Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme - 2026

 Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme 

With thousands of 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 3 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:  12 February 2026 – full day session followed by Tautua Pasifika social dinner 
2. Session Two: 19 November 2026 – 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 further information on this programme including the eligibilty criteria, terms and conditions and FAQs: https://www.iod.org.nz/membership/development-programmes/tautua-pasifika-mentoring-programme#

Frequently asked Questions 

Visit our website above for a list of FAQs. 

Application close date 

Applications close 5pm Monday 10 November 2025. 

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  

*Please note: the Institute of Directors uses the QJumpers platform to manage applications for the Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme. To submit your application, please click Apply Now and login in if you already have a QJumpers account, or register. This is a separate platform to the Institute of Directors members portal.