Strengthening not-for-profit governance

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Some places are still available for people wanting to be part of the Tairāwhiti Mentoring Initiative, a fully funded nationwide governance programme designed to improve governance on community boards.

The inaugural programme last year was so successful that the Gisborne Volunteer Centre is offering it again to people who are serving on community organisation boards and committees.

Mentoring 2023 is a project to strengthen not-for-profit governance in Tairāwhiti.

The programme has been initiated and funded by Community Governance Aotearoa in partnership with Mentoring Foundation of New Zealand and is aimed at individuals who are currently board members of not-for-profit organisations, across all sections of the community.

The programme helps individual board members to strengthen their board experience, grow in confidence and make a positive contribution to their boards.

They are matched with a mentor whose skills and experience are relevant to their needs.

The pair will meet for a two-hour session each month, for a period of six months, the timing and meeting place to  be agreed by the partnership. Three group meetings will be held during the period to touch base and see how things are going.

Mentors are experienced board members who are willing to provide guidance and share knowledge with those who may be new to a governance role or who want to become more effective within their role.

Mentees have the opportunity to identify development priorities, improve networks and increase personal confidence to contribute positively to their board.

This year’s programme will start with an orientation evening on August 1 and will wind up in the new year, allowing a break over the Christmas holiday period.

“We currently have eight mentees and nine mentors signed up for the 2023 programme, and we have room for a few more, so if you would like to take advantage of this programme, please contact us,” says Gisborne Volunteer Centre manager Jenny Greaves. Go to info@gisbornevolunteercentre.org for more information and/or to register.