What is the purpose of mentorship?

A mentor may share with a mentee information about his or her own career path, as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modelling. A mentor may help with exploring careers, setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources.

Fundamental expectations

Mentors and mentees are responsible for gaining each other’s trust and confidence by

• interacting morally, ethically, and collegially; and valuing each other’s time, professional and personal commitments.

The role of the mentor

• Commit to a minimum 6 x 1hr sessions over the programme duration

• Proactively maintain contact and encourage open communication

• Build confidence

• Coach and help problem-solve

• Share experiences as learning tools

• Encourage professionalism

• Admit when something is out of your area of expertise

• Offer constructive feedback

• Maintain privacy / confidentiality

• Provide feedback to NZEA on your mentor experience to help refine the programme

The role of the mentee

• Commit to a minimum 6 x 1hr sessions over the programme duration

• Take responsibility for scheduling the sessions at mutually convenient times

• Be clear on your goal/s for this mentor programme and communicate them openly

• Actively contribute to discussions

• Seek and accept constructive feedback

• Maintain privacy / confidentiality

• Provide feedback to NZEA on your mentee experience to help refine the programme

Purpose and expectations

Timeline - Cohort 9 (October 2025)

Programme duration: 5 months

October 2025 – Recruitment of mentors & mentees for cohort 9

12 October 2025 - Cohort 9 applications close

Mid- October 2025 – Matching and pre-briefing of each group (Zoom call plus supporting docs)

1 November 2025 – Cohort 9 starts

31 March 2026 – Cohort 9 concludes. Debrief participants and refine programme.

Please note this programme is open to NZEA members only.