_{23rd September, 2026}

With over three thousand years of traditional collectivist governance systems, Pasifika people are primed for collective decision-making roles, thinking of the communities they live in, instead of the individual first. Leadership through service or service leadership is instilled from birth. 

The Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme is a 10-month mentorship that aims to bridge the gap between western governance principles and traditional Pasifika leadership models.  

The programme provides a platform for emerging Pasifika leaders looking to grow their governance career and learn from some of our more experienced, leading directors, and contribute their diverse perspectives to the governance landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Two-way learning 
‘Tautua’ or servant leadership in the Pasifika context infers reciprocal learning pathways for both mentors and mentees. We recognise that each person on the programme brings valuable knowledge, wisdom, and insights which the other can learn and grow from. We expect that the experience will be mutually beneficial and culturally enriching for both our mentors and our mentees. 

We invite applicants who 

• are of Pasifika descent; 
• have been in governance for fewer than 5 years; 
• currently have a governance role; 
• are based in New Zealand; and 
• are open to learning and sharing their governance experience. 

Applications are open to members and non-members of the Institute of Directors. 

Commitments of the programme 
To participate in the Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme you should be able to accept the time and travel commitments of: 

• Up to seven mentoring sessions in the 10-month period which you will need to initiate and lead 
• Two in-person events in Auckland: 

1. Session One: February 2027 – full day session followed by Tautua Pasifika social dinner 
2. Session Two: mid-November 2027 – full day with certificate presentations followed by Tautua Pasifika social dinner 

Application requirements 
To submit your application please have ready the following:  
A cover letter to upload addressing the below questions in order (please keep to a maximum response of 200 words per question):  

• What are your governance ambitions? 
• What value would a mentoring relationship add to your role?  

A resume/CV detailing your governance and executive experience.  

Eligibility and terms 
To apply for this programme participants will be able to meet the eligibility criteria and agree to the terms and conditions.  

Visit our website for:

Frequently asked Questions  https://www.iod.org.nz/membership/development-programmes/tautua-pasifika-mentoring-programme/tautua-pasifika-frequently-asked-questions# 

Eligibility Criteria
https://www.iod.org.nz/membership/development-programmes/tautua-pasifika-mentoring-programme/eligibility#

Terms and Conditions
https://www.iod.org.nz/membership/development-programmes/tautua-pasifika-mentoring-programme/tautua-pasifika-terms-and-conditions#

Application close date 
Applications close at 5pm on Monday,  2 November 2026. 

To apply 
Click on the Apply Now button to complete your application.  

For further information 
If you required further information please contact Litia Brighouse-Fuavao, Diversity Programmes Manager by emailing iodprogrammes@iod.org.nz

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