Te Arataki Mentoring Programme

Grow Through Connection

Te Arataki is the Institute of Organisational Psychology's mentoring programme, designed to support professional growth through structured, time-limited mentoring relationships. The programme connects experienced practitioners with early-career professionals and those navigating new challenges in their careers. Mentoring focuses on applied practice, professional judgement, ethical decision-making, and the realities of working in the field. It is a collegial and developmental relationship, not supervision, coaching, or performance management. 

Why Engage in Mentoring?

The transition from study to practice, or from one career stage to the next, can be challenging. Having access to an experienced practitioner provides an opportunity to reflect, learn, ask questions, and gain perspective from someone who understands the realities of organisational practice. At the same time, mentors have the opportunity to contribute to the profession by sharing their experience and supporting the development of others. 

For MENTORS

Share your experience and help support the next generation of practitioners.

Mentors provide guidance, insight, and professional perspective through approximately one conversation per month over a six-month period. The focus is on sharing experience, encouraging reflection, and helping mentees navigate professional challenges and opportunities. Mentors do not provide supervision, coaching, or performance assessment.

What to Expect:
  • Approximately one conversation per month
  • Six-month programme duration
  • Flexible meeting arrangements agreed between mentor and mentee
  • Working through contextual goals and discussion topics 
  • Guidance materials and programme support provided
Register Your Interest in Becoming a 2026/27 Mentor Here

For Mentees

Gain access to experienced practitioners who can support your professional development.

Whether you are entering the profession, building confidence in your practice, or considering your next career move, Te Arataki provides a confidential space to explore ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from someone with practical experience in the field. 

What to Expect:
  • A matched mentor with relevant experience
  • Approximately one conversation per month
  • Six-month programme duration
  • Responsibility for setting discussion topics and goals
  • Guidance materials and programme support provided
Register Your Interest in Becoming a 2026/27 Mentee Here

How the Programme Works

1. Register Your Interest

Complete the registration form and tell us about your experience, interests, and goals.

2. Matching

The Programme Coordinator reviews registrations and matches mentors and mentees based on practice interests, career stage, and potential conflicts of interest.

3. Confirmation and Introduction

Participants receive programme information and an introduction email connecting each mentoring pair. A virtual session is held to introduce the mentor-mentee pairs and provide guidance for the programme. 

4. Mentoring Begins

Mentor–mentee pairs meet independently, typically once a month over six months. Mentees lead the agenda and mentors provide guidance and perspective.

5. Reflection and Feedback

At the end of the programme, participants are invited to provide feedback and reflect on their experience.

FAQ's

1. Who is the mentoring programme for? The programme is intended for IOP members who are graduates or in the early stages of their professional practice, and for more experienced members who wish to contribute as mentors.

2. Is this programme only for psychologists? The programme is open to the breadth of IOP’s membership, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of organisational practice.

3. How long does the mentoring relationship last? The programme typically runs for around six months. Relationships are time‑limited and focused on development rather than ongoing supervision.

4. How often do mentors and mentees meet? Most pairs meet approximately once a month. The exact frequency is agreed between the mentor and mentee based on availability and needs.

5. Is mentoring the same as supervision or coaching? No. Mentoring is a non‑supervisory, developmental relationship. Mentors do not provide clinical, organisational, or professional supervision, nor do they assess performance or competence.

 6. What if the match isn’t working? Either participant can contact the Programme Lead if a match is not working. Rematching or early completion can be arranged without judgement.

7. Is there an expectation of confidentiality? Yes. Mentoring conversations are confidential, except where there are ethical or safety concerns that require escalation.

8. What is the time commitment for mentors? Mentors typically commit to one conversation per month over the programme period, plus brief preparation. The intent is a manageable, sustainable contribution.

9. Does the programme guarantee career outcomes or employment opportunities? No. The programme supports reflection, learning, and professional judgement, but it does not provide job placement, references, or advocacy.

10. Do participants have to be IOP members? Yes. The programme is a member‑to‑member service offered as part of IOP’s professional community.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Programme Coordinator - mentoring@organisationalpsychology.nz