Mentorship
Applications for cohort #4 are now OPEN.
Cohort #4 will run from August to December 2026. The application process ends July 10th (Friday) 2026.
Mentorship will accelerate your leadership growth by providing real-world insights, new perspectives, and accountability to help you tackle challenges and achieve your goals faster. It will also build lasting networks, enhance your people skills, and foster a thriving, collaborative community.
Our mentorship program supports emerging technology professionals on their journey to becoming impactful and confident leaders. With guidance from experienced mentors, you’ll gain the support and tools to thrive in your leadership role.
Our mentors are experienced technology leaders at the forefront of the New Zealand tech scene. All of them have also been guests on the Tech Waka Podcast.
This isn’t just about leadership growth—it’s also about giving back. All fees from this cohort will be donated to Digital Future Aotearoa, so every participant is making an impact beyond their own journey.
Join us!
Our Mentors
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![Chris Bertram]()
Chris Bertram
Chirs is a technology leader with two decades of experience in utilities and B2B SaaS domains including hands-on experience in software engineering, architecture, and product leadership. His strategic focus is building product-led organisations with knowledge-sharing and empathetic leadership at their core. He is naturally curious and continually ask questions.
To learn more about Chris, listen to this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, where we talk about his transition from an individual contributor to CTO.
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Jan Behrens
Jan is a CTO and a CPO, coder, advisor, engineer, and dad. He has been in IT for over 25 years (OMG) including senior roles in B2B SaaS companies like PayGlobal (now part of MYOB), OrionHealth, and Gentrack.
To learn more about Jan, listen to this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, where we talk about SaaS transformations and working with legacy code. -
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Saif Ali
Saif is deeply passionate about both being mentored and mentoring others. Much of what he knows today is a blend of hard-earned experience and the invaluable wisdom shared by his mentors over the years. He is committed to paying it forward—sharing lessons learned, fostering growth, and helping others navigate their own journeys.
To learn more about Saif, listen to this episode of the Tech Waka Podcast. -
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Brad Terpstra
Technologist. Accomplished sailor. The architect behind Halter’s global network strategy. From leading IT operations for America’s Cup campaigns to engineering world-class IoT infrastructure for the future of farming, Brad Terpstra brings a rare blend of systems thinking and first-principles problem solving to every challenge. As Head of Network at Halter, he’s redefining connected agriculture—scaling resilient, private wireless networks that make farming more productive, more sustainable, and built for what’s next.ption goes here
To learn more about Brad, listen to this episode of the TechWaka podcast, where we talked about Brad’s leadership during the America’s Cup competition. -
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Allan Sampson
A transformation-driven executive, specialising in executive leadership, go-to-market strategy, and operational excellence. Allan empowers teams for performance aligned to organisation-wide objectives and ensuring sustained value for stakeholders and customers.
My leadership at Gentrack has been instrumental in cultivating high performing teams, securing a robust regional client base, successfully driving strategic growth initiatives, and achieving significant revenue milestones.
As a mentor, I focus on taking mentees beyond where they are today through exploration and goal setting.
To learn moe about Allan, listen to this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, where we talked about high stakes transformations.
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Andrea Magnorsky
Andrea Magnorsky is a programmer and entrepreneur currently based in the New Zealand. She is a founder and is well-known in the programming community for her contributions to functional programming and software architecture. Magnorsky has over 20 years of experience in the software industry and has spoken at well-known international conferences and events on topics such as game development, functional programming, and software architecture. She is the creator of Bytesize Architecture Sessions.
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Clarissa Cortes Pires
Clarissa Cortes Pires is an innovation and transformation leader with over 18 years of experience in digital strategy, data science, and large-scale technology programmes. She is passionate about turning vision into action, driving innovation, and leading high-performing teams. With a unique blend of technical expertise and coaching skills, she helps organisations navigate cultural transformation and thrive in the digital era.
To learn more about Clarissa, listen to this Tech Waka episode. -
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Colin Bowern
Colin Bowern is Chief Product Officer at Octopus Deploy. He has worked in full time and consulting roles across a range of industries and company stages. His passion is in B2B enterprise products, working with product and engineering teams, and figuring out how to scale businesses.
To learn more about Colin, listen to this episode of the Tech Waka podcast, where we discuss navigating trade-offs and leading with imperfections.
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Diego Nievas
With over twenty years in tech, Diego is an experienced CTO looking and exploring technology to bridge the privilege gap. Psychological sustainability leadership for teams and individuals; where tech leadership intercepts with mental health and wellbeing.
To learn more about Diego, listen to this episode of the Tech Waka podcast.
FAQ
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Yes! If you’re an aspiring technology leader based in New Zealand and want to grow your leadership skills, this program is for you.
We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ambitions to reflect the richness of New Zealand’s tech community.
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You’ll gain personalized guidance, clarity on your goals, and a chance to build lasting relationships with industry leaders.
And you’ll contribute to a charitable cause, making an impact beyond just your personal growth.
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Yes. You should have some experience in the tech industry and a desire to develop your leadership skills further.
And if you’re unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway! We value ambition and commitment just as much as experience.
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Yes, spots are limited. To ensure each mentee gets quality attention and guidance, we cap the number of participants in each cohort.
If your application is unsuccessful this time, we encourage you to apply to the next cohort.
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Yes! Your mentor will have at least one 45-minute session per month with you.
You may agree with your mentor to meet more often or for longer sessions
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You are expected to meet with your mentor for your monthly sessions.
You will also be asked complete a small amount of pre-work and reflection activities throughout the program.
There might be also some tasks to perform that you may agree with your mentor.
We estimate that the program should take about 2 hours per month.
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Application deadline: Friday, July 10th 2026.
Notification of acceptance to the program: Tuesday, July 14th 2026.
Payment to the charity: by Monday, July 20th
Start of the program: August 3rd 2026.
End of the program: December 18th 2026.
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Yes, we want you to treat this program as your investment in your growth.
If you finance yourself, then a $300 NZD donation to a designated charity is required to join.
If your company is funding your participation, then a $500 NZD donation to a designated charity is required to join.
Proof of donation will be needed before starting the mentorship program.
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Yes, absolutely. Many companies are happy to support professional development programs like this.
And we encourage you to discuss this opportunity with your manager or HR team.
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We personalise it. Mentors and mentees are matched based on shared interests, the mentor’s expertise, and the areas you want to focus on.
And you’ll have the opportunity to indicate your preferences in the application form.
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Yes, it’s flexible. You can choose to meet your mentor online or in person, depending on your and your mentor’s preferences and location.
We encourage mentors and mentees to decide on a format that works best for them.
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Yes, things happen. Life can get busy, but we expect you to commit to all sessions as much as possible.
And if something urgent comes up, communicate with your mentor as soon as possible to find more suitable time for your session.
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Yes, there’s pre-work. You’ll write a letter to yourself outlining your goals and expectations for the program.
And this will help you and your mentor stay aligned throughout the program.
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It’s easy. Fill out the application form on our website. You’ll need to share your name, LinkedIn profile, current role, and a short explanation of why you’d like to join.
And you’ll also select up to three areas you’d like to focus on during the program.
This information will help us match you with the most suitable mentor.