A community governance mentoring programme has wrapped up for the second year in the Central Lakes, with positive feedback from those involved. 

The Governance Mentoring Programme is designed to increase people’s effectiveness in a not-for-profit setting by developing their capability, connection and confidence in community governance. 

Thirteen people in the not-for-profit sector were matched with a mentor with significant relevant governance experience to work alongside them for six months.

The programme was overseen by Volunteer South GMP lead Jane Sharman.

“It’s been a pleasure to be involved in this programme for a second year and to meet another cohort of passionate, dedicated and talented people,” she said.

“We are very lucky in this region to have such strong leaders guiding our community organisations. This year’s programme discussions reinforced the need for board members to keep their organisations’ vision front of mind, and to conduct regular strategic reviews as priorities can change.

“I also appreciated the wisdom around creating sustainable processes so that members can step back when it's time and ensure the organisation continues to perform.”

Mentees in the cohort were based across the Central Lakes and from a range of organisations involved in creating change within environmental projects, the arts, sports, food security, community support and emergency response. 

They were supported by their mentors through one on one monthly meetings with a focus on personal development goals. 

“I really appreciated the opportunity to be guided by someone who is so experienced in community governance. It has greatly improved my knowledge, skills and confidence in this area - and I made a friend,” mentee Nicky McCarthy said.

The cohort also met three times face to face during the six month programme and had the opportunity to network via Zoom as a group.

The mentors also speak highly of the experience. 

"It's been a privilege for me to be able to build a connection with my mentees over the course of the two years I've been involved and to have been able to walk a small distance with them on their journey," Wayne Hudson said.

"Seminars and courses on governance are all very well - and necessary - but the real learnings come from the one-on-one sessions where the mentor’s knowledge is immediately useful to the mentee, rather than merely being interesting from a theoretical point of view. I think the programme will have been very beneficial in a lasting way for everyone involved."

The programme was delivered by Volunteer South in partnership with the Mentoring Foundation of NZ and Community Governance NZ and was supported by ACOSS, Central Lakes Trust, Central Otago District Council, Cromwell and Districts Community Trust, Sport Central and Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Kaitūao o te Taitonga/Volunteer South is a charitable trust that engages and supports both tūao volunteers and volunteers involving organisations and community groups in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

PHOTO: Supplied