Me aro ki hā o Hine-ahu-one: wāhine Māori leadership mentoring opportunity 2026

Application Form

What is it?

This programme is run by wāhine Māori for wāhine Māori. It offers a culturally grounded mentoring pathway for wāhine Māori in educational leadership, designed to be flexible and responsive to the diverse realities and expectations they navigate.

It combines tailored guidance with supportive networks that provide affirmation, connection, and strategies to counter the isolation many wāhine Māori experience in leadership roles.

Facilitated by two experienced Māori professionals Doreen Bailey and Melisa Chase, the programme spans two terms and includes a two-day wānanga marae complemented by two online coaching and mentoring sessions.

The wānanga will centre on Ātua Wāhine, offering a holistic connection to participants’ innate strengths, capabilities, and challenges through the rich tradition of pūrākau. Guided by the Niho Taniwha framework, the journey is designed to be both transformative and deeply grounded in Māori knowledge systems.

For full programme details, see the document at the top of this page. 

When and where is it? 

• The programme as two parts: a 2-day wānanga at a marae in Auckland, and two follow up online sessions.
• Wānanga dates: Thursday 26 February 10am – 8pm & Friday 27 February 8:30am – 2pm
• Online sessions (2 hours): 26 March & 30 April

Who can apply? 

Wāhine Māori who are working in schools in the Tamaki Makaurau Auckland and Te Tai Tokerau Northland regions.

Because this is a pilot programme, we are only accepting 10 applicants so we are limiting the eligible regions. We hope to be able to offer the programme more widely in the future.

Applicants must be:

• Considering going into senior leadership roles at some time in their career
• Able to commit to attending both days of the wānanga marae and both online sessions
• PPTA members

Applicants do not need to:  

• Speak te reo Māori
• Currently be holding any formal school leadership position
• Currently be holding an PPTA positions or roles

How much does it cost?The programme is free for participants.

• All programme and participant costs are covered by PPTA Te Wehengarua.
• This includes catering, all course related costs, and accommodation and travel for those who need it. 

How do I apply?

Fill in the application form on this webpage. Applications close 5pm on 19 November.

Applicants will be notified about whether they have been selected by 28 November.