The Future Directors Programme is an initiative we’re immensely proud of, dedicated to building the capabilities of our hapū. For our current Future Directors, Nancy and James, their term now comes to a close. Both joined in 2022, seeking new experiences, skills, and clarity in their career paths. We had a kōrero with them to reflect on their journey. Both Nancy and James applied for the programme as they had a deep-seated desire to contribute to their whānau and hapū. For James, the iwi had supported his whānau in different ways, and he wanted to give back and show his appreciation. He also wanted to experience what it’s like to be a director in a governance role.

Nancy felt the same, and added that the Programme aligned with her own skills and aspirations, and was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. It was her father who instilled in her the importance of affordable housing and balancing profit with community benefit, values that resonated strongly with the Future Directors Programme’s focus on asset growth and community support. 

One of the most significant takeaways for Nancy has been the invaluable exposure to real-world governance environments. "It's so important for young people to have access to these spaces," she emphasises. The Programme equipped her with a deeper understanding of boardroom dynamics and the importance of thorough preparation. "You need to be ready to understand the conversations," she explains, adding that learning how to frame and ask effective questions has been crucial. 

Both James and Nancy appreciated the cultural nuances considered by the Board in every decision taken. “The Directors take into account the social impacts these decisions have on our whānau and uri,” says James. “It creates a unique and meaningful balance in the boardroom that you don’t often see and at times can make decision making very challenging.”

Reflecting on the Board's decision-making process, they highlight the importance of providing comprehensive information to enable informed choices. “It was eye-opening to see the way decisions unfold at that level and to contribute to steering a company’s direction. This has definitely influenced the way I approach challenges and think strategically,” says James.

The 2-year Programme provided a platform for personal growth. Though initially hesitant to speak up, Nancy gradually gained confidence, recognising the value of learning from her senior, more experienced Board members. “Through observing the meetings, I made a deal with myself to be completely myself and not feel the imposter syndrome. If you want to say something, say it, and ask questions.

“If you’re completely yourself, you can walk away from it feeling proud!”

Adding to her confidence was the welcoming atmosphere – despite it being a predominantly male Board, Nancy felt supported and encouraged to contribute her perspective. And in the process, she discovered a passion for marketing and social media by engaging with whānau through storytelling. 

James shared his learnings around operations versus governance. “Not getting too caught up in the details and to trust the staff to handle that side of things was challenging for me as someone who’s naturally detail-oriented, but as I settled into the role, my approach shifted. I learned to focus on asking questions and listening for the key points, which made a real difference.”

Nancy shared her advice for future participants and other whānau interested in applying in the future, "Be prepared, be yourself, and don't be afraid to ask questions."

James adds, “Commit to attending all meetings in person and dedicate time to thoroughly understanding the board pack and papers. Make the most of partnering with a mentor and ask questions beforehand and during to ensure you have a solid grasp of the topics up for discussion.

“I’m excited about the future we’re building together. Upskilling and investing in our people, our whānau, is vital to our success.”

The programme has had a profound impact on Nancy's leadership style. She is now more comfortable in professional settings and has deepened her understanding of governance responsibilities. She hopes to share her newfound knowledge with younger whānau members, bridging the gap and creating pathways for their future involvement. 

James also believes the Programme has permanently changed his professional trajectory. “I learned there is mana in holding this position and being a part of Whai Rawa. It brings a different type of respect when working with my clients in my current day job.” He is inspired to complete an Institute or Directors Course and potentially find another similar directors' role to further develop his governance experience.

Looking ahead, Nancy is also open to exploring similar opportunities, and wants to continue learning and growth.

Looking ahead, both James and Nancy are open to future governance roles. Their time in the Future Directors Programme has been truly impactful, and we look forward to seeing their continued contributions to their hapū, whānau and communities.