Business Mentors NZ Launched in Ruapehu
Economic development in Ruapehu has received a significant boost with the establishment of Business Mentors NZ (BMNZ)
services in the district.
BMNZ a not for profit charitable trust that puts experienced business people together with small to medium business to
provide free ‘one-to-one’ mentoring has assisted over 60,000 NZ businesses from across over 200 industries.
The launch of BMNZ in Ruapehu has been driven by local business owner Ann Mayer who runs her own successful
telemarketing, training and call centre consultancy, Mayer Consultants Ltd, from Taumarunui.
Ms Mayer who has been involved with business mentoring for over 17 years said that the BMNZ services are now available
to small to medium business across Ruapehu.
“We currently have six registered mentors in Ruapehu who are all successful and experienced business people in their own
right,” she said.
“All our mentors understand small business and share the desire to give something back to their community and the local
business sector through sharing their business knowledge and experience.”
“No matter what your business challenges are, or even if your business is currently going well, a business mentor can
add value through bringing specialist advice or a fresh perspective.”
Ms Mayer noted that BMNZ has a special initiative aimed at increasing business mentoring support to rural businesses.
“The rural mentoring services provides support not only to farmers but to all the businesses that support the farming
community such as local trades people, fencers, contractors, farm suppliers and others,” she said.
“One of the big things that rural businesses often face is a feeling of isolation.”
“A business mentor can take that away and provide an experienced sounding board and help reduce stress during periods of
drought or other issues.”
Ms Mayer added that BMNZ was always looking to add to its pool of business mentors.
“If you feel that you have the skills and experience necessary to mentor a business owner we would love to hear from
you,” she said.
“Mentors can come from all types of businesses with a wide range of skills from specialists through to simply having
broad general business experience.”
“However no matter what their background or experience a must have attribute is an empathetic ear.”
“Being a BMNZ mentor is a ‘real buzz’ and I can assure you from my own experience that you will find it to be both
fulfilling and rewarding.”
Ruapehu District Council (RDC) Mayor, Don Cameron, said that the establishment of BMNZ services in Ruapehu would help
enhance small business sustainability in the district.
“RDC would like to applaud Ann for her commitment and hard work in getting business mentoring up and running in
Ruapehu,” he said.
“We see the business mentoring service as a critical cog in helping to boost Ruapehu economic development.”
Anyone wanting to apply to become a BMNZ mentor or to register their interest in receiving mentoring services should see www.businessmentors.org.nz
ENDS