Watene Hema: Scholarship ignites drive and purpose

A recipient of the 2023 Scholarship Fund, Watene Hema (Ngati Kahungunu) lives in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and currently sits on two boards – Canterbury Men's Centre, as a co-chair, and Recreation Aotearoa, a national board role he’s been in for the past six months.

Surprised to learn he had received a scholarship, Hema chose to attend a one-day ‘risk essentials’ course.

“I had some idea of what I thought risk meant, and I came away with a much better understanding of it and how we actually assess it,” he says. 

On his course, Hema was in the mix with directors from the commercial sector, not for profits, health, and more, and describes it as a powerful experience, which has reinforced his desire to continue working in the not-for-profit space. One of his highlights was the opportunity to sit alongside directors with more than 20 years’ experience who have come back for a refresher.

“It was a good learning experience to know that people value this kind of mahi and development and that governance is about continuous learning . . . I've still got a long way to go myself, and I know there's a lot more to learn.”

Hema is excited to apply his newfound knowledge and says receiving the scholarship has also given him extra drive and purpose, “to ensure that we're doing as best we can and practising really strong governance to give our organisations the best chance to thrive”.

“On a personal level, developing governance skills helps my ability to think more strategically and to take things from a longer-term view, it is hugely valuable,” he says of the scholarship opportunity.  

In the future, Hema would eventually like to transition to commercial or corporate governance. For now, he’s focusing on building and upscaling his knowledge through further courses and on-the-ground experience and is committed to making a difference in the not-for-profit sector where he can give back directly to the community. “I'm not afraid to put my perspective across and have a good robust discussion, which I think is really important at a governance level.”

He also encourages others to continue learning and to keep adding to their governance toolkit.

“Given the nature of the people on the course, and within the boardroom setting, things change and information that was relevant five years ago, might not be as relevant today.”

To find out more about IoD’s Scholarship Fund and how to apply, follow the link.    

We are grateful to SWR Group for being a founding supporter of IoD’s Scholarship Fund and unlocking development for the recipients.

We are hoping to build these opportunities. If you or your organisation is interested in becoming a Scholarship Fund supporter, please find further information here.