About the Rural Mentor programme
Background
The Rural Mentor programme is based on two pilot schemes which have been run in the Waikato/King Country. One of the pilots was run in the sheep and beef industry starting in November 2006 and the other in the Dairy Industry starting in March 2007.These pilot schemes involved 15 pairs of mentees and mentors. The pilot scheme was used to help develop the infrastructure which has been used for the current programme.
By early 2009 industry funding was acquired and the programme was re-launched in the Waikato/King Country and additionally in Canterbury and Southland.
Rural Mentor Vision:
To establish a nationwide industry wide mentoring scheme that provides benefits to the wider industry.
- Opportunity to support, grow, inspire and develop farmers
- Opportunity for farmers’ to share their knowledge and expertise, focused on increasing the mentees’ farming competence and capability
- Facilitate personal development and promote leadership
- Attractive industry where farmers support, encourage and help others to succeed.
- National and include hort/viticuluture and agribusiness and rural professional scene
2010 will see the programme extended into other regions and industries, based on the interest.
Rural Mentor Programme Setup
The Rural Mentor project has been developed by the project team which includes representatives from each of the funding and supporting bodies, farmers who were involved in the pilot as mentees and mentors, members of AgFirst and a representative from the NZ Mentoring and Coaching Centre.
There is a main coordinator who is in contact with the mentees and mentors and who is in charge of the day-to-day running of the programme. The mentees and mentors deal directly with the coordinator through the email ( info@ruralmentor.co.nz) and 0800 RURAL MENTOR (0800 787 256)
The programme is designed to be driven by the Mentee, therefore it is the mentee’s responsibility to contact the mentor and set up meetings etc. The role of the mentor is to provide guidance to the mentee. They act as a sounding board and point them in the right direction. The mentor is not expected to know everything and is there to share their experiences, and if appropriate use their networks to point the mentee in the right direction for further information. Mentors are not consultants.
The partnership lasts for one year, with a right of renewal at the end of that year. At this time it is possible to review your partnership and decide whether to continue, withdraw or change Mentor/Mentee.
Click here to find out how we match mentors and mentees.
The Mentors
The mentors which are involved in the programme have a wide range of skill levels and can come from a range of positions within the farming business. The mentors do not necessarily need to be farm owners and we believe that mentors that are sharemilkers or successful managers as well as semi-retired or retired farmers can be excellent mentors to others within the industry.
Mentors are requested to provide 2 references from within the industry (preferably agricultural professionals such as consultants, accountants, bank managers, veterinarians etc) to ensure a high calibre of mentors are provided.
Ideally Mentors are teamed up with one other Mentee, but can have multiple Mentees if they wish.
Click here to apply to be a mentor.
The Mentees
The mentees can come from all areas of the industry and farm structure. Mentees range from farm workers new to the industry through to sharemilkers, head shepherds and land owners. There is no age limit on applying to become a mentee.
You may be looking for a mentor because you...
- Are new to the industry
- Are looking for a new challenge
- Want someone to discuss ideas with
- Want someone to challenge your business
- Want to be able to learn from others mistakes
- Want to extend your networks
- Would like to upskill your knowledge and practical experience
- Are looking for assistance in goal setting, self appraisal or decision making
You can become a mentor and a mentee if you want.
