Fale flagship Mentoring Programme completes first cohort

The Public Service Fale was delighted to (virtually) bring together the first group of mentees and mentors of our flagship Mentoring Programme to mark the completion of the cohort aimed at strengthening public service leadership across the region. 

Over the preceding nine months, 11 senior public servants from eight Pacific jurisdictions worked with nine Tier 1/2 managers from across New Zealand’s Public Service to advance leadership development. They committed serious time and effort to partnership and regionalism which is what the Fale is all about.  

Moleni Ika, Deputy Secretary at the Tonga Public Service, says the programme exceeded his expectations in very way.

“It was everything it was advertised to be. From the very first meeting with my mentor Brendan, he reassured me that this programme was about what I needed, and my personal growth and development.” 

“It’s encouraged me to change my approach to coaching and mentoring at work.” 

Meanwhile, Mike Cunnington, Deputy Commissioner at Inland Revenue NZ, says the mentee-led programme is something he would look forward to being part of again. 

“I would certainly recommend it to anyone else who is considering being a mentor in the programme.” 

Public Service Fale Deputy Commissioner Tania Ott acknowledged and thanked everyone for their support, and for generously sharing their insights to inform the programme with opportunities for improvement. 

“We will be taking all of this information forward in our upcoming cohorts,” said Tania. “With one example of this adaption, in our 3rd mentoring intake, bringing more Pacific mentors into the cohort.” 

Through the Mentoring Programme the Fale is committed to assisting and enhancing the growth of capable Pacific leaders by matching them with mentors who will empower them to maximise their skills and potential. The mentoring model is purposefully designed to ensure the lens and cultural integrity of the Pacific are embodied within and woven throughout.

Confidentiality is key throughout the programme where mentees engage with mentors on a one-on-one basis to advance their leadership journeys.

The second cohort of Mentoring Programme is currently under way while the third begins this month. In August 2022, expressions of interest for Cohort 4 will be open.

More information on the programme and registration for Cohort 4 can be found by registering at https://faleonline.publicservice.govt.nz/