicants need to be a member of the IoD?

Applicants do not need to be a member of the Institute of Directors. However, for successful mentees the $150 joining fee will be waived if they wish to become a member.  To find out more about becoming a member.

How does the mentorship work?

Mentors provide guidance based on their experiences in the chair role and on community boards. The form of mentoring will vary from mentee to mentee and mentor to mentor but will focus on the specific challenges of community governance. A range of tools will be available for both mentors and mentees to guide the sessions (optional).

What happens after I am selected?

Applicants will be notified by the IoD as to whether your application was successful or unsuccessful by email on or before 31 March 2023.

Mentors and mentees will be formally introduced in April 2023 via email. A online session in April will be held to outline how the programme will work in greater detail. Expectations around the roles will be covered, and advice on how to get the most out of the programme. Each mentee will receive a copy of a mentee guide.

The programme runs for a 10-month period April and December inclusive. We suggest that mentors and mentees meet for at least an hour approximately 6-7 times.

Can either party withdraw from the programme during the period?

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.

Will my name be made public if I am accepted into the programme?

The IoD and CGA reserve the right to use your information for marketing and publicity purposes as outlined in the terms and conditions within the application form. We will publish a list of successful mentees on the IoD and CGA websites and social media channels.

Further information is provided in the Terms and Conditions. Please review these thoroughly before submitting an application.

What if I’m not selected?

Applicants who are not selected for the programme for 2022 will be able to apply to join the programme if there are future intakes.

Who are the mentor Chairs?

In our inaugural year we were lucky to have chairs with vast experience across the community sector who participated as tuakana (mentors). View profiles of each tuakana.

Can I be a tuakana (mentor)?

We are open to expressions of interest from potential mentors who have the following experience (or near to):

  • A minimum of 10-years’ governance experience
  • Governance experience on both community and commercial entity boards
  • A minimum of 7-years’ chairing experience, with some of this time being in the community sector
  • Available to attend 6-7 mentoring sessions either in person, online or a combination of both
  • Be willing to be part of an evaluation process at conclusion

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

Do I need approval or input from my Board?

There is no requirement for references or nominations to apply for the programme. However, it would be beneficial to incorporate board evaluation feedback to help support you in your journey.

Who is leading this programme?

The Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme is a Community Governance Aotearoa (CGA) initiative delivered by Institute of Directors New Zealand (IoD).

Community Governance Aotearoa (CGA) is part of the Centre for Social Impact which supports the design, planning, development and roll-out of the National Action Plan for Community Governance, finalised in August 2020. The Action Plan provides practical steps to support and lift the capability of those in governance roles in the community, not-for-profit, and non-government sectors. View for more information.

The Institute of Directors New Zealand (IoD) is is the professional body for directors and is at the heart of New Zealand's governance community. We support and enable directors to add value to their organisations and wider communities and prepare them to positively transform the future. View for more information.