IMHO: Anchored by purpose, lifted by community

OPINION: Leading up to the first Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme in Auckland earlier this year, I was excited and looking forward to meeting the other mentees. I researched each of them to learn more about their work and I was so impressed – all of them were so talented and committed to their respective organisations. 

Like me, some worked in government, education and community, and some were directors of their own businesses, so I couldn’t wait to meet everyone and learn from them.

I was also looking forward to the presentation sessions because it was my first official governance class. It was welcoming and set an open and sharing environment for us as mentees to discuss our experiences. 

There was a good balance of men and women and both New Zealand and Pacific-born mentees from various cultures in the Pacific.

The 2025 Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme cohort

The introductions set the scene for the workshop with laughter, humility and an eagerness to connect with fellow Pacific governance professionals, and everyone was extremely friendly and open about their experiences as leaders in their organisations. Many of us shared our first experiences at board level – the term “imposter syndrome” was frequent, as well as “Wow, I’m actually a board member!”

As mentees, we all got along like long lost family members. Some (including myself) already had close working relationships with others in the room and discovered subgroups within the mentees based on previous experiences, e.g. fellow educators, Pacific mental health and wellbeing advocates, commerce, military and even high school connections and school board representatives.

Key highlights:

• • Carol Schole’s CMInstD governance diagram using the helicopter (board) and their roles in relationship to the ship (organisation). Her explanations of the various inter-relationships between entities was like watching a movie unravel before our eyes. Every member, process, role, rule, regulation, sub-committee, goal and direction has a place in the process. 
  • Some companies do governance more efficiently than others, while others need a helping hand.
  • At every stage of the governance diagram, I saw areas where we (the boards I serve on) have done well, not so well and where we could improve. For example, ensuring all rules and regulations are reviewed periodically and understanding that any changes need to still support the overall strategy, i.e. keep your eye on the prize.
  • As a board chair, I learned a lot about how to drive board meetings and ensure the chair is one equal part (and equal vote) to other committee members. Carol taught me that, above all else, the chair should channel the collective aspirations of the organisations, i.e. speaking as though the organisation is one collective voice, which is powerful and simple, but also fair and keeps the organisation’s best interests at heart. 
  • Jill provided her experiences working both with, and for, the IoD. Her insights showed that the IoD has a clear and standardised process for supporting future directors – a model that works and has been responsible for supporting the careers of many influential directors in New Zealand. 
  • Finally, Rachel provided insights as one of the first Pacific directors belonging to the IoD. We were all amazed by her journey and accomplishments. She is very much a role model for us as mentees and we’re extremely lucky to have her as a leader. 

Carol Scholes CMInstD presenting to the mentees

I left the workshop fully enlightened and incredibly privileged to be part of a pilot initiative that will help grow future Pacific governance professionals. Importantly, I felt a sense that I was not alone on this governance journey but part of something bigger – it’s a movement and a model I see serving our community well into the future. 

The workshop ended with a beautiful team dinner at Woodside Bar where we were able to share more stories and future opportunities.

As I move through the programme, I want to make the most of my meetings with my mentor. Inspired by the workshop, I was eager to dive into my mentorship with George, starting with an introductory café meeting in the CBD. I enjoyed learning about George and what got him to where he is today. 

I learned that we share a similar history in the military, we’re both keen on rugby and, most of all, he was fully aware of what my organisation (CHASNZ) does. This made it easier to talk about some of the opportunities and challenges in my line of work.

Read more from Dr Stephven Kolose

Dr Stephven Kolose is a proud Samoan (Matautu-Lefaga, Leauva’a), born and raised in Dunedin. He now lives in Auckland with his wife Gloria and their five children. Stephven is one of 10 mentees selected for the inaugural Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme – a platform for aspiring Pacific leaders seeking a future in governance. This is the second in a three-part blog series reflecting on his journey.