Become a MENTEE

Becoming a New Zealand Women in Wine Mentee

It is hoped that the 2026 mentoring programme will enable up to 10 mentees to be paired in a mentoring relationship with an experienced mentor from the wine industry. This is subject to the number of applications received and suitable matches available. The aim is to match within the same region, however, thanks to modern technology and roles which involve regular travel to other regions, strong matches can sometimes be made between pairs in different regions with great success.

Why mentoring and what does it involve?

Mentoring is a process of matching an individual (mentee) with a trusted and experienced individual (mentor). It is important to recognise that mentoring is not coaching or training. Your mentor will not tell you how to do your job or solve your problems directly, but they will support you and use their considerable experience to help you understand better what you hope to achieve within your career. They will share their wealth of experience and networks with you to help you achieve your goals. They will guide you and encourage different ways of thinking. Although the programme is for six months, the value of a mentor relationship can last far longer.

In order to cover some of the costs of running the programme a sum of $950 + GST will be paid by the successful mentee applicants. We believe this is a fantastic opportunity and investment in self development. The fee includes the online induction workshop plus six one on one meetings with your mentor. (Please note that all mentors are providing their time and expertise voluntarily and receive no payment other than travel to their training session.)

We anticipate that there will be considerable interest in the programme and therefore it is likely to be over subscribed, however, this will not stop applicants from applying again in the future.

If you feel you would benefit and would like to be considered for mentoring, please ensure you satisfy the criteria below and submit the application form by 30 April 2026.

The online induction workshop for mentees will be on Wednesday 29 July.

Apply to be a MENTEE

you are committed to developing your career within the New Zealand wine industry
you have the time and headspace to commit to the programme and the work which runs alongside it. NB you will need time to prepare for your meetings and also action what was discussed before the next meeting. This is a serious but very rewarding commitment. The 2026 programme will run for six months from the end of July.
you are willing to sign an agreement outlining your commitment to a six month programme involving one meeting with your mentor per month. The first will ideally be face to face and following meetings may be a mix of phone, virtual or face to face. Note that this is to ensure the mentee benefits from the arrangement as much as possible.
you are willing to pay the sum of $950+GST, which goes towards the cost of running the programme, within 5 days of receiving an offer to be on the programme. (This is to cover some of the overheads connected with the programme (eg. mentor and mentee induction sessions). Please note this sum is not given to the mentors, who are working on a voluntary basis. It will need to be paid by direct payment to New Zealand Winegrowers.
you understand that any additional costs incurred are to be met by the mentee. These are likely to be small costs including own travel to a meeting, coffee, etc.
you acknowledge that any mentoring is provided in good faith as a sharing of experience and knowledge and that neither the Mentor or New Zealand Winegrowers will be liable in any way for any loss and/or damage that may arise from the mentoring relationship, including by the Mentee’s reliance on information, guidance or advice provided by the Mentor.
you confirm that the company you work for/own is a member of New Zealand Winegrowers or works closely with the New Zealand wine industry.
you are a New Zealand citizen or resident or working towards this.
you have completed the application form and attached your current CV.
you have provided details of two referees

Should you be shortlisted for the programme there may be a quick telephone interview before final matches are made.

All applicants will be contacted by end May 2026 after the selection panel has made its decision.

All applications will be treated in absolute confidence.

If you are unable to access the Application Form and work for a NZ Winegrowers' member organisation, please contact womeninwine@nzwine.com to request a login and the relevant Mentee/ Mentor/ or Scholarship application form.

Women in Wine

Becoming a New Zealand Women in Wine Mentee

Why mentoring and what does it involve?

Apply to be a MENTEE

Criteria for being a mentee