There has been a strong interest for some time, especially amongst our newer members, to support their development through access to the skills and expertise of experienced members through mentoring. Research into the benefits of mentoring has proven that it helps to increase retention, improve performance and strengthen networks.

Our Tuākana Teina programme provides up and coming professionals and recent industry arrivals with a mentoring opportunity (outside of the workplace), that focuses on a variety of industry skill sets to further the applicant’s career through building confidence and competence. In te reo Māori, tuākana is the eldest sibling and teina the youngest. This has become used in mentoring as a way of viewing the relationship between a mentor and mentee. Both have things to offer and both can benefit from participating in a mentorship relationship.

Benefits of having a mentor:

• Gain knowledge, perspective and/or skills from someone more experienced
• Get feedback and advice from someone impartial
• Grow your professional network
• Be encouraged and supported to develop professionally

Benefits of having a mentee include:

• Gain knowledge, perspective and/or skills from someone with fresh eyes in the sector
• Opportunty to develop your leadership and coaching skills
• Feel rewarded from giving something back to help strengthen and support our sector
• Grow your professional network

Apply now for the next cohort running from February - July 2024.

Click here to complete the mentee form

Click here to complete the mentor form

Click here to download the overview document (eligibility, expectations, process)

Not sure what region your are part of? Click here to see the regional map.