PLNZ MENTORING PROGRAMME 2026-2027
The PLNZ mentoring programme is designed to strengthen leadership within the PLNZ community through structured, one-to-one mentoring relationships.
In this programme, mentors and mentees are matched and supported to build a trusted relationship focused on reflection, learning and growth.
Why a mentoring programme?
Participating in a mentoring programme offers you the support you need on your journey as a leader within the New Zealand public library community.
Whether you are a newbie to leadership or an experienced hand, mentoring relationships offer a pathway to growing as a leader. They also provide a deepening of your ties to your professional community, a framework to guide your professional growth, and a relationship to help you achieve your leadership goals with your public library, and beyond.
Additionally, mentoring programmes offer cross-generational and cross-regional connections and ties within our profession. By building you as an individual, they also strengthen our connections to each other so that we can build a powerful community of public library leaders.
This is not a school course - There are no tests or heavy curriculum. It is a supportive relationship designed to help mentees with the work they are already doing.
It saves time in the long run - By having a mentor to talk things through with, mentees can stay on track and feel more confident in their leadership.
It is strength based - The programme aims to build on the great skills mentees already have. We already think they are doing an amazing job and they are worth investing in. Their work is challenging and this can help them to do it even more confidently and effectively.
Who runs the programme?
The PLNZ mentoring programme will be delivered with the support of the Mentoring Foundation of New Zealand, a non-profit organisation committed to fostering and supporting community leadership and communities via mentoring.
“We believe in the power of genuine relationships. Our programmes are designed to make real connections between real people aimed at getting results for programme participants, their organisations, our community partners and the communities our partners and participants serve.”
– Leighton Littlewood, Mentoring Foundation of NZ
Working throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, the Mentoring Foundation has been partnering with communities to bring mentoring support to community leaders since 2018.
For more information, visit: https://www.mentoringfoundation.org.nz/
What's required of mentees and mentors?
Over the course of the programme, mentors and mentees are matched and supported to build a trusted relationship focused on reflection, learning and growth.
What’s the ask for MENTEES?
Be ready to grow and develop as a leader
Meet regularly with their mentor (usually monthly)
Bring real experiences, challenges and goals to each mentor conversation
Through these conversations, mentees reflect, test ideas, and build confidence in their leadership
Apply insights from mentor conversations into their day-to-day work
What’s the ask for MENTORS?
Mentors offer their time, experience and perspective
Listen, ask thoughtful questions, and support their mentee’s reflection
Share insights where helpful without directing or advising
Build a trusted, respectful relationship with their menteeWorking throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, the Mentoring Foundation has been partnering with communities to bring mentoring support to community leaders since 2018.
FAQ
Some other questions you may have...
How will I be matched with a mentee or mentor?
The Mentoring Foundation will be managing our matching process. As part of that, you will have the opportunity to meet with a Mentoring Foundation staff member to discuss your goals for the programme, your challenges, and your particular areas of development–or expertise if you are a potential mentor. You will also have a chance to share your preferences around online vs in-person mentoring, demographic preferences, and scheduling availability. The Mentoring Foundation has a great deal of experience with this process and lots of tools they use to get the best matches possible and to work to ensure that matches are working throughout the programme.
Is there any cost to participate?
No, and we have a small fund set aside to support mileage and kai for participants. It’s a small amount, but should help if you need additional support to cover in-person visits with your mentee/mentor.
What if there are more applications than places available for participants in the programme?
We have places for 10 pairs of mentees and mentors. We will be selecting applicants based primarily on geography, but we are aiming to get participants from all of our regions. Additional pairs will be selected based on the quality of the fit between mentee and mentor. If you aren’t selected this time, you can have confidence that if the programme goes well and is run again, your application will be prioritised in our next round. If you are keen to participate, let us know by attending the information session so that we can gauge demand for the programme. This is our first time trying this and we don’t yet know how much enthusiasm there is among
When does the programme begin?
We are hosting an initial online info session on 17 September from 2.00-3.00pm so you can learn more about what’s involved in being a mentee or a mentor within this programme.
This will be an informal and conversational session designed to give you the information you need to decide if the programme is right for you and ask any questions you want to get the information you need to complete your application either as a mentor or mentee.
Once you register for the information session, we will send you a calendar invite with a Zoom link. If this time doesn't work for you but you are still keen for a chat, you can email PLNZ Executive Director Mandy Henk at mandy.henk@publiclibraries.org.nz.
Register here for the information session: https://forms.gle/6X1RDj2AH2x6H9Eq5
TIMELINE
3 September 2026 - Announce programme and extend invite to introductory info session
17 September 2026 - Introductory info session. Applications open.
12 October 2026 - Applications close. Mentee / Mentor matching begins.
26 October 2026 - Matched Mentee / Mentors notified.
6 November 2026 - Orientation session for mentees (2.00-3.30pm, 90 minutes)
12 November 2026 - Orientation session for mentors (2.00-3.30pm, 90 minutes)
16 February 2026 - Mentoring Connect Session - For Mentors (2.00pm)
4 March 2027 - Mid-Point Session - Mentors and Mentees (2.00pm)
8 April 2027 - Mentoring Connect Session - For Mentors (2.00pm)
3 May 2027 - Mentoring Programme Presentation – PLNZ Forum
24 May 2027 - Wrap-up Session – Mentors and Mentees (2.00pm)
