Becoming a New Zealand Women in Wine Mentor
We are looking for experienced female leaders within the industry to volunteer as mentors. If selected, they will become a mentor for a female mentee applying for a place on the 2026 programme. The mentee is seeking to gain a wider perspective of the wine industry and how that relates to their own career aspirations.
Being a mentor - what's involved?
The role of the mentor is to help guide the mentee and help them discover for themselves the next steps they want to take. This is done through listening, probing and encouraging. By sharing your experiences and perhaps making relevant introductions. Providing someone with a confidential, safe space to share their dreams and work out what they need to do to get there is the gift of mentoring.
The role of the mentor is voluntary although expenses incurred in attending a compulsory mentor training session in Marlborough will be covered by a sum paid by mentees towards the running of the programme.
Mentees are asked to sign an agreement acknowledging 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.
The commitment from the mentor will be for the six month period of the programme starting at the end of July 2026. It will involve an initial face to face meeting and then five subsequent meetings either by in person, virtually or by phone. Mentors will also be asked for feedback from time to time during the programme.
The 3 hour compulsory in-person mentor training session will be held on 28 July 2026, Marlborough. Travel costs are covered for this.
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 are a suitable candidate to mentor within our industry, please ensure you satisfy the criteria below and submit the application form before 30 April 2026.