A new community mentoring programme launched in Central Lakes will support and strengthen governance in the non-profit sector.

Volunteer South - Central Lakes has partnered with The Mentoring Foundation of New

Zealand and Community Governance NZ to deliver the programme, designed to increase people’s effectiveness in community governance by developing capability, connection and confidence. 

Each mentee will be matched with a mentor who has substantial not-for-profit governance experience and both will be supported by a programme coordinator.

Wānaka’s Jane Sharman has recently been appointed to deliver the programme and

brings with her a strong understanding of both governance and operational roles, with broad experience across both.

“The Governance Mentoring Programme has run successfully up north, and we are thrilled

to be launching it here, with local support from Central Lakes Trust,” Jane said.

“Non-profit organisations… provide a range of services that enrich, support and strengthen our communities. These include supporting people, events, the environment, emergency services, arts, sports and more.” 

She said most of these groups are governed by a board or committee who volunteer their time to ensure the organisation runs smoothly and is sustainable. 

“The programme is designed to give these volunteers the knowledge and support they need to grow in their current role and also develop aspirations for future opportunities in our community.”

Jane has been appointed by Volunteer South, who have been working as part of a wider

working group of individuals brought together by Mat Begg and Martin Smith from Central

Lakes Trust (CLT).

CLT grants manager Mat Bedd said the working group collaborated after seeing some of the issues faced by organisations, boards and committee members.

“We wanted to identify and remove some of these issues. We brought together a group of people from across the community sector including staff from both local councils, funders and staff from Sport Central, Volunteer South, Alexandra Community House and Cromwell & Districts Community Trust to see how we can best support the non-profit sector. 

“Together we’ve identified a range of areas we are working to support and one of these is governance. This mentoring programme fits really well to help fill some of the gaps,” he said.

One-on-one support will be available to mentees to identify personal development

priorities with their mentor, who will meet with them monthly, to work through a tailored programme of support.

“The programme offers fantastic opportunities for mentees and mentors to improve networks and connections with leaders in local communities,” Jane said.

The programme will run from August until December. Expressions of interest from individuals who would like to be mentees or mentors can be made to [email protected] or on 021 151 5895.

Registration forms are here. www.volunteersouth.org.nz/programmes

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.